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Evolving from a culture of hip hop music, graphitti art, djing, break dancing and skating, the sneaker game is steadily making its way into mainstream culture, bringing along with it dynamic style and comfort! Typically a subculture dominated by men, women are stepping up–and stepping out–with their own sneaker game. But let’s be clear: this is not a trend, this is a movement! Women sneaker fiends are not just about looking cute in the latest styles. They have a true love and desire for the sneaker game. So what is a sneaker fiend exactly? According to Lori Lobenstine, creator of the ultimate website for female sneaker heads, femalesneakerfiend.com, “a sneaker fiend is anyone obsessed with their sneakers. It doesn’t matter if it’s all about one brand or matching them to your outfit, scrubbing them clean when they get dirty (or all of the above!). If you spend way too much time thinking about your sneakers, you’re a sneaker fiend!” Sneaker enthusiasts bask in the purchasing, collecting, acquiring exclusives, trading, discussing and worshiping of their sneakers. But, it’s more than aesthetics. It’s about your first favorite pair of kicks that you rocked all summer, or the sneakers you wore to your first ball game. It’s the feeling you get after saving nickel and dime just to be able to walk out of the store with the newest and hottest pair of sneakers. It’s the way heads turn to look and admire.
“allows us to step into different aspects of the game: moving up and getting recognition as collectors, customizers, store owners, sneaker designers, promoters, etc.”
While their male counterparts have it easier with accessibility to size, women face the challenge of finding these same styles and colors in their size. Mainstream retail stores often equate women with pink, leaving them with limited options. The few and fortunate who have tiny feet are able to fit into boy sizes, while others, opt to wear a men’s sneaker one size too large just to don their favorite kicks. It’s the sacrifice of a true sneaker lover, but this is not to be confused with complacency. Women sneaker fiends are using every outlet to voice their needs and concerns.
With the launch of websites like femalesneakerfiend.com and nikewomen.com, the internet has allowed a forum for female sneaker fanatics to be seen on a larger scale. According to Lori, this “allows us to step into different aspects of the game: moving up and getting recognition as collectors, customizers, store owners, sneaker designers, promoters, etc.” Lori has also started an online petition in an effort to push sneaker companies to come out with smaller sizes in their new sneakers lines.
Women in the entertainment and sports industry such as Missy Elliot and Sheryl Swoopes also continue to inspire women through collaborations with sneaker lines such as Adidas, Pumas and Nike. And if the designer bug is in you, Nike ID and Puma’s Mongolian Shoe BBQ allows sneaker lovers to custom design their own sneakers.
This season, sneakers create their own story line by showcasing bold colors, crazy patterns, different fabrics, leather and crocodile skin, fat and skinny laces making them more interesting for the consumer. According to Lori the hottest sneakers this season for women are the Adidas Forum Mids, and some of the 25th anniversary Reebok Freestyles. If you’re looking for amazing color ways, New Balance delivers. And even smaller companies such as Pointer Footwear and Undercrown, are stepping up their sneaker game for women. We can’t forget the classics too! Dunks, by Nike are huge, Jordans, Uptowns and Air Force 1’s never disappoint.
Liberating ourselves from balancing acts, swollen ankles and aching backs, women are retiring their three inch heels to the backs of closets and stepping out in the comfort and bold fashion of designer sneakers. Through the determination of female sneaker fiends we can all look forward to being fashionably fierce in a pair of kicks made in our size, just for us!
Summer Hamilton-Smith is a contributing writer to Clutch Magazine.
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THANK YOU SO MUCH FOR THIS ARTICLE!!!!
*wiping the drool from the corners of my mouth*
Okay, I’m ready to speak in a normal tone now (smile). This article is just wonderful. As a woman who likes to change my look from time to time, and who likes to still look trendy and groomed when sporting a pair of sneakers, this article is right up my alley. Keep up the great work Clutch.
New Balance has truly evolved. i’m with Gabrielle, thank you sincerely for this article.
Nice article Clutch! It’s nice when a magazine finally recognizes that a lot of us women sooo love their “kicks” aka “Street Pumps”, even sometimes as much as a man. For one, I’m from an age when wearing sneakers with your workclothes to work was thought to be “tacky”. Now Women are “stepping out” and “stepping up” (as Ms. Hamiltion-Smith put it). These days I see business women in sneakers to match their workclothes for reason of design, color and comfort and it looks great. It’s all good, and thank you Ms Hamiliton-Smith for your insight and research, keep up the good work! Power to us women!!
This article is a definite eye opener for females who haven’t traditionally considered running shoes synonymous with style or fashion. It offers a viable alternative for those who thought that sneakers were just for exercise (or guys). I think I’ll go out and get some…love those black and fuchsia nikes! Great article.
Being a tiny footed (is that a word) Diva, it’s hard to find shoes. So, of course, I love my sneaks. Bravo to Clutch for providing other options to shop! And bravo to Ms. Smith for her descriptive stlye! I soooooooo feel like shopping!
Keep up the good work.
Thanks!!!! Those kicks are sooo hot
Wow! Thanks Ms’SHS’ Someone finally figured out that you dont have to give up your femininity or style to be comfortable! How many times/years have we all watched (and or participated in) the women of corporate America wiz pass ‘to & fro’ sporting a pair of ’sneaks’ that are later to be trading in for ‘office edicate heels’ that are hidden under our desk! Not to mention what we’ve been conditioned to think we should wear to take a stroll, run an errand, club in, do brunch in or go on dates in! I hope the guys are paying attention to this article! Free at Last, Free At Last, Our Feet are finally, free at last!
Thanks for the article & info! Please keep it coming!
oh man…i love this magazine.
…thats all i have to say! hahaha.
it feels like i just read a review about the “hottest” exhibit at the MET titled “street pumps”.
“big up” to miss hamilton-smith for delivering a message that conveys how us women too like the “fine-art” that street pumps can bring. i’m about to throw away my “pumpkin seeds” and get some new kicks.
WELL RESEARCHED AND VERY INFORMATIVE ARTICLE. KEEP UP THE GOOD WORK!!!
Street pumps is my best article so far since i first started reading clutch mag. online thanks Ms.SHS :)
I cannot find the Adidas featured in your “Sneaker Pumps” article anywhere online. The 1st shoe, pink Gazelle ones. I need em’. Any help?