 For many teens at Chatham High, the brand on their feet communicates interest.
Nike remains the global powerhouse, pushed by its iconic theme: “Just do it.”
Nike and Jordan brands are popular with the young culture mostly because of their connection to the sports icons.
“I think
sneakers say a lot about who you are,” MarKayla Mayo, junior, said. ” It’s not about the newest drop, it’s about finding something that matches your personality.”
Companies like New Balance and Hoka are signature as “Dad shoes.”
“Shoes are the first thing I notice about someone,” Mayo, a junior, said. “You can tell if someone’s an athlete, into fashion, or just being comfortable.”
“Nike drops are always stressful because of the raffles,” Sydney Ward, senior, said. “But when you get the win, it feels like you hit the jackpot.”
The rise of the resale market has added another layer to sneaker culture.
Apps like StockX and GOAT turned shoes into a type of currency, where teens buy, trade, and flip pairs for profit.
Some students even use reselling as a part-time job, learning business skills along the way.
