#solecialstudies

[deewellsosd]

The Evolution of Sneaker Culture: The Shift

Sneaker culture in 1994, was a lot like Michael Jordan himself: untouchable, iconic, and still soaring from that ‘Last Shot’ magic. When Jordan Brand re-released the Air Jordan 4 in black and red, it wasn't just a shoe hitting shelves again — it was the birth of a new era. Suddenly, people weren’t just buying kicks to ball in, they were buying history. This wasn’t about sneakers anymore. It was about sneakers with a story.

Hear me out. 👂🏾👂🏾

I knew that the sneaker world was about to get a lot more crowded but was happy that the 4s ended up at Nike outlet stores.

1994: Jordan Retros Are Born, and the Game Changed.

Jordan Brand drops the retro Air Jordan 4, black and red, and boom — sneakerheads everywhere lose their minds. It’s like Jordan-mania got a sequel. No longer just about playing basketball, this retro release turned sneakers into must-have collectibles, and paved the way for the boom of re-releases we’re swimming in today. But Jordan Brand wasn’t alone in the game. Oh no, we had #K-Swiss out here dropping their signature tennis whites and staying clean in the country club scene, while #Diadora and #Ellesse were holding it down on soccer pitches. Sneaker culture wasn’t just about hoops anymore; it was becoming global.

Early 2000s: Collaborations, Hip Hop, and the Sneakerhead Scene

Fast forward to the early 2000s. While everyone was still buzzing over Jordans, something wild was happening: #adidas was teaming up with everyone from Pharrell to Missy Elliott, #FILA was riding that retro wave, and sneaker culture was going digital. Enter the message boards — places like NikeTalk, Instyleshoes where sneakerheads could gather and post news and photos of kicks and trade rare pairs like digital currency before anyone knew what cryptocurrency even was.

It wasn’t just about what you wore on your feet anymore; it was about where you were buying them, who you were talking to online about them, and how you were hustling to get the next big release. The #New Balance "Dad Shoe" (S/o Steven Smith) renaissance also quietly began, sneaking into wardrobes with its chunky, comfort-first aesthetic. The early 2000s were all about collaborations and the beginning of sneaker culture’s obsession with exclusivity. #Puma was pushing their Clyde sneakers, while #Saucony—yes, the running brand—was quietly building its own cult following with sleek, comfortable designs that were street-ready.

Legacy Brands in the Mix

While Nike and Jordan were grabbing headlines, let’s not forget the underdogs. K-Swiss continued to carve out a niche with those iconic five stripes, while Diadora and Ellesse were quietly getting love from soccer fans and Euro-stylish types. FILA, meanwhile, was riding high on the back of Grant Hill’s signature sneakers, and it would see a full-blown revival in the 2010s, with the Disruptor II becoming the chunky sneaker everyone suddenly couldn’t get enough of.

Remember when people made fun of chunky sneakers?

New Balance? Don’t sleep on them. While everyone was busy drooling over the latest Jordan or Yeezy release, New Balance was already a legend in the DMV and those who knew….knew. Those "dad shoes" became the ironic fashion choice for the cool kids, and suddenly, New Balance wasn’t just for your lawn-mowing dad — they were fire on the ‘gram.

Saucony, meanwhile, wasn’t just for marathon runners anymore; their Shadow and Jazz models crept their way into collections. (Shout out to The Floor Lords for their 2007, Courageous sneakers.)

Hip Hop and Sneaker Domination

Let’s be real: sneaker culture and Hip Hop go together like peanut butter and jelly. As sneaker culture evolved, so did its Hip Hop connection. Enter Kanye, Pharrell, and a host of people making sneakers not just part of their brand, but central to their identity. Kanye’s #Yeezy partnership with adidas wasn’t just a big deal; it was a tectonic shift. Suddenly, sneakers became art, social currency, and an investment all wrapped in one.

And let’s not forget the OG brands keeping things fresh. Puma reimagined their classics with help from collaborations like Rihanna’s Fenty line, making old-school silhouettes new again. Meanwhile, FILA staged a comeback that felt like a ‘90s nostalgia tour, with chunky sneakers like the Disruptor II becoming must-haves.

And while these brands rode the waves of Hip Hop and sneaker culture are no longer just a U.S. phenomenon. It’s global.

2010s to Now: Sustainability, Resale, and Nostalgia on Steroids

By the 2010s, sneaker culture hit hyperdrive. Online reselling became a thing, and StockX made flipping sneakers as common as flipping burgers. Suddenly, people were buying kicks not just to wear, but as an investment. Remember those New Balances your dad swore by? Well, suddenly those "dad shoes" became the ironic fashion statement everyone couldn’t get enough of.

And then came the sustainability wave. #adidas started using ocean plastic, #Nike launched the Move to Zero campaign, and Puma got serious about eco-friendly kicks. In today’s sneaker world, it’s not just about looking good, it’s about doing good, too. We’re not just talking about aesthetics anymore; we’re talking about carbon footprints.

What’s Next: Virtual Sneakers and the Metaverse

So, where’s sneaker culture going? We’ve got NFTs, virtual sneakers, and even digital sneakers for your Metaverse avatar. Yes, that’s a thing now. Brands like adidas are already dropping virtual kicks, and as much as we love the feel of fresh leather underfoot, the next frontier of sneaker culture might just be something we can’t even lace up.

At this point, sneaker culture is about a whole lot more than shoes. It’s about art, fashion, self-expression, sustainability, and even digital futures. And if there’s one thing we know for sure, it’s that sneaker culture will continue to evolve.

Change is inevitable.

[solecialstudies]

Thank you Footwear Plus for spreading the word about the opening of the SOLEcial Studies CommUNITY Academy (Page 10)

[sneakershoptalk]

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Head over to @solecialstudy and find how you can be a part of this phenomenal program! #sneakershoptalk #igsneakercommunity #osd #solecialstudies #nike #adidas #puma #reebok #and1 https://www.instagram.com/p/BupEv9hgjMT/?utm_source=ig_tumblr_share&igshid=2vnbd7a75534

[dunkondunks]

HELP!!!!! ((DONATION ALERT-INSTRUCTIONS BELOW-PLEASE SHARE/REPOST)) The Trill OG himself #BUNB in concerted effort with #osdlive @deewellsosd @rdqlus #heelingsoles @heelingsoles And the #premiumpeteshow @premiumpeteshow Announce that we now have an address and instructions on where to send your CLOTHING and SHOE/SNEAKER (AND SOCKS) donations. PLEASE MAIL ALL DONATIONS TO THE ADDRESS AS FOLLOWS: (LINE 1) CHURCH AT BETHELS FAMILY (LINE 2) C/O Bun B x OSD x HEELING SOLES X PREMIUM PETE SHOW (LINE 3) 14442 FONMEADOW DRIVE, HOUSTON TX 77035. #peopleoversneakers #harveyrelief #solecialstudies #igsneakercommunity #kickstories #houston #portarthur #beaumont #familyfirst

[citykidsnyc]

"There's no steps you can really skip in regards to growth. Because if you skip steps then you miss out on vital parts, so essentially you're not growing." - @frescobk We recently sat down w/ Fresco Wilson and spoke about the Solecial Studies course he teaches and about growth! Link in bio. #CITYKIDSgrowth #BlackHistoryInTheMaking #SolecialStudies

[deewellsosd]

The Tour de France 🇫🇷 is taking place and the winner of stages 3, 8, and 12 is Biniam Girmay, the 24-year-old, from Eritrea! 🇪🇷

A hat trick is major and he continues to ride with power, but it's been his sprints that have turned Girmay into a superstar.

The Tour is steeped in history and Girmay is the first black African rider, and the only rider in this year's race, who continues to impress as he climbs his way to the top.

Unfortunately, cycling has been plagued with a lack of diversity, especially Africans, due to the costs of equipment, the lack of sponsors to cover training and travel expenses.

Needless to say, Girmay is opening the door for many more black Africans to follow.

Green jersey.✅🚴🏿‍♂️💨

[solecialstudies]

Great interview with Malik Brown of Rolling Out about SOLEcial Studies. Thank you Malik and I look forward to us talking again soon!

[therealmrmecc]

Those #RunDMC #ShellToes tho... #HipHop #Music #MC #Meccahnism #Host #Interview #Classic #Culture #Repost @rooftopraven with @repostapp ・・・ SOLEMATES sneaker event... #osd #walkgood #rooftopraven #talkingsneakers #teacher #solecialstudies (at New York, New York)

[deewellsosd]

For more than a decade, I've been an Osprey Packs, Inc. users and while I've used all sorts of backpacks and luggage that have helped me travel the world, I know that I can always count on my Osprey gear.

Just the other day, I got my mother's Osprey wheeled travel pack repaired using their #AllMightyGuarantee and I wish I had taken a video when I showed it to her and she said, "I love that bag!"

Shining a spotlight on Jahmicah Dawes and Slim Pickins Outfitters, is a great story in being exactly who God intended you to be and introducing people to things that they didn't know that they'd enjoy is powerful.

Check out Jahmicah's story and support their business or tell some people about Slim Pickins Outfitters.

[solecialstudies]

What happens when the experience is OVER?

Raised Standards- that will make the students smarter consumers who expect higher quality footwear

Mentorship- from all the teachers and administrators, or partners of the program

Resources- to assist them with starting their own footwear related business (if they chose to), and investing on footwear related stocks

A Letter of Recommendation- written for any student who applies for a job IN THE FOOTWEAR INDUSTRY (if they chose to)

First Consideration for Jobs, Internships, and/or other educational opportunities offered by affiliated partners of OSD and SOLEcial Studies

Shopping Discounts- from retailers who are promotional partners of the SOLEcial Studies program

[deewellsosd]

Thank you @ClaudeJohnson for documenting and sharing stories about the @BlackFives Foundation.

Please take the time to watch the short film about the “A Black History Masterpiece” quilt made with Black Fives jerseys.

[deewellsosd]

SOLEcial Studies will be taught at Jordanheads Brooklyn during the winter of 2017. Hit us with questions and email us at SOLEcialStudies.edu@gmail.com. 👣👟

[solecialstudies]

How do we achieve our mission(s)?

The curriculum is created in a way that puts each student on a unique path from how they fell in love with sneakers in the first place. We also demonstrate how they could possibly end up in a real life situation. This situation could lead to a student actually launching their own business or landing a job with a footwear related company. We employ the use of our course lectures, in class exercises, assignments, and the occasional guest speaker who is invited to come speak about a related topic to help us achieve our mission(s).

[deewellsosd]

‪Tune into the World Sneaker Championship Top 32 announcement show TONIGHT @ 9pm EST! http://YouTube.com/Footlocker 🙌🏾👟‬

[deewellsosd]

Remember the name Nigel Langley, Jr. because you will see and hear a lot from him. /// 👟

[deewellsosd]

"There's something about me that you can't deny." 💯 #pensole #nyc33 #wscx16 #osdlive #kickstory #solecialstudies