Rags and Riches: Shoes
Kickin’ out the old styles and jumping into the new.
December 15, 2015
Riches:
Vans is an American shoe and apparel company based out of Cypress, California. This company was introduced in 1966, and came back into style around 2013. Vans are a type of sneaker that are stylish, comfortable, and affordable all in one. A new pair of Vans start at the price of $45.
Converse, or Chuck Taylors, is an American shoe company that started in 1908. When the company first started they were manufacturing galoshes, but in 1920 the “All Star” shoe we know today was introduced. The “All Star” shoe was designed for basketball players, up until everyone wanted a pair and wore them as everyday sneakers. A new pair of Converse start at the price of $50.
Birkenstock is a shoe company headquartered in Germany and was founded in 1774 by Johann Birkenstock. It wasn’t until 1896, though, that the shoes were actually being produced and sold by Konrad Birkenstock. Birkenstocks have come in and out of style, but now are very popular with teens. A new pair of Birkenstocks start at the price of $99.95.
In 1984, Michael Jordan led North Carolina to a national championship and then later won a gold medal in the olympics. The same year, he was drafted into the NBA and signed an endorsement with Nike. Nike gave Jordan his own shoe line, and thus the Air Jordan I was created. They were carefully designed basketball shoes that are now worn everyday. A new pair of Jordan’s when they debuted were $65, which was one of the most expensive on the market, but now the starting price is $100.
In 1949, Adolf Dassler (Adi Dassler) started to work with 47 employees to produce the 3-stripes shoe. Screw-in studs were added to the bottom and worn as football (soccer) shoes in the 1954 World Cup between Germany and Hungary. They were recognized as lightweight shoes perfect for football. The company went on to produce more shoes for different sports, and are now worn for everyday shoes or for athletics. A pair of Adidas shoes start at $60.
Rags:
New Balance
New Balance has been around for a while, but now does not really spark a teenager’s interest. Most New Balance shoes are very dense and thick, which is not too attractive to the eye. A lot of the designs are dull, too.
Puma
Puma was popular some years ago, but now are just not in the minds of consumers. Although Puma is popular for other apparel items, like golf wear, shoes are not the company’s strong suit.
Skechers
Skechers might have been cool as a child, but now are not popular within the culture today. Although it is exciting to have your shoes light up, or have the child-like structure, but just they don’t work in the teenage society.
Crocs
Much like Skechers, Crocs were cool as a child, but now are seen as childish if you wear them. They may be helpful in wet situations, but are not usually worn as an everyday shoe. They are trying to make a comeback, though, so the future of the shoe business will be interesting.
Osiris
This typical skater shoe was very popular for a while, but now are not in style. The clunk they make in the hallway just show how heavy they are on the feet. The big, clunky skater shoe is just not appealing to the eye any longer.
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