Sneakers ignite Central PA’s culture scene.

Astrid Jensen April 3, 2023 Culture

The Birth of Sneaker Culture

In 1985, the first pair of ‘Air Jordans’ was released, marking the birth of sneaker culture. Since then, enthusiasts or “sneakerheads” have been buying, selling, and collecting these iconic shoes. According to Cowen Equity Research, the sneaker market has become a multi-billion-dollar industry and is expected to reach thirty-billion dollars by 2030.

The Lingo of Sneaker Culture

Sneaker culture comes with its own set of terminologies. “DS or deadstock” means it’s brand new, while a “sneakerhead” is someone who starts their outfit with the sneakers they’re going to wear. Additionally, “Jawn” refers to a person, place, or thing – it’s one’s personality, preferences, or what they like.

The Youngest Resellers in the Game

Braden Zimmerman, a 15-year-old from Pennsylvania, is making waves in the sneaker industry. Despite not having a driver’s license, he’s making thousands of dollars buying and reselling sneakers in store and online. The money he’s making hourly is significantly more than what he would earn at a regular day job.

Sneaker Culture Goes Mainstream

The sneaker culture phenomenon has gained so much popularity that even those who are new to the game can easily navigate the different styles of sneakers inside boutiques. Online marketplaces such as Instagram also make the buying and selling of sneakers much more accessible.