The Culture of Sneakers is Back

Newer styles of shoes spark controversy with sneaker-heads.

A pair of Yeezy Foam Runners.

Many youthful followers of the renowned sneaker culture, which rose to fame in the 1990s, are forging the way for retro fashion.

Since the Jordan Era, there hasn’t been as much activity in the shoe market. Retro style and cutting-edge technology have changed the shoe industry and produced a thriving secondary market. While some people see designer shoes as just another piece of clothes, others see them as a means of expression.

Basketball exploded the shoe scene in the 1980s and 1990s thanks to legends like Michael Jordan. None of the footwear produced by companies like Nike, despite the Nike Dunk’s recent surge in popularity, could compete with Jordan’s status as a household name.

A sneaker, whether it has a classic or futuristic design, can be extremely important in the daily life of many sneaker-heads. As retro and streetwear fashions continue to be popular among the younger generations, sneakers are often the focal point of an ensemble.

With applications like Nike’s SNKRS and Adidas confirmed being infamously difficult to purchase a pair of shoes on, it is exceedingly difficult for customers to buy a pair of shoes on release day due to the ever-growing buzz surrounding sneakers. Many shoppers turn to the secondary market because it requires skill, and primarily luck to purchase a pair of shoes before they sell out.

Despite widespread support for these fresh looks, certain Yeezy shoes receive negative feedback. Due to its provocative style and use of 100% algal foam, Yeezy’s Foam Runner sneakers in particular appear to generate the most discussion. 

However, sneaker-heads won’t stop wearing them despite the contentious views on the Foam Runner design. In actuality, the unconventional design’s fundamental idea is what attracts most people.

Premiums can offer some shoes more personality because of their exclusivity, which increases the exclusivity of the sneaker industry. The sneaker community will support the market’s predicted exponential growth in the upcoming years.