If the stage was set for the Sneaker Revolution by basketball shoes, the Revolution began with the popular acceptance of men’s running shoes. Nike led the charge. In the late 1960’s and early 1970’s, a new company, called Nike, introduced new silhouettes with their running shoes. They started to gain popular acceptance. It was no longer necessary in the American Youth Culture to wear your Chuck Taylor’s or ProKeds. You could also wear a pair of Nikes. In the early 1970’s there was a protracted strike at the American canvas sneaker factories. Kids could not get their AllStars or ProKeds. They were sold out. In some ways, this disruption of the supply of popular canvas basketball shoes allowed companies like Nike to offer new running shoes. People tried them and liked them. They began to introduce new technologies that made running shoes more supportive and comfortable. The Sneaker Revolution entered a new phase.

With the advent of men’s running shoes and women’s running shoes, people asked for new technologies. They wanted shoes that would provide more support, shoes that would provide stability and cushioning, shoes that would absorb impact and protect the foot, shoes with new materials, shoes for use on the trail. The popular demand for footwear designed for runners encouraged companies like adidas, Asics, New Balance, Saucony, Brooks, Nike etc to develop new technologies.

The Sneaker Revolution had begun!