The sneaker world has seen a major increase of interest from collectors and fashion-lovers alike. The big names have taken note and continue to release new kicks to the acclaim of the industry. However many of these brands have humble beginnings in the sporting industry, and their now iconic sneakers also boast interesting roots. Read more to find out what you need to know about some of most iconic sneaker brands and their most famous designs.
Nike
With the domination of sportswear brands in the fashion industry, Nike has solidified its status as a must-have name for both athletes and sneaker collectors alike. In existence since 1964, it has become a brand associated with pushing boundaries. This can be seen in the classic Cortez that was originally created by legendary coach Bill Bowerman as a running shoe but has now found its way into the wardrobes of people who love streetwear. Another iconic shoe is the Air Max 90 that still finds a place in sneakerheads collections, it gained popularity when the brand released a design where you could both see and feel the air cushioning.
View Nike Sneakers for Women, Men or Kids here.
adidas
It’s the name on the lips of most creatives. For adidas, it’s all about creating products with the best look and feel for those that are constantly on the go. It has dominated in both the sports arena and the fashion world with the famous three stripes being seen everywhere from fashion weeks to on the field. Its retro designs still find a place in the cupboards of the new generation, such as the Gazelle which started out as a shoe for athletes and has transformed into a must-have for minimalists in the past few years. Another popular design is the Stan Smith which has roots in tennis footwear but is now a common feature in many modern ensembles.
View adidas Sneakers for Women, Men or Kids here.
Converse
It’s the brand for everyone, with an edgy twist. Wearing the classic converse Chuck Taylors is making a statement on its own, whether it’s teamed with something ordinary or fashionable, for work or for leisure, for play or for lazing, these are the shoes you choose. Its origins lie in basketball footwear, yet as the years went on it’s been adopted as a must-have shoe for your everyone’s wardrobe.
View Converse Sneakers for Women, Men or Kids here.
Puma
In terms of the sneaker industry, Puma has that ‘new kid on the block’ aesthetic. With fresh adaptations of its iconic kicks, down to modern designs on offer, it’s bold without holding back on style. Going as far back as 1924, it has been a name renowned for being at the forefront of athletic success. One of its most popular designs came from basketball, when Walt “Clyde” Frazier requested a custom-made suede shoe, which became a classic on the court and out on the streets. Statement to it’s movement in both casual- and sports-wear, the brand has collaborated and is represented by some of the biggest names in the entertainment and sporting industry.
View Puma Sneakers for Women, Men or Kids here.
Reebok
When each drop is as iconic as Reebok’s ones, you know it’s a brand that will always pump out quality items on the regular. This is a brand that can rely on its retro styling but can also produce fresh designs without trying too hard. It started as a cycling shoe company but soon started creating sneakers for running such as the Classic Leather which is now more a streetwear classic, and of course the aerobics essential the Freestyle which also finds it way into leisurewear comfortably thanks to the cool aesthetic.
View Reebok Sneakers for Women, Men or Kids here.
Superga
Classic style reinvented is the best way to describe this popular sneaker brand. It doesn’t veer far from it’s original design yet still produces collection after collection that can be seen on people with various styles. It was established in 1911 and soon became known as the high-quality footwear that people of Italy chose. The 2750 has been updated, reinvented and modernised numerous times but has still stayed true to its original design ethos – being a lace-up that is easy to pair with a variety of ensembles.
View Superga Sneakers for Women, Men or Kids here.
Asics Tiger
For a brand that has stuck to it’s sports influenced designs, Asics Tiger pushes out shoes that are still trendy enough to be worn everyday. It blurs the lines between sportswear and leisurewear with cool designs appropriate for different styles. This is evident in the Gel-lyte sneakers that made an impression on runners from 1987, but in modern years it’s also been prominent in the streetwear scene.
View Asics Tiger Sneakers for Women,or Men here.
Onitsuka Tiger
If you’re looking for unparalleled style with a fresh twist, it’s Onitsuka Tiger that you should have your eye on. The brand is known for it’s sleek styling combined with its bold colours and cool upgrades. The company came into existence with the idea to create good sporting shoes to inspire the youth to stay healthy and active. A shoe well-known since it’s release in 1966, the Mexico 66, was a running shoe but is now being adored by style-conscious people and sneaker collectors respectively.
View Onitsuka Tiger Sneakers for Women,or Men here.
If you’d like to buy the hottest and best sneakers, check out our sneaker shop(Laced). If you’re still browsing around, then check out our post on Which sneakers to buy.
