Early September, 1975.
I scan various notices plastered on a bulletin board in the gym foyer. Find what I am looking for. Bold, black print indicates that tryouts for the University of Victoria basketball teams are set for the following week. Two sessions for potential newcomers to hopefully impress.
I consider my circumstances. 17 years old, shy and uncertain, no particular pedigree as a player. Indeed, the very thought of post secondary hoops seems daunting. Still, I decide to give it a go.
Immediately, reality sets in. I need sneakers.
I weigh up my options. Point 1, I don’t really expect to gain a roster spot. Point 2, having forked out plenty the day before for a variety of history textbooks, I am pretty much out of money.
As a result, I buy the cheapest pair of runners I can find. Certainly not basketball specific, rather a pair of $3 boat shoes one might normally see a deck hand wearing on board a yacht.
Days later, the tryouts get underway. On the plus side, and to my surprise, a good attitude and plenty of hustle seem to outweigh my poor shooting. I duly gain a place on the Junior Varsity team. On the downside, no doubt due to inadequate shoes, my feet are a mess. Endless stopping, starting, cutting, jumping, landing, and sprinting, takes a serious toll. Blistered heels, tender arches, and blackened toe nails the price paid.
However, I am in luck. A friend, sympathetic to my plight, lends me his battered Converse All-Stars. While a size too big, with worn rubber soles and minimal cushioning, the iconic canvas high tops prove more than functional. In fact, a godsend. A cultural symbol of sorts, they get me through the season.
My career continues apace. At long odds, I move up to the Varsity team the following year. To my absolute delight, I learn that we are to receive sponsored shoes.
Delivery day arrives. We gaze longingly at row upon row of blue shoe boxes, each with three prominent white stripes. Fingers trembling, I remove a box top, tear away several sheets of tissue paper, pull out a pair of size 9, full leather Superstars. If not the anticipated high tops and if a bit clunky, the durable shoes are still proper basketball footwear. Certainly, the upgraded Adidas product is soon on its way to becoming one of the top selling models of all time.
The ritual continues for the next three seasons. And, while my playing career soon ends, consigned to the dustbin of history, I transition directly into basketball coaching. As a result, as the sport soars in popularity during the 1980s, the 1990s, 2000 and beyond, I watch the shoe industry explode in equal measure.
Manufacturers look to continually improve technology. Air cushioning marks a significant step forward, providing better foot support and increased comfort. Improved traction, impact protection, ankle straps, inner sleeves, interchangeable soles, shock technology, foam cushioning, motion sensors just some of the additional advances. With each passing year, sneakers also get lighter and lighter, with impossibly thin exteriors. Some so thin, the shoe gives the impression of literally being sprayed on. An ever-widening array of colours adds to the intrigue.
Converse, the dominant model for decades prior to the early 1970s, is soon supplanted as leader of the sneaker scene. Companies, part of a marketing frenzy to promote sales, and always looking to grow, soon sign highly recognized professional hoop stars to wear custom signature footwear.
Nike joins the battle in 1972 with its debut shoe, the Bruin. Puma follows suit a year later, inking the stylish Walt Frazier to market the “Clyde” model.
The avalanche follows. Pro Leather features the illustrious Julius “Dr J” Erving. Nike once again enters the fray with its Blazer model, worn by the “Iceman”, George Gervin. The company’s dominance continues for a decade with power forward Moses Malone first lacing up his wildly successful Air Force 1s. Then follows the incomparable Michael Jordan. His Air Jordan line, freshly minted in 1985 and evolving to include the famous Jumpman logo, becomes the most iconic basketball shoe in history.
Not to be outdone, Nike’s rivals fight back. Next Sports supports Patrick Ewing’s foray into the footwear world, while Reebok opens its account with Shaquille O’Neal and much-anticipated pump technology. “The Answer”, star guard Allen Iverson, likewise jumps on the Reebok bandwagon. Kobe Bryant, at first a teenage phenom, later the “Black Mamba”, briefly corners the market in 1997 with his Adidas sponsored Crazy 8s.
On and on it goes. New companies based in Asia look to make their mark. Charles Barkley showcases his Nike “Force” model. Sky pilot Vince Carter, he of the explosive dunks, peddles his “Shox” shoe. Sharpshooter Stephen Curry represents Under Armour, the mercurial Kawhi Leonard parades for New Balance.
Then, as Bryant switches to Nike, the growing legend LeBron James opens his own account in 2003 with Air Zoom. And, as the years hurtle by, other significant stars, including Penny Hardaway, Dwayne Wade, Derrick Rose, Kevin Durant, and James Harden, take their respective turns.
I watch it all, with a type of morbid fascination. In my opinion, many high school players, too easily seduced, seeking some sort of connection with sporting heroes. Plumping for the latest in fashion trends and culture. Style and name recognition important, not to mention popularity and being cool. That the basketball shoes themselves, once worn out, then remain valued off court accessories is another point in favour.
All of the above notwithstanding, very recently, under predictably bizarre circumstances, another shoe company makes national headlines in America.
45Footwear.
It's a cold-blooded cash grab, with sneakers, golf shoes and various other baubles for sale. Colognes, perfumes, knick-knacks, T-shirts as well, even God Bless the USA bibles. The 45 stands for 45th president, the company listing presidential wannabe Donald J Trump as manager, secretary and treasurer.
Needless to say, Trump desperately needs money as he campaigns for a return to the White House. Facing unprecedented legal problems, his bank accounts take a severe battering. Need any and all replenishing.
And so, in the wake of the dangerous events of July 13 in Pennsylvania, 45Footwear is quick to offer special assassination attempt-themed sneakers. For a mere US $299, buyers may purchase limited edition high tops emblazoned with Trump's bloodied face, raised fist and the words “Fight, Fight, Fight.”
Orders, limited to three pairs per customer, apparently fill out quickly. However, I could care less. Even contemplating support for such a liar, racist, misogynist, narcissist, convicted felon and shameless huckster, in any way, shape or form, leaves me cold.
Besides, if absolutely necessary, I can always buy another pair of boat shoes instead.
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