Six Most Influential Sports Shoes

by Gee Why on February 21, 2006

in Addiction, Passion, kicks

Speaking of All-Star, some All-Star footwear according to an article in Lexus magazine that helped to shape athletic style:

  • Converse Chuck Taylor All-Star (1923) – Developed by Charles (”Chuck”) Taylor, a 1920s pro-basketball player; oldest and best-selling athletic shoe of all time.
  • Adidas Superstar (1969) – Originally designed for the basketball court, the famous “shell toe” protects the toes in play; popularity transcended its sport and became a style icon.
  • Nike Air Jordan (1985) – MJ was a rookie basketball player fresh out of college (woo-hoo!) when Nike risked everything to offer him his own line of shoes which has become the longest-lasting brands. (No wonder why he got his own reserved parking stall, etc.)
  • Nike Air Max (1987) – First shoe to contain an air-cushioning system within the sole unit, which remains standard for impact protection. (Just like orthopedic aids.)
  • Reebok Pump (1989) – Leap forward in sneaker technology with a clever design incorporating inflatable chambers, filled using a lightweight pump in the tongue; twenty million pairs sold in four years.
  • Nike Air Huarache (1992) – Huarache is a Spanish word for a type of sandal and gives a clue as to the big idea behind this shoe; it’s as comfortable and versatile as a favorite pair of sandals.

Kicks are everywhere…even in a car magazine!

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{ 2 comments }

1 Gee Why February 21, 2006 at 1:36 pm

Very nice writeup! It brings a tear to my eye…

Chuck Taylor All Stars – Yep
Adidas Superstar – Nope
Air Jordan – Yes, several times
Air Max – No, but maybe…
Reebok Pump – Never
Air Huarache- Yep, basketball version

2 Gee Why February 21, 2006 at 2:14 pm

Forgot to mention that there’s a lot of influence from car design that affects shoe designs as well. I guess captivating design is design no matter what the medium.

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