When it comes to fashion, sneakers have always been a popular go-to. They add personality and edge to any outfit, and can be dressed up or down to match any style. From the sophisticated scenes on the catwalk to the grassroots of street fashion, the sneaker culture paved the way for a new obsession in fashion.
Sneakers have been around for centuries, starting off as utilitarian pieces of footwear for athletes and laborers. But as sneakers grew in popularity, they began to transcend their original purpose and became a fashion statement in their own right.
Nowadays, sneakers have become a staple for fashionistas and trendsetters everywhere. Whether it’s a stylish pair of sneakers to wear to the office or a funky pair to wear on the weekend, sneakers are a must-have in any fashionista’s wardrobe. You can wear them with just about anything, and they'll always add a touch of cool to your outfit.
With sneakerheads dominating the scene, it begs the question for newbies: what exactly is the sneaker culture?
What Is the Sneaker Community?
The sneaker culture is a subculture of fashion that revolves around sneakers—from Air Jordans, Nike Air Force 1, Puma Suede, and more, sneakerheads are incredibly passionate about sneakers and spend a lot of time and money collecting and/or wearing them. The sneaker culture has grown significantly in recent years, with sneaker conventions, online communities, and social media all playing a role in its growth.
The sneaker culture is rooted in sneakers' functionality and their ability to improve our performance as athletes. But over time, sneakers have become more than just a tool for athletes; they've become a fashion statement and a way to express our individual style. Sneakerheads are obsessed about sneakers because they see them as more than just a piece of clothing—they see them as art.
What Pushed the Sneaker Culture to Reach Greater Heights?
The sneaker culture has come a long way in the past few decades. What once started as a niche interest has become a mainstream phenomenon, with sneakers now being seen as a status symbol as well as a fashion statement. So what is it that has pushed the sneaker culture to these new heights? In a word, it is Michael Jordan.
It was in 1984 that Jordan first signed with Nike, and he quickly began to change the game of basketball – and sneakers – forever. His Air Ship sneakers were designed specifically for him, and they were an instant hit.
From there, Jordan went on to create a number of iconic sneakers, including the Air Jordan 1, which was released in 1985. This sneaker was different than anything that had been seen before, with its unique design and high-quality construction.
It was this combination of quality and style that helped to make Air Jordans some of the most sought-after sneakers in the world. And as Jordan's popularity grew, so did the popularity of sneakers.
Today, sneakers are not just for athletes or hipsters – they are for everyone. Whether you're a mom, a dad, a teenager, or a retiree, there is a sneaker out there for you. And the sneaker culture is only going to continue to grow in the years to come.
The Bottom Line: Beyond Fashion from a Good Pair of Kicks: The Sneaker Community Growing Into a Philanthropic Movement
What started out as a way for people to just have some fun and make a fashion statement has turned into a philanthropic movement. Sneakerheads are now using their love of sneakers to raise awareness for various charities.
One example is the release of the New Balance BLM shoes to support the Black Lives Matter movement. Other brands have followed suit, releasing sneakers in support of various causes. For example, Converse released a capsule collection in celebration of women's history month, aiming to empower all the ladies.
This is a great example of how the sneaker community is growing into something more than just a group of people who love sneakers. It's now a community that cares about others and is using its passion for sneakers to make a difference.
No matter what your reason for being a sneakerhead, one thing that unites all of us is our love of sneakers. And as sneaker culture has continued to grow, so too has the sneakerhead community's desire to give back.
Are You Looking for the Best Atlanta Sneaker Stores?
Here at Cutz N Kickz, we take pride in being the best Atlanta sneaker store around. We carry the latest and greatest sneakers from all of your favorite brands, and we always have something new in stock. Whether you're looking for the latest Air Jordans or some new Adidas sneakers, we've got you covered.