Wedge sneakers were a surprising blend of both height and athleticism and made a huge mark on the fashion industry and 80s footwear.
The sneaker culture of the 80s was an amazing experience for anyone who grew up during the decade. There were countless new designs and styles available just about every single week. One of the more unique styles that were available during the 80s, was wedge sneakers . Often resembling hightops, wedge sneakers featured a raised heel, that provided wearers with a height increase.
How Wedge Sneakers Changed the Landscape of 80s Footwear The 80s were, after all, a time of bold, innovative fashion, that was spurred by the changing social dynamics and economic boom. Thanks to the widening middle-class, and the availability of disposable incomes, there was an extensive rise in consumerism during the decade, which was driven by a desire for more luxurious forms of fashion and entertainment. The decade saw significant changes in the fashion industry, especially when it comes to aerobics, dance workouts, and the rising gym culture.
It was in this environment that we saw an increase in athleisurewear. More and more manufacturers were producing clothing and shoes that could be worn both on and off the court. It is against this backdrop that wedge sneakers grew in popularity. They offered the ease and comfort of a speaker, with the fashionable lift of a heel. The high wedge heel located within the sneaker could give a girl a few extra inches of height, without sacrificing comfort.
The Birth and Popularity of Wedge Sneakers in 80s Footwear But, we would not have wedge thinkers and 80s footwear if it weren’t for the influences of hip-hop, street style, and the growing popularity of athleisurewear.
80s Footwear and the Hybrid Shoe It’s important to remember that wedge sneakers are a hybrid shoe. They were designed in order to blend the elements of formal and casual into a whole new style. They provided women across the country with a comfortable, easy to put on a pair of sneakers, that gave them the same stature as a traditional pair of high-heeled shoes. This is done by incorporating wedges into the soul of the sneaker itself.
Throughout the decade, wedge sneakers went through a number of different designs, but quickly became a staple in most women’s casual wardrobes. Some brands experimented with a wide selection of different materials including suede, leather, and metallic fabrics. The concept itself was groundbreaking, because it defied all of the traditional expectations, through the merging of style and function. As a result, wedge sneakers could adapt to just about any situation and be paired with almost any outfit.
Street Style’s Influence on 80s Footwear The rise of the hip-hop culture had a profound influence on fashion trends throughout the 80s. As the sneakerhead culture grew, so too did the demand for shoes that women could enjoy. At the time, there was a desire for bold and excessive oversized clothing, as well as distinctive footwear. And, the wedge sneaker fit perfectly into this aesthetic. It was considered by many to be both edgy and comfortable.
A number of different brands began to cater to this new street style by offering their own take on wedge sneakers. Major brands like Reebok, Nike , Adidas, and more, all released their own version of the wedge sneaker during the 80s and into the early 90s.
Recent Revival of 80s Footwear Eventually, the sneaker faded during the mid-90s, as the fashion industry slowly moved away from the boulder and flashier trends of the 80s. Nevertheless, designers like Isabel Marant reintroduced wedge sneakers in the early 2000s, but faded out once again, only to be reintroduced in 2012. Countless see celebrities have made use of the Marant design, including Beyoncé and Rihanna. Naturally, with the successful reintroduction of wedge sneakers and 2012, other major brands like Nike and Puma followed suit.
The Companies That Brought You Wedge Sneakers Perhaps one of the first wedge sneakers available to the general public during the 80s was released on the Adidas Superstar line . Known as heeled trainers, they were pushed by Adidas as the perfect shoes for teenagers who wanted to experiment with wearing heels. Eventually, Reebok would follow with their wedge platform sneakers, which resembled a pair of high-heeled shoes, with a large hidden wedge inside. Other major brands like Nike and Puma also released their own versions of the wedge sneakers throughout the 80s.
The Cultural Impact of Wedge Sneakers Wedge sneakers, believe it or not, had a long-lasting impact on fashion and culture. What started out in the 80s as a way of providing women with more height and comfort, became an enduring symbol of fashion-forward thinking. The shoe itself played an integral role in the athleisure movements of the decade and has since been reintroduced multiple times over the past 40 years. Today, wedge sneakers continue to be a popular form of hybrid footwear, and are available in a wide selection of different designs that can be paired with just about any outfit.
Conclusion In the end, although the wedge thinkers were a product of the 80s, they left a lasting legacy that continues to influence modern footwear . They featured a unique combination of height and comfort, alongside stylish and adaptable designs. This made them the go-to choice for women seeking a more versatile speaker. And, although they faded into oblivion during the 90s, they were reintroduced multiple times over the course of the last four decades.
