The Evolution of Basketball Sneakers

The Evolution of Basketball Sneakers

The Golden Era

After Michael Jordan retired, the sneaker industry was forced to adapt. Shoe deals were signed with other talented players such as Charles Barkley, Shaquille O'Neal, Penny Hardaway, Allen Iverson and Kobe Bryant. Even without MJ's presence, sneakers still sold like hot cakes. This was referred to the Golden era because new technology, materials and design concepts led to the success of most new shoes.

1992: Reebok releases Shaq I

1997: Nike Air Foamposite One

2010: New Marketing Era

1917: Converse releases first basketball sneaker

1973: Puma releases first Signature shoe

• Developed with new "pump" technology
• Pump feature allowed air to be manually added to the shoe
• An orange basketball located on the tongue acted as the pump
• Focused on enhancing support in the ankles of players

• Different from anything any shoemaker had ever done before
• Futuristic design included an exposed carbon spring plate and lightweight material that made it like walking on a pillow
• The aerodynamic design was based on the flight of a beetle

This era is marked by the continued demand for classic shoes, as well as those developed with current technology and style. Where sneaker prices were rarely hitting the $100 mark in the 80's, that same $100 mark is now commonplace and an average. Performance and quality have taken a back seat to style and brand recognition.

• Walt "Clyde" Frazier was approached to be the first player to have his own sneaker
• Was playing for the NY Knicks when the Puma Clyde's were introduced

• Canvas shoe with rubber sole
• Endorsed by basketball player Charles H. Taylor
• Were known as Chuck Taylor All Stars
• Dominated the market until Nike released its first shoe in 1972
• Still popular today, but vanished from basketball courts in 1979

1972

1985

End of 90's

1989

2010

1997

1973

1917

1985: Debut of Air Jordan I

1972: Nike enters market with its first shoe

Late 90's: Throwback Era

• Worn for the first time by MJ at the 1984 NBA All-Star Game
• Released to the public in 1985
• Breakthrough in shoe design that led to Jordan being fined on a per game basis due to the colors of the shoe
• First pair in the line of many editions

• As opposed to Converse, Nike made the "Bruin" out of leather and suede
• Thought to be named for the UCLA dynasty of that time

This era is marked by shoe companies

releasing updated versions of previous

popular sneakers. They added new features

with up-to-date technology.

The Classic Era

This era dates back to 1917 and came

to an end in the 80's. Canvas sneakers dominated the basketball scene for years, with more than 500 million pairs sold worldwide. Classics include the Chuck Taylor Converse, Nike Bruins and Puma Clydes.

Technological Advances

The Jordan Era

Technology has changed both the look and fit of the basketball shoe industry. Shoemakers have developed lighter yet stronger sneakers that provide support and breathability. They use materials such as synthetic leather and mesh to help keep the feet cool. With all the advancement comes higher prices, but the industry is alive and well, continuing to grow. A lot of things have changed with how the industry has evolved from Chuck Taylor to Steph Curry!

This era is highlighted by Nike taking a chance on a skinny kid from North Carolina, who was drafted by the Chicago Bulls. The partnership between Nike and Michael Jordan brought about advancements in technology to enhance player performance. It also turned the focus to style and design, as the Air Jordan's pushed into Pop Culture.