SNEAKER CULTURE IN INDIA

Sneakers have proved to be an important part of my life. Whether it's a social meet with my friends or a formal get together with family, sneakers have been my constant companion. They deliver comfort with a style which one desires from a pair of shoes. My CONVERSE ALL STAR canvas shoes are like faithful friends who have maintained their presence from time immemorial. They have tread through uneven ground giving me (my feet obviously) the necessary strength and support for facing the challenges in my life.

There are sneaker lovers all around the world who buy sneakers and treat them like prized possessions giving them all the care and comfort they deserve. According to my knowledge, sneaker lovers in India are very few in numbers as compared to western countries. The main reason behind low sneaker exposure is their EXPENSIVE PRICESwhich prohibits many to cheaper alternatives which do not provide the necessary comfort. India is a country known for its middle-class families with people earning enough money for their sustenance and covering their daily expenses. Buying a sneaker with a price tag of ₹8,000 is a distant dream for many households.

There few sneaker loving communities in Bangalore, New Delhi, and Mumbai spreading the sneaker culture by organizing sneaker affairs and meets for sneaker lovers. Sole Culture Bengaluru is one such sneaker community trying to bring a sneaker revolution in India. Being an avid Instagram user, I landed on their page and was immediately hooked onto their amazing work, making efforts to build a dedicated sneaker community in India and organizing meet and greet for anyone who loves sneakers. 

Being a true sneakerhead in India requires dedication and skill. Spending money, hoarding sneakers, or showing them off is not the true sense being the sneaker culture. 

Drawing inspiration from Sean Wotherspoon and Virgil Abloh, famous sneaker designers, sneakers are not marked with monetary but sentimental value. Sean Wotherspoon, the designer of famous Air Max 1/97, wears his most expensive sneakers for skateboarding and normal stroll through the busy streets. Moreover, Virgil Abloh is of the opinion that sneakers are designed by keeping in mind everyone like an investment banker. According to him, sneakers are meant for everybody.

Sneaker culture in India is like a seed that requires time to grow but will spread its roots surely. It requires nurture and love from everyone. I am sure sneakers evolve in time to suit Indian needs and culture. Many are making efforts and should continue to do the same.

(Not a professional blogger so please don’t sue me.)