Long relegated to the sports field, sneakers have conquered the street, fashion, and even luxury. Behind this evolution lies a rich history, shaped by technical innovations, unprecedented collaborations, and cultural icons.

Back to The fascinating story of these shoes that have become essential.

It all began at the end of the 19th century, when industrialization enabled the mass production of sports shoes. In 1917, Converse revolutionized the market with the All Star , which became the first sneaker to receive the endorsement of an athlete: Chuck Taylor , a basketball player, who made improvements to the initial model.

In the 1930s, Adidas and Puma , founded by the Dassler brothers in Germany, laid the foundations for performance footwear. Their innovations—notably the integration of cleats and the improvement of soles—enabled many athletes to dominate the Olympic Games, bringing these brands into the spotlight.

After World War II, sneaker production exploded.

The 1950s marked a turning point, with younger generations appropriating these shoes as a symbol of rebellion and modernity, particularly with the rise of rock'n'roll.

The 70s saw Nike make a splash with the Cortez (1972) , designed for colours and popularised by Tom Hanks in Forrest Gump .

In the 1990s, sneakers were no longer just a sports accessory; they became a cultural icon. Hip-hop emerged as a major driver of their popularity, with artists like Notorious B.I.G. , Nas , and Wu-Tang Clan adopting the most iconic models of the time. While Run-DMC paved the way, collaborations between rappers and brands became commonplace.

Film and television also play a key role. In 1996, Space Jam featured the Air Jordan 11 , further solidifying the link between sneakers and pop culture.

Streetwear is exploring new avenues, particularly with the rise of brands like Supreme , BAPE , and Stüssy , which are beginning to collaborate with major sneaker brands. The concept of limited editions is taking hold, making certain pairs highly coveted and marking the beginning of a market based on scarcity.

With the dawn of the 21st century, sneakers became a true global phenomenon. The rise of forums and social networks accelerated the hype surrounding the most sought-after models, and collaborations exploded.

Nike innovated in 2012 with Flyknit , a weaving technology that lightens the sneaker and makes it more breathable. 3D printing also began to gain traction, paving the way for fully customizable shoes.

Brands are adapting to new consumer expectations: the focus is on sustainability and eco-friendly materials. Adidas is launching the Futurecraft Loop , a fully cycleable sneaker, while Nike is trying to reduce its carbon footprint with recycled materials.

Today, sneakers are no longer just simple shoes: they are a status symbol, a collector's item, and a style statement.

Collaborations with the world of luxury - such as Dior x Air Jordan - show that the boundary between streetwear and haute couture no longer exists.

So, what does the future hold for us?

- Even more advanced technologies, with adaptive and 3D printed shoes.

- A market increasingly focused on scarcity, with ultra-limited drops and pairs exclusive to certain platforms.

- An increased ecological awareness, with brands investing in more environmentally friendly manufacturing processes.

Sneakers have come a long way, but one thing is for sure: they are not about to leave the forefront.