History of Sneakers

Sneakers are shoes that are relatively new, made in the 20th century. As humans became more and more active, shoes have evolved into a more flexible shoe.

Early History
One of the earliest sneakers were the Converse All Stars made in 1917, by Converse. They were made primarily for playing basketball, since the sole of the foot was designed to stay in contact with the hardwood floors. They were made in two colors, black and white. They started to get popular in the 1950's with greasers. The typical look of a greaser is a white t-shirt, jeans, and pair of sneakers from Converse. A man named Kihachiro Onitsuka debuts his first basketball shoe in 1950, made in Kobe Japan. It had the Onitsuka Tiger logo on it. They look very similar to Con-verse's 'All-Stars'. In 1952, Onitsuka Co. released their first shoes made for volleyball. In 1959, Onitsuka Co. releases the Magic Runner, marathon running shoes made with special ports to let air through the shoe.

1960s
In 1961 the New Balance company makes the Trackster. They were a hit with running coaches.
In 1966 K-Swiss was founded. They focused on making leather tennis shoes.
In 1966, the Vans Company started to make sneakers for skateboarders and surfers.
After 1966, 'All Stars' from Converse, are available in different colors, other that black or white.
In 1969, Adidas releases the 'Superstar' basketball shoe.

1970s
In 1970, the Nike company is made.
In 1971, Onitsuka Co. releases their first sneakers with the ASICS logo. It is a pair of volleyball shoes.
They also released tennis shoes in 1975.
Puma releases their first sneakers in 1976, for tennis players.
ASICS shoe company, formerly known as Onitsuka Co., releases their first sneaker in 1977.
In 1979, Nike Air Technology is used in Nike's Tailwind running shoe. It features gas-filled plastic membranes to provide comfort.
In the same year, Reebok releases three different athletic shoes.

1980s
ASICS releases the Skysensor, a lightweight shoe made for jogging.
The Reebok company introduces a new athletic shoe, the Reebok Freestyle in 1982.
Nike starts to make basketball shoes.
In 1982, Nike releases the Air Force 1 basketball shoe.
That same year, New Balance releases the 990, a running shoe that took four years to develop.
The first Air Jordan shoe is made in 1984.
In 1985, British Knights shoe company starts to make a high-class looking alternative to the current sneakers available.
In1986, ASICS releases an ultra-lightweight shoe, the Marathon Sortie UL-100.
In 1989, Nike creates a new type of sneaker, the cross-trainer. It is designed so that an athlete can train in more than one sport, and use the same shoe. This sets a trend for major sneaker companies to follow over the years.
Also in 1989, Reebok introduces the Pump, a basketball shoe with an air pump built into it, designed to stay more securely on the feet with an air bladder.
The Adidas 'Superstar' is popular for the entire decade.

1990s
In 1990, ASICS releases the Tarther 195-A. It is made with the best material and technology at that time for a running shoe.
In 1997, Reebok introduces its DMX technology. It cushions and stabilizes the feet inside of the shoe.
Because of the success of Reebok's Pumps, many shoe makers make knock-off versions.
In the same year, ASICS releases the GELBURST basketball shoe.
By this decade, Nike Inc is recognized as a top maker of athletic shoes.
Reebok and Adidas are popular sneaker brands, behind Nike Inc.

2000s
In 2001 Nike introduces the Nike Shox shoe. With its foam and spring plates built into the heel of the shoe, no other technology at that time comes close.
In the same year, ASICS releases their GEL-ECO shoes. These are sneakers made with a low impact on the environment.
Nike buys the Converse shoe company in 2003.
Air Jordan 20 is released in 2005. This marks the 20th edition of the Air Jordan shoes.
Adidas buys the shoe company Reebok in 2005.
In the same year, Adidas debuts the Adidas 1, the worlds first sneaker with a computer chip. It automatically adjusts comfort levels and optimizes the shoe to adapt to its environment.
Nike, Adidas, K-Swiss each have their own websites where you can customize your own sneaker.

Types of Sneakers
There are shoes made for casual wear, basketball, tennis, skateboarding, running, training, cross-training, soccer and walking. There are also limited-edition sneakers, glow in the dark sneakers, luxury sneakers, and sneakers made of natural materials, such as hemp.

It's easy to think that something simple as a pair of sneakers would be treated like another pair of shoes. But for many of the people that are fans of sneakers, they see them as a fashion statement.