Why are they called Sneakers?

The first concept of sneakers was born among Native Americans in the 16th century when they used latex to cover the soles of their feet for protection when tackling the hardest terrain.

In 1839, following the discovery of the vulcanization process that made latex more resistant, the first real gym shoe was invented in England, which achieved great success among the aristocratic world.

In 1896 they became a mass phenomenon thanks to the Athens Olympics but their consecration came when in 1936, Jesse Owens won 4 gold medals at the Berlin Olympics wearing a pair of Adidas.

In the 1950s, sneakers were elevated from the traditional athletic shoe concept thanks to James Dean, who wore them in the film Rebel Without a Cause, becoming a symbol of youthful rebellion and emancipation. Thirty years later, sneakers went mainstream thanks to Michael Jordan, who was chosen as Nike's face and sponsor of the Air Jordan, making this model iconic in the sneaker world, where even today there are still fans and a huge market.

Making sneakers a fashion shoe?

Italy took the lead with Giorgio Armani , who definitively popularized the concept of sneakers as a sporty item, pairing them with business suits and tuxedos. Thanks to Armani, sneakers graced the most prestigious runways. Today, sneakers enhance any outfit, from sporty to elegant, becoming a fashion icon and a status symbol.

Now you might want to know why they're called sneakers?

It is said that the name derives from their rubber sole which makes them much quieter than classic shoes, allowing the wearer to sneak up on someone.

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Photo by Vitalina: bit.ly/42GJ8lP