Sneakers for trendsetters – when sports shoes become eye-catchers

Sneakers are not only extremely fashionable, but also very comfortable to wear! With the numerous variants available in stores, you will cut a brilliant figure both in everyday life and at a party! With stylish sneakers you can add the finishing touch to your entire outfit. If you like it more casual, you can skilfully combine monochrome models with your outfit. For the absolute fashion victims among you, there are countless colorful models of these iconic kicks that can turn any look into a cool fashion statement in no time. One thing is certain: with the right sneakers you can visually enhance your look and at the same time show a true sense of style with these sporty eye-catchers on your feet.

Did you already know that?SneakerIn German it means “Schleicher” and is the English collective term for sports shoes that are not worn for sports but in everyday life? Sneakers look similar to fashionable running shoes and are preferred as casual street shoes. The very first sports shoes were available in England as early as 1860. These were so-called “croquet shoes” with a flexible rubber sole and a canvas shaft and were called “plimsoles”. In 1917, the first “Keds” were mass-produced in the USA for children by the US Rubber Company. The shoe manufacturer from the USA is still world-famous and very popular today. Soon these sports shoes were also worn by adults when playing tennis. The success story of the ankle-high “Converse All Stars” began in 1919. The “Chucks”, which are still in great demand today, became the epitome of sports shoes in North America for decades and now have numerous fans of all ages all over the world.

By the way, the term was invented in the 20th century by Henry Nelson McKinney, who was a well-known advertising expert. Apart from moccasins, all other shoes at the time had a very loud appearance because they had sturdy leather soles. The sneaker had a non-slip rubber sole, which made it almost silent. In the 50s, for example, James Dean, the idol of an entire generation, worefashionableModels for a cool leather jacket and blue jeans. This created a total hype around the comfortable and easy-care sports shoes, which quickly became the preferred footwear for young people. With their trendy sneakers, the “sneaker generation” protested against the ruling establishment and adult culture, which relied on shiny leather shoes.

The term has been used in Germany for sporty shoes since the 1990s. Previously people spoke of “sneakers” or “sports shoes”. However, sneakers and sports shoes differ in a few important ways. Sports shoes are developed for actual use in sports and, in addition to their fashionable appearance, take on relevant functions, such as jogging shoes or special sports shoes for activities in the gym. Sneakers are trendy shoes that are preferred for everyday leisure activities. The iconic shoes are produced with a sports shoe-like look, but do not primarily fulfill sporting functions.

The so-called re-issues are chic sports shoe models that used to be very popular and are now being produced again in an exclusive, limited edition. Luxury sneakers are sporty shoes that are manufactured to a high quality and often have shafts made of fine upper leather. The luxury version of normal sporty sneakers differs mainly in the higher quality materials and the fact that these shoes are usually processed by hand. The Ludwig Reiter company, for example, produces luxury sneakers made of high-quality leather in Austria.

By the way, the typical shoe has a shaft cut that is known as the “Oxford cut”. Its base consists of different plastic layers, similar to a sandwich, and is therefore also known as a “sandwich base”. This long wedge heel sole provides good cushioning. For a better shoe climate, you can use a firm insole that also protects the insole of your stylish shoe. The outsole is abrasion-resistant like that of sports shoes, has good grip and has a light rubber profile. The shaft is usually made of synthetic fibers and has reinforcements made of robust suede.

With stylish sneakers you'll be perfectly dressed everywhere. The sporty eye-catchers have properties that can also meet the following requirements in everyday life: They offer you a high level of comfort, express your active lifestyle and have a brand appeal. You can easily express your worldview by wearing fashionable sneakers. These iconic shoes can become a fashion in their own right. New collections of sportswear or streetwear and the matching sneakers appear regularly every year. Sporty models in all imaginable colors and shapes have become an indispensable part of any wardrobe.