Step Up Your Wardrobe + Rock the Hottest Street Sneakers Styles by the Hottest Sneaker Brands!
Since their humble origins as functional athletic shoes, street sneakers are a type of shoe that have undergone a remarkable transformation over the years. From simply being worn when playing sports, to becoming cultural fashion icons, sneakers have impacted both the fashion AND footwear industries.
To protect you from various types of external factors, such as mud, stones, and rain, a good pair of street shoes should be made from materials that are both durable and sustainable.
Street Sneakers’ Integration into the Pop Culture and Fashion World
Since the day made their debut on the runways of major fashion events, street sneakers have become a main staple of the industry. From high-end labels to collaborations with designers, there are countless brands and varieties of street sneakers out there.
The rise of social media has also contributed to the increasing popularity of street sneakers. As a result, many people have started sharing their collections on different social media platforms, such as Twitter and Instagram. The online community has helped to establish a global network of street sneaker enthusiasts, which has helped to promote the latest trends and releases.
The culture of street sneakers has a significant effect on the global economy, and It’s estimated that the industry is worth billions of dollars. The reselling of limited and rare styles has also become a lucrative venture.
Evolution of Street Sneakers
Starting out in the late 1800s as primarily shoes used for basketball, street sneakers have certainly seen a major transition in usage.Take a closer look at how the style has drastically changed over the many years!
Converse Chuck Taylors Sneakers
The Converse All Star is one of the most recognized and popular shoes of all time. It has a long history and is known for its versatility. Adopted by subcultures and subjected to various trends, this style has become a sought-after statement piece.
The story of Converse dates back to 1908, when Marquis Mills started making shoes that had rubber in them. This led to the creation of the Converse Rubber Shoe Company. The All-Star was first introduced in 1917 as a basketball shoe, made with a natural brown rubber and black trim.
The first Chuck Taylor All Star was the first designed shoe made specifically for basketball. Image Courtesy of Medium.
During that time, sneakers were not commonly worn for leisure, and the All Star was created to fill the gap in the market. Its construction and fit were considered to be the best in the industry at that time, and would go on to become one of the most popular sports shoes in history.
Due to the emergence of new technologies and the increasing popularity of high-tech shoes, athletes started to gravitate towards the more athletic shoes that Nike started to produce. The All Star was one of the most popular models in this market, and it was also adopted by prominent artists in the music industry.
The All Star became a symbol for rebellious youth, and it was an alternative to high-end performance models that were made by Nike. It also helped people avoid paying more for these types of shoes.
Converse decided not to develop a new range of performance shoes and instead focused on developing the All Star as a lifestyle brand. It became more of a fashion shoe instead of a functional one. This led to the introduction of various patterns and colors for different age groups.
The All Star was also able to move into different music genres during the 1980s and 1990s due to its versatility and affordability. It was also a significant influence in hip-hop and was worn by some of the world’s biggest rock stars, which would become a huge part of the brand’s identity going forward.
The Chuck Taylor All Star is a shoe that stands out from the rest, due to its rich heritage and long history. It’s a true style icon that will remain for a long time to come!
Street Sneakers: The Golden Era
During the 1970s and 1980s, the fashion world was captivated by the revolutionary designs of various athletic shoe brands, such as Nike, Puma, and Adidas. These companies gained widespread popularity and introduced cutting-edge innovations that have forever changed the way people view athletic shoes.
During the late 1970s, Nike introduced the Air technology, which became one of the most revolutionary innovations in the industry. Through this technology, the company was able to create lighter and more comfortable shoes.
Adidas is another company that also made a name for itself during this period by releasing the “Superstar,” which became very popular among various celebrities. To this day, it is still one of the most popular sneaker styles of all time.
Prominence of Sneaker Culture in the 90s and 2000s
Sneakers became more than just footwear during the 1990s and 2000s. They also started to represent various aspects of one’s identity, such as fashion and appearance. During this period, collaborations and limited-edition releases were introduced, which helped create a sense of prestige and exclusivity.
The Air Jordan, which was first released in 1985, is regarded as one of the most popular collaborations. It was created by Nike and Michael Jordan, a professional basketball player. Over the years, the shoes have been released in a variety of intricate limited-edition designs.
Golden Goose Street Sneakers
Golden Goose is a sneaker brand that was originally founded by Alessandro Gallo and Francesca Rinaldo in Venice, Italy. The brand was initially created to challenge the established standards of haute couture, but still staying up to par regarding the professional quality of shoemaking in Italy.
The goal of the founders was to create a unique and distinct sneaker that was not only different from the big-name brands but also from the colorful kicks that athletes endorse. For them, the shoes were like a diary that documented their usage over time: from scuffs to tears!
The rise of this “distressed chic” style has been a trend that has been gaining popularity among celebrities and influencers over the past two decades, which involves intentionally making clothes and shoes look like they have been ruined. Because of this, those who are in the fashion and entertainment industry are willing to spend quite a lot of money on them.
Bloomingdale’s, Nordstrom, Neiman Marcus, and Shopbop are among the authorized retailers selling Golden Goose shoes. While these shoes can typically run upwards towards the $500-$600, make sure to keep an eye out for sales so you can get the best deal! (And not break the bank of course.) Image Courtesy of Neiman Marcus.
Usually, people need to wear a pair of shoes several times in order to get them to fit properly and walk without any sort of discomfort. With Golden Goose sneakers, they are weathered before they’re shipped, and the company ensures you won’t have to deal with that extra break in period.
By utilizing various proprietary techniques, the hard and stiff leather of the Golden Goose shoes became soft and ready to wear. As a result, the Golden Goose shoes boast what the makers refer to merely as “perfect imperfection.”
Alexander McQueen Street Sneakers
Established in 1992, Alexander McQueen is a luxury fashion brand that is known for its avant-garde and bold designs. The brand was founded by Lee Alexander, a British designer. His work often combines traditional techniques with cutting-edge methods, creating unique and exceptional creations.
Sarah Burton was the Creative Director of Alexander McQueen since 2010, but had recently announced her departure. Under her leadership, the brand has continued to push the envelope and create cutting-edge collections. From its signature oversized shoes to its intricate creations, Alexander McQueen has a wide range of captivating and dynamic designs that combine luxury with street style.
The Alexander McQueen brand made an indelible mark within the industry by pushing boundaries and reintroducing a new aesthetic to the way people think about fashion. It quickly gained widespread recognition for its daring and distinctive designs.
Alexander McQueen’s provocative and unique designs have made a lasting impression on the fashion industry, and his collections challenge the traditional notions of femininity and beauty.
Some of the brand’s most signature designs include sneakers with chunky soles, lace-up detailing, and patent leather.
Check out Alexander McQueen’s website today to get a feel for a couple styles you might be interested in! Image Courtesy of Alexander McQueen.
Your Closet Could You Use a Couple More Pairs of Street Sneakers
Street sneakers are really all you could ask for a shoe all in one. Aside from rocking styles that fit in with today’s fashion sense, street sneakers are meant for rougher conditions and will typically hold up longer than your other pairs of shoes. Make sure to keep any eye out for great deals coming your way at authorized retailers like Shopbop!
