Evolution of the Sneaker
I remember reading several years ago in a leading gentleman's quarterly published magazine how inappropriate it was to pair sneakers and jeans. As I looked down at my feet and felt hopelessly inappropriate, I also remember feeling strangely empowered. I then remember looking at my friends and seeing the same uniform of jeans and sneakers and feeling a kindred bond with them. I remember this emotion of hopelessness every time I was dragged to a mall like someone had forgotten the color when they were designing shoes. The only color we ever saw was in the blacks and reds of the Jordans. Probably the most different were the skaters (myself included) and the only brand there trying to make a real different impact was probably Airwalk (unbelievable site). Occasionally something would show up that was truly different, but there wasn't a lot of variation. For that, we can blame history and "designers".
A Brief History Lesson
In the beginning, sneakers as we know them were really for taking a jog or working out and most "designers" felt they had no place in the fashion world. You were supposed to pair dark leather shoes that were considered business casual with your very boring and unattractive single wash jeans all the while trying to look hip and express your individuality. Jeans themselves were looked upon poorly when it came to "business casual" or "casual Friday" so pairing sneakers with it was the ultimate sin. The problem was, these rules can't be applied to everyone at every age.
The main problem was most of these designers failed to recognize the level of impact the upcoming generation would have on their bottom line and therefore continually made clothing and footwear for the the thirty something set. So most of us who were younger got left with uninspired attempts at redesigned basketball shoes and even still wearing a true running shoe style sneaker was blasphemy. Then, we all grew up...
The Emergence of the "Skate Shoe"
As most of us got older, our passions changed and with it our styles did as well. A lot of my friends went the suit route reserving their sneaker wearing for after hours and weekends and I did try it for a time as well. I just never felt comfortable though and then one day something just changed. While walking through a mall I noticed that new options and opportunities had arisen in the realm of footwear. Most of this was led by the new male attraction to what is now referred to as the "skate shoe". These were being worn by young or old, skaters or non-skaters, and guys or girls.
Gone were the old school brands that I remember (except Vans of course as they are eternal) and this new movement was being lead by companies like DC, Circa, Globe, Emerica, Etnies, Osiris, Adio, etc, etc. In fact, there are now over 50 separate shoe brand in the "skate shoe" category and it even includes some mainstream players like Nike, Converse, and Adidas. These new shoes had color and patterns and best of all, most of them were low-tops and could be worn with anything. This change marked the start of something great because soon shoe designers decided that not every twenty, thirty, and forty something individual wanted to wear "skate shoes" all the time.
The Birth of Lifestyle
Designers and store owners everywhere knew they needed something different and soon the Lifestyle category was born. The term has become a generic catchall for trendier casual shoes which includes things like Urban, Retro, Office, Club, and of course Skate stylings. The best thing about this change was the emergence of old school styles in trendier designs and an overall acceptance of sneakers on the whole. Major players in the industry including Nike, Adidas, New Balance, Asics, and Converse embraced this change whole heartedly and the variety of styles and colors is incredible. Some companies, Nike being the standout with NikeID, even offer design your own services. There are magazines devoted to sneakers and sites as well.
If you are not a convert of the colored sneaker game, then that is totally cool. But if you have ever wanted to take the plunge, then there is no better time than now. For too long guys have been confined to the boring browns and blacks of leather this and that. Sure there are times to dress up, but most of us spend 99% of our time without slacks or suits on and wouldn't you rather throw on something fun when you are just cruising around on the weekend that isn't your regular running shoes? The best part is, you really can't go wrong. Sure, some people may not like the colors you choose or patterns, but in the end it is an expression. Start off basic with some darker versions and then build up and see where it takes you. I bet you will be surprised how many people stop and say they really dig your shoes.
A Greater Change
I realize now that perhaps a greater change has occurred. As a society, we have moved from a culture where we strive to blend in to a people who want to stand out. Maybe our footwear transition is representative of something greater, a change in mentality and a longing for something more. There are still those that cling to the old school ways, but I think it is clear that times are changing. We all want our jeans and sneakers and we don't want anyone telling us we aren't supposed to.
