Sneakers

Sneakers. From origins to futuristic models, sneakers tell the story of a constant evolution between past and future.

by Eloïs Henry
published on October 23, 2024

The Past: From Function to Fashion

But when was the first pair of sneakers created? Let’s go back in time… Originally, they were just simple practical accessories. The first Converse All-Stars, designed in 1917, were dedicated to athletes like runners and basketball players thanks to their rubber soles, providing lightness, comfort, and flexibility.

Gradually, sneakers became symbols of urban culture. 1980s: This was the turning point in the world of sneakers. The collaboration between Michael Jordan and Nike, launching the Air Jordans, marked a milestone, influencing music, fashion, and even politics. These functional items quickly became objects of desire, collectible pieces, and even status symbols.

The Present

Today, every pair of sneakers is meticulously designed. They reflect trends, technological advancements, and environmental concerns. Brands are constantly innovating by incorporating recycled materials into their models, like the Primegreen or Nike Space Hippie, which use recovered plastic waste.
Technology is a key point in the development of modern sneakers. The Nike Mag features automatic lacing or connection to mobile apps. No longer just consumer products, sneakers are now innovative connected devices.

The Future: Sneakers, Museum Pieces or Everyday Objects?

One might wonder, "What will sneakers become in the future?" Simpler designs? Technological advancements? Ethical fashion objects where durability is key? Mushrooms, vegan leather, 3D printing – diverse productions, but they do not bring real change to consumers. A few years ago, filmmakers and designers also pondered this question and arrived at the Nike Mag, featured in the film Back to the Future.

Are you wondering what sneakers will become? We have the answer. Innovative technologies, eco-friendly materials, brand-new features – yes, it’s the sneaker of the future. Automatic lacing, size-adjusting shoes, integrated step counters, a heating system for winter and cooling for summer, self-repairing technology, and even GPS integration with anti-fall positioning technology.

This pair of sneakers would be much more than a fashion or utility accessory – it would be a lifetime investment. In fact, the shoe, with its self-repairing technology, would eliminate the need to spend on shoes that wear out quickly. This pair of sneakers, initially in limited stock, could quickly gain value and become a collectible item.

In a distant future, current sneakers might well be seen as prehistoric objects. They will symbolize the era when humans began merging fashion, technology, and ecology.

The world of sneakers is constantly evolving, reinventing itself on every occasion and striving to always meet demand. Gradually, sneakers have become part of our daily lives and are now everyday items that most people own.
We can thus trace a certain evolution of sneakers leading to this: