The Birth of the Basketball shoes
- George Konstantinidis
- Jan 7, 2024
- 2 min read
The need for "non skid" shoes for basketball
After they made basketball, it was clear that players needed shoes with good grip to play better. In 1917, the Converse Rubber Shoe Company introduced the "Non-Skids." These high-top shoes had a canvas upper, a rubber sole, and a comfy insole, along with support for the arch and heel. They also had a cool diamond tread pattern to give more grip on the floor.
Later, a semi-pro basketball player named Charles Chuck Taylor joined Converse as a salesman. Being a player, he had ideas on how to make the Non-Skid shoes better, like making the sole more flexible and giving more support to the ankles. So, in 1922, they redesigned the shoes and added Taylor's name to the ankle patch, calling them 'Chuck Taylor All Stars.' Taylor even went around promoting these shoes by organizing basketball clinics in schools and colleges and managing the Converse All Stars touring basketball team.
Soon, lots of basketball players, even pros, were rocking Converse All Stars. By 1936, during the Berlin Summer Olympic Games, you could spot All Stars on players from all over the world. For decades, Converse dominated, with about 90% of college and pro players wearing them in 1960.
But in 1969, Adidas' Superstar sneakers came into the game, challenging Converse's reign. With genuine leather, a stable grip, and a cool design, the Superstar became a hit, especially with NBA players like Kareem Abdul-Jabbar and Jerry West.
In 1973, Walt 'Clyde' Frazier brought some style to the basketball sneaker scene with Puma "Clyde's." They were sleek at a time when most sneakers were more basic. Then, Pony sneakers, rocked by 'Chocolate Thunder' Darryl Dawkins and David Thompson, became popular in the NBA and among early rappers until the '90s.
And then, Nike stepped in and changed the game. In 1982, the
1's hit the scene, making Nike a major player in the basketball sneaker world.
The shoe was a significant innovation for several reasons. Firstly, it featured a sleek and stylish design that appealed to basketball players. However, the real innovation was in its sole, where Nike incorporated air cushioning technology. The air cushioning in the sole provided exceptional comfort and support, making it easier for players to execute quick moves, jumps, and landings on the basketball court. This feature addressed the physical demands of the game, enhancing the overall performance and experience for basketball players.
In the 1982-1983 NBA season Moses Malone helped lead the Philadelphia 76ers to the championship wearing a pair of Nike Air Force 1 basketball shoes. Moses Malone's choice of the Nike Air Force 1 coincided with the early years of the shoe's release, and its success in the market was partly attributed to its adoption by basketball players. The 76ers' championship run in the 1982-1983 season is one of the notable moments in the history of the Air Force 1's association with basketball.
Beyond the court, the Air Force 1 became a fashion statement in everyday life. Its versatile design and the introduction of various color combinations made it a popular choice for casual wear. Nike's decision to blend performance and style in the Air Force 1 set a new standard, demonstrating that basketball shoes could be both functional on the court and fashionable off the court.
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