footwear
SNEAKER CULTURE
Sneakers have long played a part in American pop culture, serving the athletic community and the fashion-obsessed alike. With the recent emergence of the trend known as “athleisure,” luxury brands are transforming the once-basic sneaker into a high-end necessity for every closet. From a style standpoint, men are paying more attention to their footwear and seeking standout shoes. Trend forecaster Matt Feniger of WGSN explains, “Sneakers check off a lot of boxes: they’re comfortable, seasonless, and now can even be a statement item.” Designers like Y-3, Stella McCartney and Jeremy Scott for Adidas were among the first to enter the luxe sneaker arena, leading next to collaborations like Riccardo Tisci for Nike and Raf Simons for Adidas. Today, many brands look to what people are wearing on the streets and what’s trending on social media, then reinterpret the designs for their customers’ taste (a great example of the trickle-up theory, with lower-end skate and streetwear style influencing high-end fashion). Adam Derrick, creative director of To Boot New York, explains why dressier shoe brands like his are entering the sneaker biz: “As a lifestyle brand, I want to offer the footwear our customer needs for the office, for his weekends and nights out. The sneaker collection broadens our assortment and allows our customer to find everything he’s looking for.” Other designers are also stepping up their sneaker games. Salvatore Ferragamo, for example, is launching a digital interview series, featuring Douglas Booth and music by A$AP Rocky, that celebrates its new premier sneakers. Z Zegna is touting the launch of its new sneaker collection, which features luxurious nappas and suedes, technical meshes and printed stingray leather. “I don’t see the popularity of sneakers slowing down anytime soon; the athleisure and city sport trends continue to evolve and dominate season after season,” concludes Feniger. “There has been an overall cultural shift to a healthier lifestyle, so even if the athleisure trend begins to dwindle, an active lifestyle will remain an important aspect of guys’ daily lives.” So go ahead: invest in statement sneakers that will take you from workout to weekend and beyond.
HISTORICAL HIGHLIGHTS 1892
The first pair
1923
Indiana
1950s
After celebri-
2007
Lanvin intro-
of Keds—an innovative
hoops star Chuck Taylor
ties are shown wearing
duces its signature suede
combination of rubber
endorses Converse and
sneakers as fashion in
and patent leather
bottoms with a canvas
helps redesign the shoe.
several popular movies,
sneaker and the high-
top—is developed by the
His signature is added
teens around the world
fashion sneaker is placed
U.S. Rubber Company. 1917 Marquis Converse produces the Converse All-Star, the first shoe made specifically for playing basketball.
to the footwear.
follow suit. Sneakers are
firmly on the map.
1924
no longer relegated to
2013
global when Adi Dassler
the world of athletics.
and Nike announce the
creates Adidas in
1984
first mass-produced ath-
Germany. It quickly
Jordan signs with Nike
letic shoes with 3-D print-
becomes the most popu-
to create his first Air
ed soles, kicking off a
lar athletic shoe brand
Jordans. Sneaker cul-
new age in customized
in the world.
ture is changed forever.
footwear.
40
Sneakers go
Michael
New Balance
RUNWAY IMAGE COURTESY OF ZEGNA; SNEAKERS BY FERRAGAMO, KITON, ZEGNA, TO BOOT NEW YORK
FROM HUMBLE BEGINNINGS TO LUXURY TRIMMINGS. BY STEPHEN GARNER