Gold Trump Sneakers: How Sneakers Have Become Revolutionary Cultural Icons

Sneakers have evolved from athletic gear to global cultural icons. With high-profile collaborations, limited releases, and a vibrant online community, they've become more than just footwear – they're a symbol of style, identity, and a booming global market estimated to be worth over $417 billion in 2023. Sneakers have become such vital statement pieces that even for the Republican presidential nomination, former President Donald Trump made a highly unusual announcement on Saturday, February 17th, presenting new Trump-branded sneakers at “Sneaker Con,” a convention that describes itself as the “The Greatest Sneaker Show on Earth.”

Sneakers have evolved from athletic gear to global cultural icons. With high-profile collaborations, limited releases, and a vibrant online community, they’ve become more than just footwear – they’re a symbol of style, identity, and a booming global market estimated to be worth over $417 billion in 2023.

Sneakers have become such vital statement pieces that even for the Republican presidential nomination, former President Donald Trump made a highly unusual announcement on Saturday, February 17th, presenting new Trump-branded sneakers at “Sneaker Con,” a convention that describes itself as the “The Greatest Sneaker Show on Earth.” 

Trump’s in-person appearance was met with welcoming “USA!” chants from supporters who arrived at the sneaker event. Trump gave brief remarks at Sneaker Con, speaking for less than six minutes and was met with momentous cheers at the Philadelphia Convention Center as he introduced the first official product offering of Trump footwear. “This is something that I’ve been talking about for 12 years, 13 years. And I think it’s going to be a big success,” Trump said at the gathering. The Trump shoes stand to benefit from two key factors, Trump’s brand name and his loyal supporters.

Stylelujo.com interviewed guests at the event who reported to our team of editors that the chants were so loud that it was difficult to hear Trump speak. Some guests had been given signs that read “SNEAKERHEADS LOVE TRUMP.” Our spies also tell us that there was a fair amount of boos as well.

I find it both intriguing and interesting that throughout history, fashion has always played a vital in taking a revolutionary stance- from the way Napoleon Bonaparte, military commander, who rose to prominence as Emperor of France, wore his hat in battle to the burning of the bras, in the 1960’s, during women’s liberation movement. And now, in 2024, “The Never Surrender sneakers are billed as a rally cry in shoe form,” the description reads. “Lace-up and step out ready to conquer.”

The shiny gold high-top sneakers, with an American flag detail on the back, are being sold as “Never Surrender High-Tops” for $399 on a new website. And, according to an article published on February 17, 2024, in the Washington Examiner, the sneakers have completely sold out.

The website copy reads as follows: Meet The Never Surrender High-Tops. Only 1000 pairs will ever be released. Each pair is numbered. A true collector’s item. The First Official Sneaker by President Trump, released at SneakerCon Philadelphia on February 17, 2024. Bold, gold, and tough, just like President Trump.

And President Trump is not the only well-known person cashing in on name recognition. It’s funny how he and Sir Elton John actually have more in common then they would like to think. Hot off the press: Sir Elton John has kissed goodbye (pun-intended) to his yellow gold leopard print Rolex Daytona after it sold for $176,400 at an auction in New York this week, setting a new world auction record for the model. The Collection of Sir Elton John: Goodbye Peachtree Road series of sales expected to bring in well over $20 million. 

Who knows what the future will hold? Perhaps, we will see a fashion and music collaboration between Former President Trump and Sir Elton John. Today, is seems the unpredictable comes to fruition in the most mysterious ways. One thing is for sure, the fashion business is evolving at a rapid pace and with an added does of accelerated AI, the future of the fashion business is ripe for revolution.

If elected again, he would be the 47th president of the USA – and a notable fashion persona -as the sneakers were sold out of the first run.  And, on Feb 20, 2024  market watch writer Charles Passy reported in The Morning Star that Trump’s $399 sneakers are already being listed for up to $45,000 on eBay; still, sneaker and political-memorabilia experts remain divided as to whether the shoe can hold its value. Time will surely tell- especially given the fact that the nation will be entering a politically-charged season ahead.

If that gives our readers any idea of the power of sneakers, it is just the beginning. 

With this in mind, experts at BestBettingSites.com sought to discover which sneakers take the crown as the most Instagrammable. They utilised Instagram to record the number of hashtags and determine which sneakers come top. 

Methodology:

1. Experts at BestBettingSites.com sought to find out which sneakers are the most popular of all time.
2. Firstly, they created a seed list by looking into lists of the most popular sneakers according to the websites of fashion and lifestyle publications
3. They inputted all the #'[sneaker]’ into Instagram and recorded the number of hashtags for each. 
4. The sneakers were then ranked from most to least Instagrammable. 
5. Data was collected on the January 22, 2024.

The most instagrammable sneakers of all time 

According to experts at BestBettingSites.com, the Adidas Superstars- 1969 stands out as the most Instagrammable sneaker, boasting an astounding 2,955,076 hashtags on the platform. This iconic footwear, with a rich history spanning over 50 years, is not only a fashion statement but also a symbol of enduring style and cultural relevance.

Shutterstock/artyaroslav The Vans Old Skool ranks second as one of the most Instagrammed sneakers, boasting 2,659,403 hashtags. Its timeless appeal and versatile style have cemented its popularity among social media users and fashion enthusiasts alike. Vans Old Skool sneakers, introduced in 1977, quickly became iconic in skateboarding culture for their durable design and distinctive leather side stripe, evolving into a fashion staple beloved by skateboarders and style enthusiasts alike.

Shutterstock/artyaroslav

The Vans Old Skool ranks second as one of the most Instagrammed sneakers, boasting 2,659,403 hashtags. Its timeless appeal and versatile style have cemented its popularity among social media users and fashion enthusiasts alike. Vans Old Skool sneakers, introduced in 1977, quickly became iconic in skateboarding culture for their durable design and distinctive leather side stripe, evolving into a fashion staple beloved by skateboarders and style enthusiasts alike.

Shutterstock/Nor Gal

In third place, boasting 2,543,931 Instagram hashtags, are the Nike Air Force 1 sneakers, a classic silhouette that has transcended generations and remained a staple in sneaker culture. Originally designed as a basketball shoe in 1982, the Air Force 1 quickly gained popularity on and off the court, becoming a classic symbol of urban style and streetwear culture. Its sleek design, robust construction, and versatile aesthetic have ensured its continuous relevance, cementing its status as a staple in sneaker wardrobes worldwide.

Shutterstock/yanishevska

In Fourth place is the Air Jordan 1-1985, released in 1985, which has garnered an impressive 2,486,372 Instagram hashtags, solidifying its iconic status in sneaker culture. This silhouette, initially introduced as Michael Jordan’s inaugural signature shoe, has transcended its basketball roots to become a symbol of style, athleticism, and cultural influence. Its enduring popularity is a testament to its iconic design and widespread appeal, making it a must-have for sneaker enthusiasts and fashion aficionados alike.

Rounding off the top 5 is the Nike Dunk which has amassed an impressive 1,701,003 Instagram hashtags. Originally introduced in 1985 as a basketball shoe, the Nike Dunk quickly transcended its athletic origins to become an emblem of street style and urban fashion. 

In ninth and tenth place, we have the Yeezy Boost 350 V2, boasting 637,081 Instagram hashtags, and the Adidas Stan Smith, originating in 1965, closely following with 633,161 Instagram hashtags.

Kith for New Balance 1906R:

Kith continues their relationship with New Balance to reimagine the 1906R, a retro runner designed for performance, in two sleek colorways that feature subtle Kith branding details.  The Kith for New Balance 1906R has a mesh upper with synthetic leather overlays and a metallic toe cap. It features co-branded elements throughout, with Kith logo treatments at the tongue and sockliner alongside New Balance branding on the lateral sides and heel. The model is complete with an ACTEVA LITE midsole, ABZORB SBS heel, and N-ergy outsole. Offered in cream and black iterations in men’s and women’s sizing.  The Kith for New Balance 1906R in the White/Blue colorway will be available early in-store exclusively at the Kith Women Flagship on Friday, March 8th. The global release of both colorways is on Monday, March 11th at 11AM EST/CET at Kith shops and on Kith.com, CA.Kith.com, EU.Kith.com & the Kith App.  

Established in 2011, Kith is a leading lifestyle brand and progressive retail concept that’s celebrated globally for its ability to tell stories, evoke nostalgia and connect product to the passion it’s woven with. Now in its twelfth year of business, Kith has in-house apparel lines for men, women and children, an ice cream parlor in every flagship, a full-service restaurant and a retail footprint in three continents. 

New Balance, headquartered in Boston, MA, has the following purpose: Independent since 1906, we empower people through sport and craftsmanship to create positive change in communities around the world.  New Balance employs 9,000 associates around the globe, and in 2023 reported worldwide sales of $6.5 billion. New Balance owns five athletic footwear factories in New England and one in Flimby, U.K.  New Balance MADE U.S. footwear contains a domestic value of 70% or more and makes up a limited portion of New Balance’s U.S. sales.  To learn more about New Balance, please visit www.newbalance.com; for the latest press information visit http://newbalance.newsmarket.com. 

Mallet x Reebok collaboration:

The Mallet x Reebok collaboration brings a fresh new look to these retro styles! For the day to day wear, the Mallet x Reebok Workout White is a sleek look that is perfect for Spring and Summer. Headed out for the night? Try on the Mallet x Reebok Classic Black for a darker, more elevated look. Mallet’s signature metallic accents send these old-school sneakers into the future. For the sneakerhead that loves a timeless look, these shoes provide the perfect modern twist on these classic shoes!