The origin of sneakers is a fascinating story that leads us to understand their evolution and how they have come to occupy the privileged place they have today in urban fashion
This type of sneaker, more than footwear, is a part of the personality of those who wear them. Since their birth, they have been the identity mark of singers, athletes, and cultural movements.
Are you up for learning more about this process? Today we tell you all about it at Newcop!
Where do sneakers originate?
Although they are part of the most current urban fashion, to know the origin of sneakers we must go back to the 19th century. To be more precise, to the last decade of the 1800s, when the first shoes with rubber soles were created.
Although it is true that the pioneers date back to the 1930s, thanks to the work of the company The Liverpool Rubber Company, it was not until the explosion of industrial processes that they became an established reality.
Initially, they were designed for the emerging tennis world, a field that was nothing more than a sketch of what it has come to be. But, without a doubt, it was the foundation for development towards specialization.
And that is where the key to its success lies. Because sneakers were directing their structures and materials to enhance the performance of sports professionals.
The model that changed everything was the famous Green Flash by Dunlop, which was first worn by tennis player Fred Perry on the legendary Wimbledon courts. He was the first of thousands of celebrities who would become part of the history of these sneakers in the years to come.
Why are sports shoes called sneakers?
Regarding etymology, the word "sneaker" comes from the English verb "to sneak," which means to slide or move stealthily, making an obvious reference to the effect that athletes benefited from when using them.
This feature distinguished these sneakers from other types of footwear that offered worse traction, so important in sports like tennis. Overall, the name perfectly defines their characteristics, because besides that, they are comfortable and barely make noise compared to other footwear.
Little by little, that name became common. Although it is true that in many areas they are known by other names, such as tennis shoes (now you know why), bambas or playeras.
History of the most important sneaker brands
The story of the origin of sneakers would not be complete without mentioning the major brands that have marked milestones in this sector. Nike, Adidas and New Balance are undoubtedly the references and you can find them all at Newcop.
As we have discovered in other articles on this blog, each of them has its own journey full of anecdotes and pivotal moments.
For example, how Adidas became a reference through handball with the Adidas Handball, how New Balance managed to evolve from a small artisan business to become a major brand or how Nike wielded a huge commercial vision to anticipate trends with its air cushion.
Each one, with their own perspective, has contributed to the development of their technology and their integration as part of urban fashion. So much so, that today they are linked with some of the most famous designers, or true sports legends, as we will see below.
Personalities who made sneakers famous
You surely already know how Michael Jordan, Kanye West, Messi, Ronaldo, or Rihanna, to name a few personalities, have played fundamental roles in the history of sneakers.
The greatest basketball player in history, Michael Jordan, with his famous Air Jordan, revolutionized not only the market but also became a national emblem. So much so that these sneakers have even inspired movies.
Singers like Kanye West, Shakira, Bad Bunny, or Rihanna, through their collaborations with different brands, have also managed to merge music with fashion, setting trends among their own fans.
Football is a different case. Season after season, the great football stars have been champions of the latest designs, like Ronaldo Nazario and Cristiano with Nike, or Messi and Zidane with Adidas.
Sneakers nowadays
Currently, sneakers have become a a canvas for artistic expression both for designers and for the people who incorporate them into their outfit.
Limited editions and collaborations with artists have turned these sneakers into true works of art which are highly sought after by collectors worldwide.
Moreover, their presence in urban fashion is indisputable, being an essential component to define styles, even on the most prestigious runways.
Do you already know what? We have them all at NewcopWe invite you to take a look at the wide range of models you will find both on this website and in our physical locations in Madrid and Barcelona. And if you need it, we are at your disposal to help you choose the ones that best suit you.
