Fansided

The sneaker game in South Florida influenced by basketball

By DJoumbarey A. Moreau

Image by Shoe Gallery, Taken on September 13, 2014 http://instagram.com/shoegallery
Image by Shoe Gallery, Taken on September 13, 2014 http://instagram.com/shoegallery /
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The sneaker game in South Florida is heavily influenced by basketball

In many parts of the United States but more so in Miami, sneakers are a huge deal. Shoes can make or break an outfit, they are a part of one’s wardrobe, they can make you popular in society and they also bring attention from the opposite sex. Don’t believe? Walk up to any woman wearing retro Jordan’s and start a conversation by asking “What’s the longest wait you’ve had in line waiting for a release?

Sneakers are more than fashion in South Florida, they are a lifestyle.

I often ask myself, “How did sneakers ever become such an iconic part of South Florida? How did the sneaker game get influenced by basketball so much? And the more tragic question “Why can’t I ever manage to get a pair on the release date?

Commenting on the subject, General Manager of New Era Miami and Owner of Fly Definition Clothing Terrell Strickland said this during an interview with myself:

"“It’s a growing culture down this way. Up in New York it’s always been about shoes. As long as you had a clean pair of kicks you were good. It brings a different flavor to Miami cause Miami’s more of a higher end fashionable city and it gives the younger guys down here and girls, something to be interested in and have passion for…shoes can still be a luxury even though it’s Nike’s.”"

To those who think sneakers are just for show, think twice. Just look at these numbers from Nike’s first quarter results in the 2015 Fiscal Year.

  • Net income increased 23 percent to $962 million
  • Revenues for the Nike Brand were $7.4 billion, up 15 percent on a currency neutral basis
  • Gross margin increased 170 basis points to 46.6 percent.

It may be difficult, but think about a time before basketball even existed in South Florida. Think real hard about a time before the inaugural franchise beginning of the Miami Heat in 1988. Thanks to Michael Jordan and his innovation as a businessman, Jordan shoes were popular back before basketball existed in South Florida.

Since there was a high demand for sneakers, there were also business that helped propel their appeal into the forefront of South Florida.

Two of the most popular and well-known business in Miami that started in the 1970’s are 1973 by Mr. R and Shoe Gallery. Where as today South Florida has at least thirty sneaker boutiques including ATC, Soles Inc., Unknwn, The Edition, SoleFly, Foot Soldiers, Miami Skate Shop, and that’s just the beginning of the list.

Even big companies began to take notice that Miami was becoming a hot bed for new shoes. Some of the largest sneaker shows have taken place in Miami including SneakerPimps, SoleFest, SneakerCon and Dunkxchange. Where Sneakerheads (collectors of sneakers) can come and buy, trade, or lust over exclusive sneakers they do not own.

(Fast forward to :48 seconds)

As detailed by the video of Dunkxchange Miami 2014, the demand for sneakers in South Florida is high.

Commenting on the demand, Shoe Gallery Owner Danny Waserstein said this during an interview with myself:

"“I think basketball in these past couple years has been impacted in a huge way. LeBron of course did an amazing impact but with Wade and the Heat team {it} has been a huge impact…It’s (sneakers) become a bigger trend now…it probably started growing strong in 2005, and it’s just been building ever since."

Speaking of Wade, his impact to the culture in Miami has changed the game. With his signature line of his Way of Wade sneakers, it has forced Sneakerheads to think twice about purchasing his collection. With the colorful and vibrant appeal of his shoes, it truly encompasses the style and flair of South Florida.

The sneaker trend continues to change and keep getting stronger with better products hitting the market. In addition even Matt Powell of Forbes commented on the growing sneaker trend and said this:

"“Jordan brand shoe sales at retail last year in the US were about $2.5 billion….About half of the Jordan sales last year were retro, or about $1.2 billion. Marquee basketball shoes (endorsed by elite players) were about $500 million all in. Sneakerheads are a deeply committed community of collectors and aficionados…Sneakerheads create a lot of hype and buzz that can be good for brand equity."

With the growing trend of sneakers becoming more popular nationally, the game will soon plateau to even greater heights within the South Florida community.

I missed out on these, and these but I can’t wait for those Jordan 11’s to release in December.

A good Christmas is on it’s way.

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