Sneakers are now much more than just sneakers – they are a culture, a form of self-expression, and often even a status symbol. But how did we get to the point where a pair of shoes can rival the price of a designer bag? Let's take a look at how sneaker culture evolved and why it's still so strong today.
Beginnings: sports shoes as functional footwear
The history of sneakers dates back to the late 19th century, when the first rubber-soled shoes appeared. However, the real breakthrough came in the 1920s with the release of the Converse Chuck Taylor All Star, which quickly became a favorite among American basketball players.
The entry of Nike, Adidas and Puma in the 1960s and 1970s revolutionized the athletic shoe market. Even then, the shoes were mainly designed to enhance performance – they were designed for running, basketball and tennis.
If you are interested in the history of Converse or the history of Jordan , read our articles about them!
80s: when hip-hop meets sneakers
The 80s were a turning point: sneakers entered street fashion. One of the key players in this was Run-DMC, who first connected sneakers with hip-hop culture with their song "My Adidas".
The release of the Nike Air Jordan 1 (1985) laid the foundation for the sneakerhead movement: it was the first shoe that people wore – and collected – not for sports, but to express their style.
90s–2000s: globalizing culture
As hip hop, streetwear and skateboarding became more popular, so did sneaker culture. The Nike Dunk , Air Max , Reebok Pump, Adidas Superstar and Yeezy were not just shoes, they were also mirrors of identity.
This is when the resell market also emerged - people lined up for limited edition pieces, only to resell them at multiples of the price.
- Michael Jordan and the Jordan brand are now more than shoes – it's a religion.
- Kanye West started at Nike (Air Yeezy) and then revolutionized the Adidas Yeezy line.
- Pharrell Williams, Tyler, The Creator, A$AP Rocky: they've all come out with their own sneaker collaborations.
Sneakers have become a means of self-expression, prestige, and marketing tool.
Today: sneakers as a status symbol
Today's sneaker:
- limited edition collector's item,
- investment,
- fashion statement,
- even a work of art.
Not only sports brands, but also luxury fashion houses have joined in:
- Dior x Air Jordan 1,
- Balenciaga Triple S,
- Louis Vuitton Trainer by Virgil Abloh – these often cost several thousand euros.
The concept of resell culture and hype
"Drop culture" and "hype" drive the market. Limited releases, raffles, raffles - these are now basic concepts in the world of sneakerheads.
Generation Z & sneakers: digital status
For this generation, sneakers are status on TikTok, Instagram and IRL:
- Who is wearing what?
- What color is it?
- OG or new release?
Shoes often say more about the wearer than the entire outfit put together.
Where is it worth buying sneakers?
Authenticity and originality are of utmost importance in sneaker culture. Therefore:
- look for reliable sources,
- webshops offering limited drops,
- and community-building brands like OnSize .
- The journey of sneakers from functional footwear to luxury status symbol is not just about changes in fashion – but also about how communities shape trends.
Sneakers are now more than just fashion - they are a language that generations speak.
The sneaker's journey from the basketball court to the runway clearly shows: it's no longer a sports shoe, but an identity, a community, and a status. Inspired by celebrities, shaped by Generation Z - and in the process, they're upending the rules of the market time and again.
image source: brooklynmuseum.org, gq.com
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