In the sneaker world there are countless options for figuring out a unique style. Sometimes it can be a bit overwhelming. The paradox of choice often makes sneaker purchases harder than they should be. However, as time goes on, individuals typically get a better sense of what they will wear more often; it does not make sense to keep buying sneakers that only collect dust and look nice on display.
People often look to social media and celebrities to figure out what’s hot and what’s not. This follower mindset is what usually leads to collecting sneakers that barely get worn. Instead, sneaker enthusiasts should seek to figure out their personal style before buying countless pairs of shoes.
Sense of Style
It often takes an individual years of trial and error before even getting an idea of their personal style. To dabble here and there in different niches is not always a bad thing. One can argue that trying styles outside of their comfort zone leads to a greater sense of individuality in the long run. Mixing and matching typically results in unique styles that cannot be replicated; for example, wearing a mix of streetwear and athletic wear. The possibilities are endless when a person opens up their style to expand upon its current limits.
Style represents much more than what the eye can see. Individualistic taste comes from numerous factors, both internal and external. Some internal aspects can include body weight/height and feeling confident in certain clothes. External factors involve inspiration from others, hot trends, and new drops constantly coming out.
The Limitless World of Sneakers
Individualistic style and sneakers often go together like peanut butter and jelly. New sneakers coming out virtually everyday leads to endless possibilities for people to express themselves. There will never be a shortage of shoes to choose from; following trends to the t severely limits these choices.
The amount of unique brands today allows for enthusiasts everywhere to find their favorites and eventually their most worn sneakers. The rise of boutique labels has led to extremely loyal fans who rep shoes that are not common to see in person.
There will never be a shortage of colorways. From classics to timeless combos to new and unique looks, we are currently living in the most advanced age in the sneaker industry.
The materials used now are far more progressive and boundary-breaking than any period in the twentieth century. Innovation continues to exceed expectations. A sneaker lover can find a comfortable pair of shoes all around; the past only allowed for a select few “comfortable” sneakers (virtually walking around with bricks compared to clouds today). The basketball shoes in the past offered no ankle support. Now players are used to ultra-supportive mid/high tops but low tops even offer more stability than the best high tops in the 70s, 80s, and 90s.
Custom Creps
Anybody can walk around with exclusive kicks in the present. Customs have proven to be a huge wave with no signs of crashing. From designers like Mache and The Shoe Surgeon, custom sneakers have become an art that captures many for various reasons. Anyone with a marker can even create their own one of ones. The custom hype has no signals of slowing down anytime soon.
Countless collectors would rather own and proudly wear exclusive kicks. When someone does not have the means to obtain sought after sneakers, they can turn to the world of customs. Either a semi-professional, a dedicated veteran, or yourself can create your own pair of customs. Personal pairs often hold great significance no matter how they are created (as long as there is noticeable time and effort put forth).
Structured Style Approach
Personal style depends on how much time and effort a person puts forth. There is no such thing as a unique touch without making “mistakes” first. In fashion, there are unwritten and personal rules that teach plenty about finding one’s unique looks. There is no such thing as unstructured personal style; over time, an individual finds their own lane through various forms of visual and representative organization.
Individualistic taste does not come overnight. There are plenty of awkward phases and figuring out to do before someone truly understands their own preferences and go to styles. Especially in the sneaker world, it may be hard to contain oneself to a specific lane or niche. There are plenty of particular looks among sneakers such as futuristic, beat up/vintage, classics, runners, etc. At the end of the day, nobody can fully structure someone else’s style. If they can, it is no longer personal or unique.
Sneakers are key way for someone to figure out what they like and don’t like in fashion. Pairing shoes with clothes is an art that nobody can ever perfect. Style is always subjective, but it is essential to have some sort of structure and blueprint in the long run. The composition may shift many times throughout one’s life; there are only new beginnings that form from the events and ideas of the past.
