Footwear - Urban Wear

A classic urban wear or streetwear look is not just about the clothes- it’s about the whole ensemble from the cap worn right down to the footwear. In the early eighties, many hip hop artists started to promote a new trend in style. They teamed up a t-shirt or a track suit along with a jacket and for the final touch, wore sneakers with oversized laces or ‘ phat’ laces as they were fashionably called.

The trend was a huge success and hit a chord with many youngsters who were looking for a new fashion statement to set them apart. Since hip hop traditionally grew on the streets, sneakers were the ideal footwear for performing freestyle hip hop and other street dance forms.



Today, there are many brands which have branched out into designing streetwear shoes for youngsters. Sneakers are a hot favorite and are available in many designs and colors for both boys and girls. Names like Nike, Adidas and Reebok which were associated with manufacturing sports shoes for many years, were actually among the first to latch on to the streetwear shoe trend. Their designs which are very popular even today were a huge leap in style and a class apart from their usual plain white sneakers which were associated with sports.

Artists and designers were actually encouraged to get creative and use colors that were not common in footwear like gold, purple or silver. The idea was to make urban wear footwear unique and stylish on its own to the extent that it could be worn with other fashion styles and still add a clear hip hop touch to the wearer.

In addition to the most popular sports brands, there are plenty of other urban wear footwear brands which carry their own distinctive styles. In fact many of them not only sell footwear but are also known for their range of apparels and accessories. Etnies is one such brand which has a very colorful range of sneakers, guaranteed to blend in well with whatever you’re wearing. Two tone color patterns, tweed, graffiti prints and even loud colors such as blood red or gold are some of their popular designs. They have more than twenty designer ranges with at least five color options each. They even let customers design their own unique sneakers.

Besides footwear, the brand also sells apparels for boys, girls and kids. DC is another popular brand with a footwear collection for men, women, boys and kids which are another favorite. Footwear is available in four options- shoes, sandals, LX and water resistant footwear. The men’s collection comprises of footwear which are mostly in sober shades like black, brown and white whereas footwear for women is much more vibrant.

 Shades like blue, pink and patterns like tweed are also common. DC also has an interesting apparel and accessory range for both men and women. If you are unsure about which brand to buy, then check out websites like DrJays, Karmaloop and UrbanIndustry which offer a wider selection and feature top selling urban wear footwear brands.

Skateboarding Wear

Skateboarding as a sport has had a major influence on Urban wear. The cool hoodies, funky t-shirts, baggy jeans and colourful sneakers that skateboarders were often spotted in, slowly made their way into streetwear as well. One could say that fashion has had a huge impact on the sport itself. Youngsters love to show off their skateboards which are available today in different sizes, colors and designs. Many brands have unique designer skateboards which are full of attitude and

pack a punch. Whether you are a nature lover or an animal lover, prefer a design that’s menacing or cool, the best skateboard brands have something for everyone. Today, a skateboard is not just about the quality anymore. One glance at a person’s skateboard tells you all you need to know about the owner’s cool quotient and style.

Zero is a popular skateboard brand which relays a strong image, complete with splashes of blood and skulls that some may find gory. Designs that are funky, have a Gothic undertone and which are hard to ignore are a big favourite with youngsters. Some of their bestselling designs include an open mouth, a single with paint dripping, patterns of skulls and the single word ‘zero’ in a rainbow of colors. Just the right feel for those who dare to scare with their tactics. For those who want a skateboard that’s colourful yet subtle, Habitat is a great brand with a wide variety of choices. This brand may not be that famous, but they have graphics that are artistic in nature and pleasant to see.

They even have special styles like the Skylite with corrugated bottom ply decks and which is lighter as well. The bright graphics and designs in earthy colors are perfect for fun in the sun. Element skateboards are noted for their high quality which stands apart. Not only is this a company that has a green conscience but their skateboards are highly affordable as well. In fact they have a line of Helium skate decks with air chambers inside them to make them stiff yet light. Their tongue in cheek graphics, colourful graffiti designs and great choice of colors are eye catching. Overall, one may find their designs simple, but it’s a great choice for a skateboarder all the same. If you love cartoon characters and prefer a cheeky skateboard that doesn’t compromise on quality but is clean fun all the same; then go for Toy Machine. They have 7 ply skateboard decks, which aren’t exactly high on technology when compared to other brands but they are well made. Their graphics usually feature a cartoon character and are colourful to see as well. This brand is great for beginners who want something simple and easy to use.

Professional may prefer to use skateboards from Birdhouse, which uses the Black 6 technology. This feature is supposed to help a skateboarder with flicks in the air. Graphics are usually in red, black and white colors. With such great brands to choose from, there’s a skateboard to suit all preferences.