The Evolution of Sneakers Through the Years (2024)

The very first sneaker was invented by Wait Webster in the 19th century. Of course, it wasn't called a sneaker then—and it looked very different. Plimsolls, as they were called, featured thin rubber soles, an equally thin material on top, and were the preferred footwear for active activities.

In 1892, Goodyear released a re-design of the plimsoll which they called Keds, featuring thick rubber soles that were melded to canvas fabric. The shoe had a lace up design that offered more support for the wearer.

In the beginning of the 1900s, the plimsoll was still very common. Here, a group of young men from North Carolina are seen wearing this kind of shoe while boxing.

Olympic sprinter Alvin Kraenzlein is seen training for the 1916 Olympic games in Berlin in a thin and lightweight pair of shoes.

It wasn't until 1917 that Keds began being mass produced and soon they were everywhere. Here, a man is seen wearing a pair at the lake.

Boxing was one of the most popular sports in the '20s and was quick to embrace this new shoe design, which helped boxers remain agile while maneuvering around the ring.

Great Britain's Albert Hill won both the 800- and 1500-meter dashes at the Antwerp Olympics wearing shoes specifically designed for running short distances.

Goodyear was the first company to realize the correlation between running and Keds. The company began marketing their designs for running in the '20 and more sports followed.

The popular shoe style eventually became known as sneakers, because they were so quiet thanks to their rubber soles that you could easily sneak up on someone in them.

A crosshatching design on the tip of Goodyear's soles gave the shoes extra grip, which is ideal for a sport like tennis.

Adolf "Adi" Dassler (the founder of Adidas) created the modern running shoe in 1925. It gained massive recognition when Olympic Gold Medalist, Jesse Owens, wore a pair of Dassler's shoes to the 1936 games.

The sneaker is the perfect shoe for active children and by the late '30s both boys and girls were sporting them.

In the peak of World War II, a young boy pulls a cart of discarded sneakers to the rubber salvage.

A group of men use their sneakers' non-slip soles to their advantage during a game of tug of war.

Running shoes continued to evolve in the '50s, with the addition of spikes on the bottom of sprinting-specific shoes.

By 1955, a number of companies introduced their own adaptations of the sneaker, which incorporated the original canvas and rubber design.

By 1957, Keds began marketing their shoes toward everyday families, while continuing to build on their reputation of comfort.

Two women marvel at an Adidas running shoe. This one featured spikes on the bottom of the sole for traction.

Converse Chuck Taylor All Stars slowly became more and more popular, especially with children.