Tag: stories

Sneaker Stories: Always New Stories to Be Told

Sneakers hold countless stories beyond the materialistic and physical aspects. Some sneakers bring nostalgia while others invoke intense emotions and memories highlighting important experiences. Sneaker stories are no longer an addition to sneakers, but now these stories are necessary for a well-rounded and respected release.

Storytelling in Sneakers

Storytelling and sneakers have been a complementary duo since the existence of sneakers. They aren’t just shoes. They tell stories that a regular pair of shoes would never have the chance of telling. Sneakers go beyond the physical; they often invoke feelings of nostalgia, belonging, and purpose.

Sneaker stories bring countless enthusiasts together that would have been strangers otherwise. People whose lives would never have crossed paths get connected through the stories and experiences that sneakers provide on a constant basis.

Sneaker brands all over the world retro sneakers because they’re nostalgic and tell stories that words don’t have the power to explain to the fullest extent. Nobody would buy sneakers that come out in similar versions if they had no significance, meaning, or social impact/influence.

Sneaker Stories and Social Influence

Nobody cares about the cookie-cutter sneakers that don’t tell anything beyond the sneaker itself. Sneakers should extend beyond the materialistic aspect; a solid pair of sneakers has to cross multiple dimensions of art and creativity.

Social influence comes over time and cannot be manufactured. Social history comes with influence over time. The best sneaker brands have mastered the art of story telling and amassing immense social influence worldwide. The same story means the same thing globally; the best sneaker stories remain true to their historical and social impacts no matter how much time has passed.

Sneakers go far beyond the sneaker world. They often cross into music, sports, art, and obviously fashion. Sneaker history is part of much wider histories like those mentioned. Sneaker storytelling casts social influence amongst even individuals who aren’t well educated about sneaker history and footwear labels all over the world. Sneaker culture is no longer a subculture, but now plays a major role far wider than the sneaker world.

Sneaker Stories in Sports

Sneakers and sports have a long-lasting relationship that captures rich histories in both realms. Tons of people remember when basketball players used to wear Converse sneakers. Now, they wear sneakers from brands all over the world.

Sneaker stories in sports date back to the beginning days of sports. No matter the footwear used in a particular sport, sneakers have tons of influence on the sporting world globally. Sports like American football have been directly impacted by sneakers through numerous noticeable stories from labels, especially Nike, who has been known to be focused on other sports.

Sneaker stories

Basketball has without a doubt the richest sneaker history compared to every other sport known to man. From the story telling of Air Jordan to Nike Basketball’s rich history, there is no shortage of sneaker storytelling on the hardwood. Basketball’s relationship with sneakers remains complex and extremely close. Sneakers and basketball weren’t born together, but they will go hand in hand for eternity.

Sneaker Stories: Sneakers With Meaning

Since the first sneakers ever released until now, there has always been a storytelling element involved. Now, it is a requirement for sought-after sneakers to have some sort of story or deeper meaning attached to them. Materials only go so far. People often buy sneakers now because they are tied to a particular athlete or celebrity, they tell a story that resonates with a consumer personally, or they have nostalgic feelings toward a particular pair of kicks.

Sneaker stories aren’t going away anytime soon. The storytelling in sneakers has become essential to countless releases and the social impact of sneakers all over the world.

Sneaker Shopping: The Complex Sensation

Anyone who is interested in sneakers has most likely seen at least one episode of Complex’s “Sneaker Shopping.” The hit series brings celebrities from all walks of life to discuss their personal style and tell stories about sneakers. Complex has continuously put out original sneaker content with the help of Joe La Puma.

Sneaker shopping is not always glamorous. Sometimes the sneakers someone wants aren’t available in-store or they cannot find their size in stock. However, “Sneaker Shopping” glorifies the shopping experience and often attracts individuals outside of the sneaker world.

Fresh and Original Episodes

YouTube has an abundance of content. Many niches are oversaturated and contain recycled content. Especially within sneakers, countless YouTube channels seem to post the same type of videos as their competitors. Success often (but not always) requires a fresh perspective.

Although Complex doesn’t always provide the most original content, they definitely brought a new idea to the sneaker world of YouTube.

“Sneaker Shopping” hosted by Joe La Puma gives viewers a look into the minds of their favorite celebrities. Fast-paced and lively interviews kick off each edition of the show.

Notable Show Guests

Any popular YouTube series will draw in wider audiences with the guest stars ranging from actors, athletes, rappers, and even comedians. Complex knows they would be limiting the show’s potential if they only sought out guests who are already infatuated with sneakers. Some guests who love sneakers may not keep up to date with news and upcoming releases.

Guests often make or break episodes of live shows like “Sneaker Shopping.” The stories told are unique and often light-hearted. Joe La Puma interviews every guest well and asks relevant questions to keep the content engaging.

Some of the most notable guests of Complex’s sneaker series include Quavo, Takeoff (RIP Legend), and Offset, Samuel L. Jackson, Marshawn Lynch, Rick Ross, Neymar, and Druski. The biggest names make appearances on the hit show and provide interesting and unique perspectives.

Joe La Puma has perfected his craft because he lets the guests practically run the show. Viewers are interested in what their favorite celebrity, athlete, or artist is wearing and where they get inspiration from.

Complex makes sure the guests are the highlight of the series. From big spenders to brand enthusiasts, every guest provides a different outlook on their view towards sneakers as a whole.

Sneaker Shopping: Genuine Interactions

Most of the “Sneaker Shopping” episodes showcase genuine interactions between Joe La Puma and the countless guests. Every guest brings intriguing perspectives that are brought to light thanks to Complex.

Shopping experiences aren’t always viewed in a positive light for numerous reasons. However, Complex puts out original content with “Sneaker Shopping” to show more positivity surrounding sneaker shopping.

The need for more positive content on YouTube and the internet in general will never go away. Jealousy and hate is no stranger online especially in the sneaker community. As sneakers have become more mainstream, there are less genuine interactions than back in the day. Many people only look for profit and do not actually care about sneakers, the history behind them or the culture as a whole.

It’s refreshing to see Complex put out content that is original and authentic. Viewers clearly see different guest personalities. It’s interesting and insightful to see how celebrities, athletes, and artists all come to various reasonings behind what they like and what they don’t. Everyone grows up differently which directly influences how they portray themselves in the future.

Joe La Puma does an excellent job of bringing out authentic personalities on “Sneaker Shopping.” He asks intriguing questions about their background, what they like to rock, and how they first got into sneakers. Guests are open to answering questions about sneakers, fashion, and anything in between.

Nobody wants to watch a dry interview without any witty interactions. Complex ensures that guests and Joe La Puma work together to provide a genuine, enjoyable experience for sneaker lovers and countless viewers.

Complex’s Big Ballers

At the end of every episode, the show’s guests shop for sneakers in a secondhand, retail, or resell store. They browse quickly in the episode, but are not shy from spending someone’s rent in a matter of minutes.

Some of the most notable spenders drop huge bills on highly sought after sneakers. At the end of every episode, all sneaker purchases are highlighted in a dramatic fashion. Many viewers would not drop the prices shown on Complex’s “Sneaker Shopping” but can still appreciate how certain sneakers blossom in value over time. Some classics will stay at the top for obvious reasons while some shoes have high resell value strictly due to hype.

In 2019, the YouTube series saw some of its biggest ballers. The history of Complex “Sneaker Shopping” may never see these records broken.

2019 Record Setters

P.J. Tucker, an NBA player more known for his crazy sneaker collection, has one of the highest spending records on the show and the highest of 2019 for strictly sneakers. He dropped just over $33,000 (which is not much to someone in his tax bracket). To see celebrities and athletes pay the price of a brand new car on sneakers baffles many people, even sneakerheads.

Sneaker Shopping
Photo by Complex Sneakers

Complex also saw another record set in 2019. The Atlanta-based rapper Future spent almost forty racks on sneakers and designer clothing. Future’s episode was one that countless viewers will never forget.

The top “Sneaker Shopping” spender of 2019 was the rapper Juice WRLD (RIP) with a total just over $42,000. Some of the highest spenders on Complex’s hit series puts things into perspective for many sneaker enthusiasts. Many people wouldn’t think about spending that type of money on sneakers and clothing (both depreciating assets).

However, these high-spending episodes show an foreign lifestyle. Countless viewers will not be able to relate and often would rather watch episodes where guests come across as less alienated and more down to earth.

Complex’s “Sneaker Shopping” brings viewers all around the world with one common objective- buying sneakers. Guests highlight the show and add new flare to every episode. Many YouTube channels have tried to emulate Complex’s hit sensation, but have never found the same type of success. Complex will keep their foot on the accelerator and will continue to look for improvements for “Sneaker Shopping.”