Known for their bold designs and eye-catching colors, high-top sneakers emerged as a defining symbol of 80s street fashion.
High-top sneakers were just another pair of shoes, they represented the cultural shift that created athleisurewear. Their popularity throughout the early to mid-part of the 80s transcended the basketball court. And, made their way into mainstream fashion. During the 80s, high-top sneakers were just about everywhere , and they symbolized the rebellious and energetic spirit of the decade.
The Rise of High-Top Sneakers and 80s Street Fashion The 80s were full of changes, both social and cultural. It was a period of economic prosperity that was represented by a wider middle-class, and disposable incomes. As result, there was an increase in consumerism and the fashion industry boomed. With the help of MTV the youth culture was introduced to new music and fashion trends . It was in this backdrop that high-top sneakers rose to prominence.
Two of the biggest influential forces of the decade were hip-hop and basketball. As both basketball icons and hip-hop artists began wearing high-tops, their popularity grew with leaps and bounds. Brands like Nike, Reebok, and even British Knights realize the potential of marketing their athletic shoes as fashionable accessories to a wider audience. And, as a result, high-top sneakers became the quintessential part of 80s Street fashion.
How High-Top Sneakers Became the Epitome of 80s Street Fashion In order to understand just how high-top sneakers became so important to 80s Street fashion, we need to take a closer look at the brands and people who helped push the speaker into the limelight.
Nike Air Jordans and 80s Street Fashion Naturally, one of the most iconic sneakers released in the 80s was the Nike Air Jordan . The entire line was inspired by basketball legend Michael Jordan, and released to the public back in 1985. It featured bold colors and a design that stood out from the competition. And, when coupled with Michael Jordan’s skills on the court, the shoes received instant credibility on the street. They became more than just another pair of sneakers, as they rose to the level of a statement piece that established athleticism, a touch of rebellion, and status.
But, the Air Jordan would not have been as popular if it wasn’t for the unique marketing approach that Nike promoted. In order to appeal to younger fans, they created the brand around the basketball legend, in order to develop an air of exclusivity. It was the very first time that the entire sneaker line had been built around a single athlete’s ability. And, it set a precedent for future athletes to endorse sneakers. But, more importantly, is that the success of the Air Jordans marked the beginning of sneakerhead culture.
Reebok Freestyle and 80s Street Fashion for Women It’s also important to remember that 80 Street fashion wasn’t just for men. Although high-top sneakers were primarily marketed toward men’s basketball, Reebok went a different route and released their Freestyle back in 1982. The Reebok Freestyle was a pair of high-top sneakers that were specifically designed for women. They featured eight softer, more flexible ankles with Velcro straps, that provided women with the support that they need for a more high-energy aerobic workout. After all, the 80s were known for their aerobics craze.
The success of the freestyle line also helped to popularize the idea that athletic shoes could be streetwear. And, Reebok helped to encourage other brands to cater to the female market. After all, the Freestyle was one of the first athletic shoes that were designed and specifically marketed for women. This changed the entire industry, as it allowed women to enjoy the same comfort as their male counterparts, with a pair of sneakers that were specifically designed to enhance their silhouettes.
80s Street Fashion and the Hip-Hop Culture Despite the hard work that brands like Reebok and Nike put in towards marketing their high-top sneakers, it was hip-hop that helped make these sneakers a staple of 80s Street fashion. With the help of influential groups like Run-D.M.C., the Adidas Superstar became one of the top-selling sneakers of the mid-80s. The endorsement of hip-hop artists helped them transcend the line from sportswear to 80s street fashion.
In fact, in 1986, Run-D.M.C. signed a $1 million endorsement deal with the popular Adidas brand, marking the first time that any shoe manufacturer had teamed up with a musical artist or group. Shortly after this deal, the band released their song My Adidas which celebrated the shoes and helped to propel them into mainstream culture. By the end of the 80s, high-top sneakers became a defining characteristic of the hip-hop movement.
The Icons of High-Top Sneaker Culture The two biggest icons to help promote the high-top sneaker culture, were Michael Jordan and Run-D.M.C. Michael Jordan had already become a basketball legend, and his endorsement of the Air Jordan helped make the shoe one of the most successful lines in sneaker history. And, Run-D.M.C.’s promotion of Adidas helped to solidify the high-top sneakers’ place in the growing sneakerhead movement.
The Legacy of High-Top Sneakers and 80s Street Fashion Although high-top sneakers had been available before the 80s, their popularity rose to prominence as a result of celebrity endorsements and the popularity of the growing hip-hop movement. As a result, their impact on 80s Street fashion extended far beyond the decade. After all, today’s sneaker culture began with the release of limited-edition high-top sneakers in the 80s.
Conclusion Without question, high-top sneakers were more than just another passing trend of the 80s. They quickly became a cultural phenomenon that completely changed the landscape of fashion, sports, and music. High-tops were sneakers that became a symbol of individuality and rebellion, which resonated across the generations and subcultures. They helped to give rise to the athleisurewear movement and sneakerhead culture.
