Trainers have come a long way since their early days in the 1860s when they were designed for the upper class to play tennis and croquet. What started as simple sports footwear has exploded into a multibillion-dollar industry, a cultural movement, and even a way to show off personal style. These days, trainers aren’t just something you wear on your feet they’re collectibles, works of art, and even status symbols that can sell for crazy amounts of money.

How Air Jordans Changed the Game

With the advent of athlete-endorsed footwear in the 1980s, sneaker culture as we know it today took off. When Nike released the Air Jordan 1, everything changed. Converse, Adidas, and Puma had been in business for years.

Although Michael Jordan was only a rookie at the time, Nike recognised his potential and offered him a $2.5 million contract. The NBA’s rule that trainers must be primarily white was broken by the Air Jordan 1s because of their striking red, black and white design. Every time he wore them, Jordan was fined $5,000; nonetheless, Nike paid the punishment, and the controversy only increased the sneakers’ appeal. Sneaker culture was formed, the hype was genuine, and the rest is history.

From Basketball Courts to Hip-Hop and High Fashion

Sneakers quickly made their way outside the realm of athletics. Run-D.M.C. signed the first shoe agreement with a hip-hop group in 1986 when they released My Adidas. Converse became a symbol of grunge culture and resistance at the same time as Kurt Cobain of Nirvana did.

Office culture was also evolving at the same time. People started wearing more comfortable shoes instead of rigid dress shoes as “casual Fridays” became popular, and wearing trainers became a means of expressing one’s individuality. Sneakers were no longer limited to the court or the streets; they were now worn everywhere.

The Hype, The Collectors, and the Status Symbol

Brands began creating limited-edition designs as trainers evolved beyond just shoes, which fuelled a resale market where uncommon pairs might fetch thousands of dollars. Kanye West, Rihanna, and Travis Scott were among the celebrities that hopped on board, working together to create some of the most sought-after sneaker releases.

Drake went above and beyond in 2016 when he reportedly spent $2.1 million on a pair of 24-karat gold Air Jordans. Die-hard sneakerheads, who waited for hours to obtain the newest releases, created entire communities around their devotion.

More Than Just Footwear

Sneakers are more than simply a piece of clothing for many individuals; they can be used to tell a tale, advocate for a cause, or even start a conversation. NFL kicker Blair Walsh wore anti-bullying cleats, while NBA player Dwyane Wade wore “Black Lives Matter” sneakers.

And while sneaker culture has gone global, its roots are deeply tied to Black culture, which shaped its history and influence. As sneaker designer Jazerai Allen-Lord put it, “There would be no sneaker culture without Black culture.”

One thing’s for sure as long as people are chasing the next big sneaker drop, this culture isn’t going anywhere.