Sneakers /snikərz/ - Mikaela K. Erson
Back in the days... America, 1892; the rubber production for the soles of shoes is started by the US Rubber Company. Goodyear later patents the vulcanization method, a new way of bonding rubber to cloth. By the year of 1916, these rubber soled canvas shoes are known as Keds. Converse soon followed when the All Star made its debut in 1917. From this day forward, sneakers, or athletic footwear, are a key player in the shoe industry. During the 50’s, the sneaker becomes a symbol of rebellion. Worn by teen idols such as James Dean, they evolve into an official fashion. Turning a so-so outfit into a hot one, sneakers can nowadays be worn during daytime as well as when hitting the night club. New styles have been popping up, including this summer’s craze;
wedge sneakers. Worn together with skinny jeans or cute dresses, they’re truly an example of the fact that putting on sneakers doesn’t have to involve sweat, jogging or basketballs. The trend is still in this fall, and updated with patent leather and spiky studs.
Why ‘sneakers’? The word sneakers originates back to the end of the 19th century. Because of the rubber soles they were quiet, and therefore sneaky.
We make a mean team my Adidas and me. We get around together, rhyme forever, and we won't be mad when worn in bad weather - Run D.M.C, My Adidas
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Keeping them fresh and clean All of those who claim that sneakers in general, and canvas ones in particular, should be dirty - please look away now. Keeping your kicks nice and tidy doesn’t need to take much time. Depending on what kind of sneakers you’ve managed to mess up, follow these instructions... Leather sneakers, such as Adidas Stan Smith You’ll need: ‣ Toothbrush ‣ Liquid dishwashing soap ‣ Damp wash cloth 1. Remove the shoelaces 2. Apply soap to the toothbrush 3. Clean the shoes by scrubbing the shoes with the brush 4. Use a damp wash cloth to clean off the soap 5. Let them dry (some paper might help) and check your reflection in the mirrorlike shine! Canvas sneakers, such as Converse All Star You’ll need: ‣ Washing machine ‣ Laundry bag 1. Remove the shoelaces. If the shoelaces are dirty as well, place them inside another laundry bag and wash them together with the shoes! 2. Put the shoes in the laundry bag 3. Set the washing machine to cold water 4. Use about half a cup of detergent 5. Place them outside to dry. You can put paper inside to make sure they keep their shape!
No matter if you’re a hardcore sneaker-freak or only wear them to the grocery store, if you’re team Adidas or team Nike, if you wear them for style or simply just for comfort, one thing is for sure... Everyone has a favorite pair.
Mikaela K. Erson