Sneaker Culture

By Sierra Hoeger

Sneaker culture puts a name to the appreciation and understanding of a quality sneaker. Originating in the Michael Jordan era, sneakers such as the Air Jordan’s won’t be making their last dance anytime soon.

Perhaps it’s the controversy of the sneaker after it was first introduced. Or the numerous logo changes the sneaker has undergone. Either way, sneakerheads unite over a shared passion for collecting rare finds and making statements.

In 1985, Michael Jordan, in collaboration with Nike, released the Air Jordan I following gold medal status at the 1984 Olympics. While the Air Jordan quickly became popular among those who idolized Jordan, the NBA banned players from wearing them during games due to strict policy on coordinating colors and uniforms.

That didn’t stop Jordan. Facing a fine of $5,000 per game in which he wore his signature shoe, it didn’t put a damper on the player's performance or repertoire. Later that season, Jordan was named Rookie of the Year.

“I would say [Michael Jordan] made a legacy for sneakers, but the youth of hip-hop made sneakers what [they are] right now, the streetwear it is now,” Oludamola Ajayi, senior studying aerospace engineering said. “Hip-hop and media also had a part in it. Especially before social media, everyone had their friends' styles. Media had a big part in it because people saw things they’ve never seen before and they adopted different styles.”

Sneaker culture origins can also be traced back to when hip-hop music first became popular and mainstream in the 1980s and ‘90s.

Run DMC released a song titled “My Adidas” in 1985, which fueled the flame for one of the first collaborations between a shoe company and a hip-hop group.

Ajayi wouldn’t consider himself a sneaker collector per se, although he enjoys purchasing distinctive pairs of sneakers to coordinate with his outfits. His interest in sneakers originated when coming to America from Nigeria in 2009.

When it comes to styling an outfit, the shoes must come first through the eyes of Ajayi. Styling an outfit is all about choosing a sneaker that matches his outfit and working his way up.

“The shoe has to be vibrant, ostentatious and it has to stand out,” Ajayi said. “I hate going to places and I see somebody wearing the same thing as me. I like things that are vibrant and stand out in their own way.”