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Sneaker Culture’s Rise: From Courts to Fashion’s Main Stage

Expert Advice

Sneaker Culture’s Rise: From Courts to Fashion’s Main Stage

Sep 18, 2025

How did sneakers become such a force in society? Who started sneaker culture? And what is sneaker culture anyway? This footwear has transcended its original purpose and hustled its way into every corner of our culture, from red carpets to Top 40 songs to designer runways. 

Let’s trace the rich history of sneaker culture and how these shoes have achieved their enigmatic status. 

Black New Balance

From Court to Culture

How does an athletic shoe become a bold fashion statement? The rise of sneaker culture has been a long and complex one. One of the first major moments that took basketball sneakers off the court and onto the street was the NBA’s ban of the Jordan 1 or the Air Ship (the history books debate the exact design). 


In the mid-1980s, the NBA forbade Michael Jordan’s black and red Jordan 1s from being worn on the court, since they weren’t more than 50% white. It wasn’t about leather materials or shoe performance; it was strictly about fashion. In defiance, MJ wore them anyway, receiving a hefty fine every time he rocked them during a game. This fed people's inner rebels and shaped the culture forever. For MJ's many fans, it introduced the idea of sneaker fashion as counterculture. 


The ban only made Air Jordan sneakers irresistible to the average person, cementing their place in hype culture and the fashion world. Once designed exclusively for performance, sneakers became an essential wardrobe piece. 


This move from the athletic world to the fashion industry intensified even more in 1984 when the first luxury sneaker collab dropped. That Gucci tennis shoe sparked a fire that burns brightly to this day.

An outdoor shot of a stack of five pairs of Saucony sneakers in various colors, including white, pink, black, and blue. The shoes are resting on a concrete ledge with graffiti on a blue and white background.

The Soundtrack of Sneaker Culture

MJ wasn’t the only one to shape today's sneaker culture. Hip-hop was just getting hot around the same time of the NBA ban, and artists were ready to embrace sneaker styles that changed the fashion game.


The hip-hop sneaker influence truly came to be when Run DMC released their hit song “My adidas” alongside a customized Superstar design. This collaboration opened up a whole new market for sneakers. The song and collab bridged the gap between music and fashion using a shoe that was formerly reserved for sports — three worlds colliding. The shoes turned into something that made you cool and tasteful, not just comfortable.


Hip-hop artists didn’t just make music; they set trends and defined the style of the time. Sneakers moved away from sweaty workouts and into the sphere of status symbols, making them something for people to show off. 

Multicolor Asics

The Next Generation

But sneaker history isn’t over. This book is still being written. The Air Jordan 40th anniversary sneaker culture reminds us of how a piece of athletic gear changed fashion forever. With celeb collabs and luxury influences, sneakers became a coveted item. And, this exclusivity is only growing.


Gen Z has taken sneaker culture to a whole new level. Sneaker drops used to mean lines out the door and in-person anticipation. Now, sneaker drops are an immersive, digital experience that countless people can be a part of. 


TikTok unboxings, influencer styles and fleeting trends have created a new sneaker culture that exists online. And it’s a bold culture. Resellers can make insane profits off styles old and new, whether it’s a classic that’s hard to find or a highly anticipated new release. 


Beyond the hype culture that rages on, Gen Z has also allowed sneakers to become tools for personal expression. Wearing Nike sneakers with a ball gown or rocking funky proportions are just a couple of ways this generation is flipping sneaker culture on its head. Brides even wear crisp white “Dad Shoes” on their wedding day!


There are no wrong answers. Sneaker style can be broken down and built up in endless ways, 

Join the Revolution

Anyone who thinks sneaker culture has reached its peak needs to set their sights higher. This shoe continues to kick down doors and bust expectations. 

Be part of sneaker history and forge your own stylish path. Shop our robust collection of sneakers. Whether you’re gearing up for the season, elevating your wardrobe or following in the footsteps of your favorite celebrity, we have the kicks for your fit.

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