What is one thing you can not live without? For me, it’s my sneaker collection. It’s crazy to think about how long sneakers have been around– whether they’re called gym shoes, runners, or tennis shoes, they are everywhere. In an article titled “History of Sneakers” by Amy Tikkanen, she notes that the term “sneakers” first came into use in the United States in the 1880s. The quiet rubber soles inspired the name, which allowed wearers to “sneak up” on others. In 1908, Marquis Converse founded the Converse Rubber Shoe Company in Boston, introducing a line of sneakers called Keds that became especially popular among women.
A woman with good shoes is never ugly
Coco Chanel
By 1910, Converse had developed a shoe specifically designed for basketball, which would become the company’s signature product. As time went on, more sneaker brands emerged, sparking intense competition in the market. In 1964, Phil Knight and his former University of Oregon coach, Bill Bowerman, launched Blue Ribbon Sport, which later became Nike. In 1965 Adidas debuts the Stan Smith, a shoe known for its minimalist design, while in 1976, Vans introduced the #95, a canvas shoe with a grippy sole. Even high-end designers like Gucci and Prada entered the sneaker game, releasing their luxury styles. With so much competition, sneaker brands began partnering with celebrities and athletes to make their mark in the market.
