SHINY THING$ 0144: I want my own sneaker

Today is the final day of the 2024 Paris Olympics, and with that, we close the books on one of the most competitive and entertaining games in history.

Amongst the stories of triumph, one stands out: the Men’s 100M, and the 9.79 second finshed by US runner Noah Lyles, officially crowning him with not only the gold medal, but the title of “World’s Fastest Man.”

And it wasn’t just his speed - he did it with much more style and showmanship than previous generations of fastest man, wearing pearls woven into his braids, pearl necklace, painted nails, and enough confidence to take on the entire field.

Noah’s quote after the race about what comes next? “I want my own trainer. Dead serious… I want a sneaker. There ain’t no money in spikes. There’s money in sneakers.”

And he’s not wrong.

The signature sneaker is the mountain top of athlete brand deals, and it’s the one piece of equipment that can make as much of a mark off the field as it does in competition. 

So this week, in the 144th installment of Shiny Thing$, we took a look back at some of the most memorable, most important, and most lucrative sneakers to debut at the Olympics, and the mark they made on culture…

1936: Converse Chuck Taylor All-Star "USA"

The Converse Chuck Taylor All-Star "USA" was the first basketball sneaker to grace the Olympic stage, worn by the USA basketball team in the 1936 Berlin Olympics. Its classic canvas design and high-top silhouette made it a staple on the court and in American culture. This sneaker laid the foundation for basketball footwear, but it’s one of those sneakers that will be seen onliterally everyone regardless of age, background, wealth, or social status. It just “works.”

As insane as it seems today that these were then quintessential on-court basketball sneaker, this silhouette and construction represented the most advanced design of its era for the highest level of competition. Its historical significance and timeless appeal have cemented the Converse Chuck Taylor All-Star as a legendary piece of both Olympic and sneaker history, beloved by athletes and fashion.

1992: Nike Air Jordan VII "Olympic"

The Nike Air Jordan VII "Olympic" is synonymous with the 1992 Barcelona Olympics and the legendary Dream Team. Worn by Michael Jordan and embroidered with his Team USA number 9 on the back in place of his Bulls 23, this Tinker Hatfield design became an emblem of basketball excellence and global influence.

The colorway—white, navy, red, and gold—mirrored the USA's patriotic spirit, capturing the world’s attention as Jordan led the greatest basketball Olympic team of all time to a gold medal. Beyond the court, the Air Jordan VII "Olympic" cemented its status in pop culture, influencing sneaker design and becoming a collectors favorite. The sneaker's impact is one of the core reasons the Jordan brand was able to elevate to iconic status. You can get an original unworn version from the first release in 1992 for around $1200 on eBay (a steal - but not investment advice!)

1992: Nike Air Force 180 "Olympic"

The Jordan VII’s were the obvious style winner of the ’92 Olympics, but the sneaky runner up was a pair of Nike’s worn by Charles Barkley - the Nike Air Force 180 "Olympic" - a testament to the power and style of one of basketball’s fiercest competitors.

The sneaker's bold design, featuring a mix of white, navy, and metallic gold accents, was as commanding as Barkley’s presence on the court. Its performance-driven design elements, such as the visible Air bubble, catered to Barkley’s aggressive play-style. It was lightweight, but still looked like it was built to put in work, with velcro strap across the front that mimicked more of a cross-trainer than a basketball shoe. It was one of the earliest “hybrid” style sneakers for the court, and it found an off-court audience soon after its general release. This sneaker not only symbolizes a historic gold medal victory but also stands as a timeless piece of sneaker culture, celebrated through various re-releases and cherished by collectors worldwide.

2012: Nike Zoom Kobe VII "USA"

The low and mid-top basketball shoe was something that really took shape as a result of Kobe’s constant evolution, anf the Nike Zoom Kobe VII "USA" was one of the canvases on which the modern game was painted. The shoe is synonymous with Kobe, and made a significant mark during the 2012 London Olympics as Kobe helped lead Team USA to gold.

The sneaker featured the System Supreme fit, providing customizable support and comfort for Kobe’s dynamic playing style. The patriotic color scheme and performance technology showcased Nike's commitment to innovation. The Kobe VII "USA" became a cultural symbol, reflecting Bryant’s pursuit of greatness, and the silhouette is still to this day a favorite of kids who never even had a chance to see Kobe in his prime. Much like Jordan, the brand of “Kobe” will live forever, largely because of his sneakers and the heights he reached while wearing them. Even though we’re only 12 years removed from the original release, good luck finding an unworn pair for under $1,500.

1968: Puma Suede "Mexico City" 

The Puma Suede "Mexico City" holds a unique place in Olympic and sneaker history, and is immediately recognizable by every consumer with an eye toward footwear. At the most basic level, the new design for ‘68 was a major threat to the king of sports footwear of the time, Adidas. But what made it legendary was the moment.

Famously worn by athlete Tommie Smith during his iconic Black Power salute at the 1968 Mexico City Olympics, the shoe became a symbol of protest and social change. Its simple yet stylish design captured the spirit of the era, resonating far beyond sports. The Puma Suede’s association with this pivotal moment in history elevated its status, transforming it into a cultural icon that represents courage, activism, and the ongoing fight for equality, but also happens to go with basically any outfit.

1996: Nike Air Zoom "Golden Shoes"

The Nike Air Zoom "Golden Shoes" worn by Michael Johnson during the 1996 Atlanta Olympics became an instant icon of speed and style. Crafted in a striking gold colorway, these shoes were custom-made for Johnson, who famously won both the 200 and 400-meter races, setting a world record in the 200 meters.

The bold design brought a new level of flash to track and field and captured the public’s imagination, showcasing Nike’s innovative approach to running gear and helping cement Johnson’s place in Olympic history. The shoe’s impact extended beyond the track, becoming a cultural phenomenon and inspiring future generations of athletes and sneaker enthusiasts alike. But it also opened the door for what would become an avalanche of reflective gold silhouettes from every major brand. 

Until Next Week…