Andrew Pace
Basketball shoes have evolved from the simple need to keep students occupied indoors during harsh winters. In 1891, James Naismith, a Canadian professor, invented basketball to keep his students active during the winter. Over time, the sport gained popularity, and with it, the need for specialised footwear. Converse was the first company to release basketball shoes in 1917, known as Non-Skids, which had a canvas upper and rubber sole. Chuck Taylor, who worked with Converse to release the Chuck Taylor All-Stars, was perhaps the first basketball player to have his name on a shoe. The Puma Clyde, endorsed by Walt Clyde Frazier, became the most popular basketball shoe of the 1970s, dethroning Converse. The 1980s saw the rise of sneaker wars with Nike, Converse, and Reebok battling it out, with Nike signing Michael Jordan and releasing the iconic Air Jordans. The 1990s continued the trend, with Nike, Reebok, and Adidas signing stars like Shaq, Kobe Bryant, and Kevin Garnett. Today, basketball shoes are a multi-billion dollar industry, with a vast history and a dedicated fandom of collectors.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Date basketball was originated | 1891 |
| Date basketball shoes were created | 1917 |
| First company to release basketball shoes | Converse |
| Name of the first basketball shoe | All Star shoe |
| Year Converse made a deal with Chuck Taylor | 1920 |
| Name of the shoe after the deal with Chuck Taylor | Chuck Taylor All-Star |
| Year Converse added Taylor's signature to the ankle patch | 1922 |
| Year Converse released "DR.J. Pro Leather" | 1976 |
| Year Puma created a shoe design with a wider sole and a suede upper | 1973 |
| Name of the shoe designed by Puma with a suede upper | Puma Clyde |
| Year Nike released their first basketball shoes | 1972 and 1978 |
| Name of the first two Nike basketball shoes | Nike Bruin and The Blazer |
| Year Nike released Air Jordan | 1982 |
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What You'll Learn
Converse All Stars
The Converse All-Star was first introduced in 1917 as an elite basketball shoe, featuring a canvas and rubber design. Basketball had been invented in 1891, less than 100 miles from Converse’s headquarters in Springfield, Massachusetts, and was growing in popularity. The Converse All-Star shoe was designed to fill a gap in the market, targeting the increasing number of basketball players. The shoe was initially marketed under the name "Non-Skids".
In 1921, Charles "Chuck" Taylor, an American semi-professional basketball player for the Akron Firestone Non-Skids, joined Converse as a salesman. Within a year, the company had adopted Taylor's ideas for improvements, which included enhancing the shoe's flexibility and ankle support. The restyled shoe also featured a distinctive All-Star logo on the circular patch that protected the ankle. In recognition of his contributions, Converse added Taylor's signature to the ankle patch, and the shoe became known as the Chuck Taylor All Star.
The Chuck Taylor All Star shoe gained widespread popularity in the following decades. By the 1930s, it was being worn by basketball players across America, and in 1936, Chuck Taylor designed a white hi-top model with red and blue accents for the USA’s Olympic basketball team. The All Stars became a symbol of patriotism during World War II and were adopted as the official athletic training shoes of the U.S. armed forces. By the 1950s, the shoes had become a standard among high school, collegiate, and professional basketball players, with Converse capturing about 70 to 80 percent of the basketball shoe market by the 1960s.
However, in the 1970s, Converse began to face competition from other footwear manufacturers, such as Adidas, Ewing, Nike, Puma, and Reebok, who introduced new technologies and innovative designs specifically for basketball players. As a result, the popularity of Converse All Stars declined, and the company struggled financially due to poor business decisions and a lack of funds. Despite this, the shoes regained popularity in the 1980s and 1990s as casual, retro-style footwear, favoured by various subcultures, artists, and musicians.
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The rise of sneaker culture
Converse was the first company to release a basketball shoe, the All-Star shoe, in 1917. In 1920, the company partnered with Chuck Taylor to release the Chuck Taylor All-Stars, which dominated basketball courts for decades. In the 1970s, Puma created the Puma Clyde, which became the most popular basketball shoe of that decade. The shoe had a suede upper and a wider sole, which provided a better stance. In 1976, Converse released the "DR. J. Pro Leather" shoe, which was worn by Tree Rollins during the 1979 and 1980 seasons.
In the 1980s, Nike followed with two versions of basketball shoes: the Nike Bruin and The Blazer. However, the turning point for sneaker culture came with the release of Nike's Air Jordan 1s in 1985. Michael Jordan, a talented rookie, signed a five-year, $2.5 million endorsement deal with Nike in 1984. The Air Jordan 1s debuted in bold hues of white, black, and red, defiantly taunting the NBA's footwear guidelines. Nike paid the $5,000 fine each time Jordan wore the shoes during a game, and as Jordan's career took off, the sneakers' popularity skyrocketed. The Air Jordan line became the frontline for basketball shoes, turning them into a fashion statement.
Since the start of the 21st century, sneaker culture has grown significantly, with a dedicated fandom of "sneakerhead" collectors. Special editions of basketball shoes often sell out within minutes of their release, and sneaker culture has gone mainstream, with exhibitions dedicated to the design and history of sneakers held at influential museums. Rare sneakers have become highly sought-after among collectors, and the reseller market has flourished. Collaborations between brands and pivotal artists like Rihanna, Travis Scott, and Kanye West have further defined the shoe game. Additionally, the influence of celebrities like the Kardashians has helped to target a new demographic and expand the reach of sneaker culture.
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Basketball shoes as fashion
Basketball shoes have become a fashion statement, with people wearing them off the court. Converse was the first company to release a basketball shoe, the All Star shoe, in 1917. In 1920, the company collaborated with Chuck Taylor to release the Chuck Taylor All-Star basketball shoe. Chuck Taylor held basketball clinics across the US to market the shoe, and by the 1936 Berlin Summer Olympic Games, All Stars were the prominent shoe worn by basketball players.
In the 1970s and 80s, Adidas, Ewing, Nike, Puma, and Reebok entered the market, producing basketball shoes with innovative designs and materials. The Puma Clyde, released in the 1970s, was one of the most popular basketball shoes of that decade. The shoe had a suede upper and a wider sole, providing a better stance. The Air Jordan was another pivotal design, being the first basketball shoe to become a fashion statement. Since then, Nike has continued to integrate prominent basketball players into their marketing campaigns.
Basketball shoes have become a trendy and fashionable item, with people incorporating them into their casual wardrobes. Style experts recommend pairing basketball shoes with skinny jeans or slim-fit pants to showcase the shoes. They also suggest choosing the right colours and avoiding bold prints when wearing basketball shoes with intricate designs or bright colours.
The popularity of basketball shoes has grown significantly in the 21st century, with a dedicated fandom of "sneakerhead" collectors. Special editions of basketball shoes often sell out within minutes of their release, and the sneaker culture has gone mainstream, with exhibitions dedicated to the design and history of sneakers.
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Signature shoes
The birth of basketball shoes is closely linked to the history of basketball itself, which was invented by Canadian professor James Naismith in 1891 to keep his students occupied during long winters. Over time, the sport gained popularity, and with it, the need for dedicated footwear.
Converse was the first company to release a basketball shoe, the All Star shoe, in 1917. In 1920, they collaborated with Chuck Taylor to release the Chuck Taylor All-Star basketball shoe. By the 1936 Berlin Summer Olympics, Converse All Stars were the prominent shoe of choice for basketball players from all nations. The shoe's popularity continued to soar, and by the 1960s, it is estimated that around nine out of every ten college and professional basketball players wore Converse shoes.
However, in 1969, Converse's dominance was challenged by Adidas' Superstar sneakers, endorsed by NBA stars like Kareem Abdul-Jabbar and Jerry West. The Puma Clyde, endorsed by Walt "Clyde" Frazier in 1973, also gained immense popularity, offering a stylish alternative to the utilitarian sneakers of that era.
The 1980s witnessed the emergence of "sneaker wars" between major brands, with Nike making its mark in the basketball shoe market with the Air Jordan line, endorsed by Michael Jordan. Jordan's name and logo were featured on the shoe, setting a new precedent for signature shoes. The Air Jordan line transformed basketball shoes into a fashion statement, and Nike continued to integrate prominent basketball players into its marketing campaigns, signing stars like Scottie Pippen, Gary Payton, and Kevin Garnett.
The 1990s saw an "arms race" between manufacturers to sign the best players and offer them signature shoes. Reebok signed stars like Shaquille O'Neal, whose name was featured on the popular Reebok Shaq Attack shoe. Adidas signed Kobe Bryant, while Nike signed LeBron, releasing six shoes together.
Over time, the design of basketball shoes became increasingly influenced by scientific innovations and new technologies, with brands experimenting with materials like leather, suede, and canvas to enhance flexibility, support, and jumping ability. The basketball shoe industry has evolved into a multibillion-dollar global enterprise, with a dedicated fandom of "sneakerhead" collectors.
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Sneaker wars
The "Sneaker Wars" refers to the rivalry between the two sportswear giants Adidas and Puma, founded by brothers Adi and Rudi Dassler. The brothers started their shoe business in their mother's laundry room and achieved almost immediate success. However, by the end of World War II, a bitter feud divided the family and the company, leading to the creation of two rival sneaker brands. The competition between the brands sparked innovative ad campaigns and multimillion-dollar contracts with professional athletes, revolutionizing the world of sports.
The sneaker wars extended beyond Adidas and Puma, with other companies joining the competition to produce the best basketball shoes. Converse was the first company to release a basketball shoe, the All-Star, in 1917. In 1920, they collaborated with Chuck Taylor to create the Chuck Taylor All-Star shoe. Chuck Taylor promoted the shoes by holding basketball clinics across the US, and by the 1936 Berlin Summer Olympics, Converse All-Stars were worn by basketball players from various nations.
In the 1970s, new players entered the sneaker wars, including Adidas, Puma, Nike, Ewing, and Reebok. These companies utilized new technologies and scientific innovations to create cutting-edge designs for basketball players, aiming to enhance their performance. Puma's collaboration with NBA player Walt Clyde Frazier resulted in the Puma Clyde shoe, which became the most popular basketball shoe of the 1970s due to its design and wider sole. Nike entered the market in 1972 and 1978 with the Nike Bruin and The Blazer, respectively, incorporating leather, low leather, and suede into their designs.
The Air Jordan line by Nike was a significant turning point, transforming basketball shoes into a fashion statement. Since then, Nike has continued to collaborate with prominent basketball players for its marketing campaigns. The sneaker culture has grown exponentially in the 21st century, with special editions of basketball shoes often selling out within minutes of their release.
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Frequently asked questions
Basketball shoes were invented in 1917, 26 years after the game of basketball was created.
Converse was the first company to release a basketball shoe, the All Star shoe, in 1917.
The first basketball shoes were made with a canvas upper and rubber sole. They were initially known as "Non-Skids".
Chuck Taylor was the first player to have his name on a basketball shoe. The shoe was released by Converse in 1922 and became known as the Chuck Taylor All Star.
