Sneakers have come a long way, both culturally and design wise, since their very humble beginnings almost 100 years ago
Initially a practical piece of footwear, they have evolved into a cultural phenomenon that transcends generations and cultures
It’s little wonder that people have been expressing their love for sneakers through various different means, including using them as a subject for a tattoo
In this article, we will look into the history of sneakers, the culture of “sneakerheads”, why people might want to get a sneaker tattoo and some of the different styles
The word “sneakers” comes from their rubber soles which allowed the wearer to “sneak” around without making noise
The first sneaker was created in 1917 by the Converse Rubber Shoe Company
The sneaker, called the All-Star, was designed originally for basketball players and in 1936 became the official shoe of the NBA
In the 1960s sneakers became popular in youth culture and were seen by many as a symbol of rebellion
The rise of hip-hop culture in the 1980s really popularized them in the public consciousness, as fans and rappers themselves used flashy and expensive sneakers to show off their style
Today, sneakers are a multi-billion dollar industry and an integral part of streetwear culture with many people collecting, trading and wearing sneakers from the everyday, to special limited edition or rare models
A sneakerhead is someone who is passionate about sneakers
They often collect sneakers, attend sneaker conventions, follow releases and spend a lot of time and money on their hobby
Sneakerheads are known for their extensive knowledge of sneakers, including the culture and history surrounding them
Sneaker culture has spawned the creation of things like “sneaker bots” and “sneaker cook groups” which are online communities where people share information and knowledge and often help each other to buy limited edition models
For many, sneakers are more than just something to wear on your feet
They represent their personality, style, and sometimes even values
Getting a sneaker tattoo can be a way for people to express their love for sneakers and everything they represent
A sneaker tattoo can also be a reminder of a particular time or memory
Perhaps a person’s first pair of special sneakers was a gift from a loved one, or they were wearing a particular pair during an important even in their life
There are many different styles of sneaker tattoos and the choice really depends on personal preference
Some popular styles include:
Realistic Sneaker Tattoos
This style aims to create a tattoo that looks similar to a photograph of the sneaker. It requires a skilled artist to capture all of the elements and details, from the laces to the texture of the material
Neo Traditional Sneaker Tattoos
This style is categorized by bold lines, bright colors and often exaggerated proportions
Sketchy Style Sneaker Tattoos
This style looks like a drawing of a pair of sneakers and often uses a technique known as “whip shading” to create details in the tattoo
These are just a few of the many styles of sneaker tattoos you could get
Not everything translates well to a tattoo, this is why you want to ensure you are working with a studio that can go through your ideas and suggest what they think will work best
If you’re looking to get a sneaker tattoo in Bangkok then look no further than ALL DAY Tattoo, located in the heart of Sukhumvit
As the city’s top fully licensed studio, our team of expert artists and English-speaking staff are committed to providing you a five star experience from start to finish
Our passion for tattooing is evident in the many positive reviews we have received from satisfied clients
We take pride in maintaining the highest hygiene standards and exclusively use top quality FDA approved inks imported from the USA
So why not come in and catch the vibe?
Message our friendly team and discuss your sneaker tattoo that’s sure to turn heads wherever you go
