Sneakers have come a long way from being athletic wear. They are now a fashion statement for those active in the fashion scene. Just look at your favorite athletes, pop stars, or even movie actors. You’ll see how sneakers have weaved into the fashion and lifestyle of so many people.
Did you know that nearly every individual in the United States is estimated to own a pair of sneakers, or maybe more than one, in 2024? Statista reported that the average volume of sneakers per person could be 1.14 pairs this year!
Be it white sneakers, black sneakers, or any other variety, there’s a lot to uncover when we get into the details of this popular footwear type. But how did men’s sneakers evolve from simple footwear to iconic fashion statements – even “investments” for some people – today?
The Birth of Sneakers, All The Way Back to the 1830s
The birth of the sneakers goes all the way back to the 1830s. Yes, the 19th century, when The Liverpool Rubber Company created what people believed were the first sneakers ever. It was a pair of sand shoes for beachgoers.
The term “sneaker” came from the rubber soles attached to these early versions. They helped wearers move comfortably and quietly so much so that they were like the stark opposites of the clunky shoes at that time.
However, the first sneakers were plain and simple. It was a pair of canvas shoes with rubber soles for sports and physical activities. But that too came several decades later when in 1917, the Converse All-Star came to the markets.
You can think of it as men’s sneakers that generated popularity which eventually led to a sneaker culture further solidified after Michael Jordan’s deal with Nike in 1988.
Nevertheless, the early designs were focused primarily on comfort and practicality. At that time, there wasn’t an emphasis on fashion appeal as there is today.
The Evolution of Sneakers into Style Icons and Fashion Pieces
To be fair, sneakers weren’t as stylish and chic as they are today. They have evolved remarkably over not only the last few decades but also over the last century.
Starting out as functional footwear they turned into style icons and became extremely noticeable, especially in the 1970s. That was when the platform sneakers hit the market. The trend hit its peak during the disco movement thanks to the bold and flashy styles.
The platform sneakers had thick soles and both, height and comfort. It was like a dream come true for fashionistas who wanted a dramatic look without compromising convenience. It wasn’t very late until they became a symbol of an energetic spirit during the era when the gap between fashion and practicality was slowly closing.
The Popularity of White Sneakers
Then in the 1980s and 1990s, we saw the rise of white sneakers. They quickly became a fashion staple around the world. It was like owning a pair of fresh white sneakers for women or men was an essential.
The white variety of sneakers was suited to casual outings and semi-formal events. It wasn’t a run-of-the-mill sneaker product. Instead, it was a versatile footwear option, especially because the white sneakers men loved were now part of the emerging minimalistic fashion trends.
It was easy to pair them with different outfits and they offered a timeless appeal. This eventually set white sneakers as a must-have in the wardrobe and that’s something you can relate to today as well.
The Introduction of Black Sneakers
The evolution continued as the white sneakers embraced neutral, semi-natural, and then, bold colors like before. The clear lines started to become more appealing to the fashionistas. However, the black sneakers added a whole new dimension to the footwear market.
They were more versatile and subdued in appearance compared to white sneakers. The black variety was a sleek yet stylish addition to the wardrobe that was very easy to match with outfits. Surprisingly, it beat the white sneakers in the game of versatility and matching.
Nike and Adidas were the leading brands that capitalized on this growing trend. Moreover, the streetwear culture also played a notable part in the popularity of black sneakers.
Were There Gender-Specific Trends Too?
Back when sneakers were getting the hype and attention in different markets, there was a noticeable difference in consumer preferences. For instance, sneakers for women were more focused on unique designs and colors. It was all about maintaining comfort while striking a balance with creative appearances and glamour.
Then, you had mens sneakers. These traditionally focused on durability and performance. Look at Michael Jordan’s deal with Nike during the late 1980s, for example. It was athletes and sports enthusiasts embracing sneakers for flawless performance on the basketball courts, football fields, and so on.
However, recent trends show how even men’s sneakers are focusing on the aesthetic and fashion side of sneakers. Recently, many people believe that there is a rising trend of minimalism in the fashion industry.
What Are the Latest Trends and Innovations in Sneakers?
There have been numerous innovations in the fashion world. From unusual outfit combinations to recyclable clothing, brands have been innovating and immersing in socially and environmentally responsible practices. Sneaker brands are no different.
There has been a rise of slip on sneakers which offer greater convenience than traditional sneaker shoes. There’s no need to tie the shoelaces anymore, simply dress up and slip into your brand new sneakers from your favorite brand right at the door. You don’t even have to touch the shoes to take them off!
Furthermore, there has been a rise in different sneaker materials. For example, breathable knit fabrics with extra padding and cushioning have been a popular choice for health-conscious consumers. From being an athleticwear to being a fashion statement to now being a health-friendly footwear option, sneakers have evolved significantly.
Take a look at Nike’s Air Max, for example. Although they came into the market during the 1980s, they continue to dominate the market for comfortable and long-lasting footwear.
Conclusion
One thing is sure, sneakers had a noticeable impact on modern style. Be it prepping for sports and active competitions, fashion events, or simply a day out, sneakers are a must-have these days.
Their evolution showed us how they went from being functional footwear for beaches to being iconic fashion statements with immense resale and collectible value. However, new trends keep emerging in the footwear industry and most prominently, in the sneakers markets.
So, if you’re an avid sneaker collector or a footwear enthusiast, keep checking out the markets for the latest collections to see how sneakers in Canada are evolving. Check out Walking on a Cloud to see what’s trending in men’s sneakers!