It’s easier than ever to find your niche in sneakers because of how widespread the sneaker world has become. Sneakers have gone noticeably mainstream over the past few years. It’s inevitable to see someone wearing Jordan 1s or Yeezys on the street but they aren’t really “sneakerheads.”
Niches are evident in every fashion subculture. Sneakers have literally something for everyone; anyone can find a sneaker that suits their style and personal appearance. From “dad” shoes to timeless Air Jordans to new silhouettes and models, there is an abundance of variety in the world of sneakers.
Niche In Sneakers: Something for Everyone
Sneakers have evolved since they were first introduced in the fashion world and will continue to evolve for the foreseeable future. Shoes have been around forever. However, sneakers are a rather recent phenomenon in the vast history of footwear.
Most sneakers used to be considered basketball, running or even “tennis shoes.” Now, sneakers aren’t limited to sport or athletic wear. Finding a particular niche in sneakers is easier than ever because of the variety in the sneaker realm.
Sneakers have expended into niches in fashion that haven’t been touched before. Companies like Gucci, Balenciaga, and Alexander McQueen appeal to high-end and luxury consumers with sneakers that look and feel “elevated.” These luxury fashion houses have gone deeper in their bags to include sneakers in their footwear lines to reach niche audiences and bring in more customers who wouldn’t have been reachable otherwise.
Of course, footwear giants like Nike, Adidas, New Balance, and even Puma produce a vast array of sneakers which gives almost everyone something to fit into their wardrobe. Some sneakers are better paired with athletic wear while some can be “dressed up” and others are meant for practical purposes like playing a sport or engaging in intense exercise.
One Size Fits Most
Sneakers are an incredibly general type of footwear. They can be used for a few purposes or many, depending on the type of sneaker. One sneaker will not serve every purpose possible, but they will often be versatile and compatible for a variety of occasions.
For example, a pair of Jordans can be worn to play basketball, going shopping, and even going on a date. However, all sneakers aren’t like this. Sneakers built for running are more limited in their capability. They aren’t practical for much besides its intended use.
Although sneakers cover a broad range of footwear, some are better for certain purposes than others. A niche in sneakers doesn’t necessary limit the shoes. Sometimes they are multi-functional. Other times they are more focused towards a particular specialty.
Finding A Unique Niche in Sneakers
Someone new to the sneaker world may be overwhelmed by the plethora of choices. Once a niche is carefully picked, buying sneakers becomes ten times easier and simpler.
Someone who wants a pair of comfortable New Balances will often have a certain price point in mind. Also, they have a better idea of where to look and where to stay away from. A basketball-focused site won’t be ideal to find a pair of 990s. Once a niche is selected, sneaker buying becomes much more enjoyable.
Most sneaker enthusiasts target a particular type of sneaker. Some may prefer timeless silhouettes like Air Jordan 1s or 3s, while others are more interested in new models and colorways from Nike or New Balance. As people get older, they get a better idea of what type of sneaker suits their style and which ones don’t. Sneaker buying becomes more enjoyable because options become more limited and focused on fitting into a particular unique style.