Stores like Foot Locker, Modell’s Champ’s, Sneaker Villa, and Flight Club are filled with different sneakers endorsed by numerous athletes and musicians. However, in all these stores one thing often seems to be missing: many signature sneakers endorsed by female athletes.
All of these brands have sneakers that appeal and are marketed to both genders. Some of these brands have sneakers that are curated or produced by female athletes. For example, Nike has sneakers that are curated and produced by Serena Williams. Puma has sneakers that are created and produced by Rihanna. In both of these examples, a famous female star produces or creates the sneaker, however, their name is not on it. It is a sneaker with Nike or Puma’s name on it.
Nike introduced the first sneaker for a female athlete in 1995; Nike introduced a signature shoe named after Sheryl Swoopes, the renowned Houston Comets small Forward. The shoes were called, Nike Air Swoopes. The launch of the shoes marked the second time that an athlete received a signature shoe after Michael Jordan in 1985. These shoes appealed to both men and women and were very popular during the time. The sneakers also inspired current and future female athletes; like Eleana Della Donne and Skylar Diggins.
In a Rolling Stone interview, Della Donne said, “To be honest I didn’t even care what they looked like. I just heard that her shoes were out and available and I knew I needed to have them. For me, it was just the fact that I was able to wear a pro woman basketball player’s shoes and not always have to wear the men’s, that’s what was so cool to me and why I wanted them so badly.”
In the world of sneakers, it is important for more female athletes to be represented and to have their own sneakers. I believe in doing so up-and-coming young athletes can be greatly inspired, like how Della Donne was inspired by the Air Swoopes. Every gender deserves to be able to wear their favorite athlete’s gear and in doing so, become empowered to achieve the same level of success that they have.
Sneaker companies need to tap this untapped market and release signature shoes for female athletes. Not only will companies see profit from this market, but they also can inspire aspiring athletes who may one day become a sponsored athlete for their brand.
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