When it comes to footwear, sneakers have become the go-to fashion choice for many people these days. They witnessed a rapid surge in popularity in recent years and the growth can be attributed to its depiction in pop culture and its overall versatility.
SNEAKERS
Today, there is a thriving fashion subculture based around sneakers, making it a significant phenomenon in the world of fashion. So, if you are curious to know about this sneaker culture, you’re in the right place. In this guide, we have discussed how the simple sneaker evolved into something more than just footwear.
The Evolution Of Sneakers
From Function To Fashion And Beyond
Originally, sneakers were designed to be used for physical activities and sports. Due to the efforts of sportswear companies like Spalding, Nike, and Converse, its usage among athletes and sportspersons became common by the middle of the 20th century.
One of the earliest sports sneakers was manufactured by Spalding in 1907. Almost a decade later, in 1917, Converse debuted the Chuck Taylor All Star basketball sneakers, which gained a lot of attention and popularity. After that point, sneakers became the mainstream choice in different sports activities.
Eventually, Nike came up with its own model of sports sneakers, which further reinforced the popularity of this footwear among sportspersons. In fact, the Nike Air Force 1, which is arguably one of the most popular sneakers in the world, was introduced over 40 years ago.
However, the transition of sneakers into mainstream fashion was observed in the latter part of the 20th century, when the athleisure movement started to emerge. The primary idea of such a movement was to blur the lines between athletics and leisure. Therefore, as the athleisure movement grew, an increasing number of people started using sportswear items like sneakers for casual, everyday activities.
Over time, the designs of sneakers were improved, making them more stylish and comfortable for both sports and everyday activities. That, in turn, fueled the versatility of this footwear to a great extent. Also, the massive popularity of the athleisure movement made this footwear a mainstay in pop culture.
These factors subsequently gave rise to the sneaker culture in the early 21st century. People who actively participated in this culture became known as sneakerheads, and they aimed to normalize the use of sneakers across a wide range of scenarios besides sports and leisure.
The Future Of Sneaker Culture
Due to the rapid growth of the sneaker culture, the use of such footwear has indeed seen a rise in different areas of fashion. For instance, fashion experts today are actively trying to blend sneakers with formal wear like suits.
Aside from that, several etiquette experts in Britain have approved the use of sneakers in the workplace. Thanks to these aspects, the sneaker market is expected to grow to a staggering US$100 Billion by the year 2026.
As you can see, the sneaker culture has already seen a massive evolution over the years and is expected to keep evolving in the future as well. This is all due to the overall comfort, style, and versatility of this particular footwear type, which is why it is preferred by a lot of people today.
So, if you want to get a pair of sneakers after reading this, we fully understand. However, make sure to go with a reputed brand to get the best footwear experience.
