When it comes to urban fashion — nothing quite captivates the hearts of buyers and wearers like sneakers. In terms of its impact on citified style, sneakers broadly became the crowning status symbol. Sneakers aka kicks, are by far the most sought-after fashion trend on the planet.
How come though? What is it about sneakers that make them so esteemed amongst the people? In essence, most of its popularity can be ascribed to the worldwide phenomenon known as Hip-Hop.
Really "kicks" became popular globally in 1986 due to the promotion of Adidas by rap group, Run DMC. From there, numerous hip hop stars spoke on records of the sneakers they like to sport (e.g. Nike Air Jordan 1's), and released photos, album covers and music videos donning those very same shoes. The relationship between sneaker brands and Hip-Hop would ultimately ignite a sub-culture, dubbed as the “Sneakerheads.”
There are many sneakers that have enthralled sneakerheads over the years — Huarache's, the Penny Hardaway's, Air Force 1's, Reebok Pumps, pretty much any Air Max. Though, like any other product, there's an elite class that stands out on it's own and touches the people unlike anything else in it's realm.
The following 5 sneakers are just that . . . in a league by themselves. These are kicks that had the most impact on major metropolises—kicks that everyone and their momma ran out to buy! We present to you: 5 Sneakers That (Literally) Flipped The City Upside Down.
Nike Air Trainer SC High - Bo Jackson "#34"
The Nike Air Trainer SC High bka the "Bo Jackson's", were inspired by Bo Jackson’s days as a running back for the Oakland Raiders. Bo Jackson was a 3-sport college athletic star and one of the few NFL players ever granted permission by his team to play the game of baseball while being under contract (and is the only player to be an All-Star in the NFL and MLB).
Fila 96 (Grant Hill II)
Grant Hill was pretty much the face of FILA Basketball for the latter part of the 1990's. Initially known as the 'Fila Grant Hill 2', these shoes were the second signature sneaker for Grant Hill. Premiering in 1996, they were renamed the 'Fila 96' for their retro run which commenced in 2008.
Nike Air Griffey Max
Unquestionably the most popular and certainly the most often re-released Nike trainer, baseball icon Ken Griffey Jr.'s debut sneaker established him as one of the industry's leading signature athletes and transformed the category entirely. The stylish, yet potent design set the mark for what ended up being one of the greatest signature lines of all-time.
Reebok Question
There's no doubt that the Reebok Question's are as acclaimed as the Rookie of the Year who sported them. Allen Iverson defied his naysayers who wondered his skill and size when he first entered the National Basketball Association. The Question is by far the best selling of Iverson's entire line, shattering record sales for Reebok.
Air Jordan XI
It's no shocker that the greatest sneaker of the 90's (and perhaps any other time), the Air Jordan XI, is by the greatest basketball player of all-time. Michael Jordan is #1 as far sneaker production and popularity. The Air Jordan XI's design — the patent leather, ballistic mesh and carbon fiber, was a combo of groundbreaking and game changing. Hands down, this is the most popular sneaker to ever drop.