“The Death of the Sneaker ‘Spot’ "
I have always preach that fashion
is an artistic form of self expression. And nowhere has that idea been more
prevalent than in urban communities. Urban fashion has continuously set the
precedent in pushing the mainstream fashion limits. Many of the urban
influences come from not having much and therefore making something out of
nothing. We pride ourselves in the way we look because we understand the
impression it leaves on other’s perceptions of us and in turn our self
confidence. Over the decades one of the main focus of our attire have always
been behind the thought that “one can tell a lot about a man by his shoes” and
taking that sentiments to new heights.
I recall of a time when people strived
to have the bragging right of having the most exclusive and unique sneakers in
order to be able to start their brag with “I was the first” or “the only to”. Today,
some people still strive for those bragging rights but being “exclusive” and “unique”
is much harder task to accomplish than before. Before the internet came and evened out the playing field. Before,
one needed to know of a [low key] “spot” that you cherished as your best kept
secret. An underground place you were sure would have a continual incoming flow
of exclusive footwear and information on their release dates.
Now this “spot” was like a
commodity within the then urban fashion barter system which came with various [unspoken]
rules of engagement. For instance, you had to be selective; You might only
share your spot with your closest of friends, if anyone at all. Or else you
raise the risk of diminishing the value of the spot and inadvertently your own
exclusivity if you shared with too many. And lastly, if you did decide to share
it with anyone, you only shared your spot in exchange for someone else’s secret
sneaker or apparel spot or comparable value which was dictated by the person’s
fashion sense.
However, the
sport of sneaker [spot] hunting would change forever with the emergence of the
internet and what we now recognize as the online “sneaker-head” community. A
community that made way for such sneaker forums as Niketalk.com and
Hypebeast.com. Forums with millions of followers which herald photos, analysis,
potential release dates and worst of all
where they would be available! This trend eventually eliminated the “thrill of
the chase”…. for me at least. It watered down the sport; it evened out the
playing field between those that were in “the know” and those that were not.
Nowadays it seems as though everyone knows
and claims to be “exclusive”; Which is pretty oxymoronic if everyone is wearing
the same sneakers.
With the help of the internet, the
craving for sneakers became insatiable and a sneaker company’s beautiful
nightmare. The sneaker companies began to put out more sneakers styles than we
could eventually keep up with. Even once geographically specific sneakers have
now become internationally attainable with the simple click of an online order.
Once you missed out on a release, you missed out. Now if you miss a release you
can get lucky and find someone selling them online for higher than retail; which
has also given way to the lucrative business of secondhand resales.
I am not saying that internet is the
worst thing to happen to the sneaker game. I am just saying the game done
changed. Its now costly, over-saturation and over-hyped. Nonetheless, over the past
couple of years my concern in the case of sneakers has shifted from being “the
first” and “the only” with the sneakers that everyone else will eventually have
to simply seeking under the radar classic, economical and most importantly
comfortable kicks that people do not look at twice. But if done properly could
step your game up for much less.
As the summer approaches its end, a
few people have asked me what sneakers I favored as good investments. And so I
have comprised my list of top 4 summer sneakers under USD$80 which I will
reveal throughout the next couple of weeks. Enjoy.
Week 1
Nike Cortez
It is widely thought that the Nike Cortez was integral to
the success of Nike since their introduction to the general public in the 1972 Olympics.
The demand for the Nike Cortez after the ’72 Olympics caused for the sneaker’s sales
to skyrocket!
It is said that the foam is measured to be generously placed
in more significant parts of the shoe with intentions of offering comfort,
absorbing road shock and proving other health benefits.
I have seen very few people sporting Nike Cortez. I love
their unique look, endless color combinations, lightweight feel and comfortable
and durable herringbone rubber outer sole and dual density foam full length mid
sole. The combination of these two soles reduces leg fatigue, raises the heel
of the shoe to reduce Achilles tendon strains and provides maximum comfort. With
all those benefits for a modest price tag of $64.99* which can be found
here.
(*depending on the supply limitations of the style).
Outfit Details:
Army and Navy khaki hat
Polo denim shirt
Old Navy frayed khaki shorts
Red with Navy horsemen Polo socks
Canyon Gold and University Red SE Vintage Nike Cortez.
Stay tuned next week for the 2nd of my top 4 list for 2014 Summer kicks...
The embracement of the Nike Blazers by the skater community
gave way to the launch of Nike Skateboarding aka Nike SB. Irrespective of its hefty sole, the Blazers are an overall
lightweight and comfortable sneaker. They come equipped with inner padding which
is responsible for the light weight “walking on air” feel. Since its transition
into a skater sneaker they now are manufactured with double stitching and more
durable materials in order to meet the high wear and tear of skateboarding sneakers.
Despite the current addition Nike has found the balance in order not to
compromise the weight of the sneaker. The Blazers come in Hi, Mid, and Low-top
designs which often carry a price tag of $54.99* or if you don’t mind paying a
little extra to design your own here.
(*Price may range between female, male and children sizes as
well as for the more expensive Nike SB and Nike’s “Premium” designs)
