Why Are We All Obsessed With Dirty Sneakers Again? (2024)

Whenever this trend comes around, it does indeed raise eyebrows. (How could it not? There are people who cannot afford to purchase walkable footwear.) And yet these extremely well-loved clothes oddly can signify wealth, like someone has already become as successful as they want to be and can’t be bothered to prove themselves anymore. Look at the Olsens and their completely stained and faded rotation of bags, ranging from an Hermès Birkin to a modest Balenciaga City (though they balance this insouciance with impeccably tailored clothes). Or consider Adam Sandler, whose schlub style made him the most searched Google trendsetter from 2021.

A pre-scuffed sneaker at the Gucci Cruise 2018 show.Photo: Courtesy of Getty Images

That bizarre wealth signifier only gets more interesting when you’re wearing an item that only a discerning, fashion-obsessed eye can notice. In the fashion world, the idea of a dirty shoe—especially one from a big name brand—has different connotations than your average worn-in pair. “Fashion is communication, and it isn’t as clear as lots of people think. Even if you wore really smart Balenciaga shoes, if people aren’t aware of the cost, then they don’t really know much about you,” says professor Carolyn Mair, who is the author of The Psychology of Fashion. “But if you’re in that in-group, you’ll know. If you love Balenciaga and you already saw these scruffy trainers, you’ll know that it is a status symbol. But the thing with fashion is that you have to be in the know to get your message across.”

The dirty sneaker is an interesting concept considering shoes are one of the first things that a person notices about another’s outfit. In an article about Gucci’s dirty sneakers from 2017, I cited a 2012 study in the Journal of Research and Personality noting that shoes are a “thin slice” of perceptions of a person and can be an indicator of a wearer’s wealth and social status. On the surface, it seems logical that impeccably taken-care-of shoes signify that someone is neat and also has the time—and money—to make sure their footwear is cleaned and repaired. In this case, this trend, which crops up every few years, seems to say that pristine shoes are on the outs and decrepit soles are in. In any case, if you don’t want to spend $1,800, you can still scuff your sneakers the old-fashioned way to get the look.

Why Are We All Obsessed With Dirty Sneakers Again? (2024)

FAQs

What is the dirty shoe trend? ›

Share. The dirty sneakers trend is back and we don't mind. From A-list Hollywood celebrities to Social media influencers, you will spot them wearing those footies that seemed to be so dirty and far from the usual squeaky white sneaks that you've always loved wearing.

What are the dirty sneakers called? ›

For Golden Goose's creators Francesca Rinaldo and Alessandro Gallo, sneakers were like a diary: each scuff, tear, and smudge accumulated over time tells a story. Despite the steep price tag and unkempt look, Golden Goose shoes are very popular, and celebrities love them.

Is it OK to wear dirty shoes? ›

Dirty shoes can be a real health hazard, so it is important to keep them clean. There are a few different ways that you can clean your shoes, depending on the material they are made from. You can also take them to a cleaning service for a complete cleaning.

Is it okay to wear dirty white sneakers? ›

They look good even when they're dirty.

There's nothing wrong with wanting to keep your white sneakers crispy clean. In fact, it's a good habit to clean your sneakers every now and then whenever you do your regular spring cleaning. But the love for dirty white sneakers is like an acquired taste.

What brand is selling dirty shoes? ›

Luxury fashion house Balenciaga has unveiled a new campaign promoting a series of roughed up sneakers with an eye-watering price tag, and the internet has thoughts.

Are shoes dirtier than toilets? ›

A study conducted by Good Morning America and the University of Arizona found that shoes are “dirtier than a toilet seat” – toilets typically contain 1,000 bacteria or less, compared to the 66 million found on one of the test subject's shoes.

What is a panda sneaker? ›

The Panda Dunk, formally known as the Nike Dunk Low Retro White Black, is polarizing in the sneaker community. Fans have made them top sellers for Nike and for resellers such as StockX LLC, eBay Inc. and Goat Group. But that ubiquity, especially on social media, annoys other sneakerheads.

What to do with dirty sneakers? ›

Take out your laces and insole to clean separately, then brush away excess dirt. Fill your sink up with warm water and a little bit of laundry detergent, then let your shoes soak in the sink for about half an hour. You can continue to clean them with a brush cleaner or a toothbrush to make sure they're shiny.

What does GGDB stand for? ›

GOLDEN GOOSE DE LUXE BRAND - G.G.D.B. Designers. Clothing. Shoes. Bags.

Can people smell dirty shoes? ›

While in some cases it's a minor annoyance that really only impacts yourself, in others it's a truly embarrassing matter — people can smell it if they're simply sitting next to you on the subway, and if you take your shoes off around folks, the stink can bowl them over!

What is a fact about dirty shoes? ›

Charles Gerba, microbiologist, and professor at the University of Arizona, there is an average of over 421,000 units of bacteria on the outside of our shoes, also known as the soles of shoes. In addition to this, there are over 2,887 units of bacteria on the inside of our shoes.

Is it disrespectful to wear shoes in the house? ›

In many cultures around the world, removing shoes before entering homes is the norm. In most of Asia, Eastern Europe, and the Middle East, shoes are never worn inside homes, and it can be seen as a sign of disrespect for guests to enter a host's home without leaving them at the door.

When should I stop wearing white sneakers? ›

For many years, fashion experts insisted that white shoes should only be worn before Labor Day. The reasoning was that white was a summer color, and wearing white shoes after the end of summer would be considered gauche. However, times have changed, and white shoes are now considered acceptable for year-round wear.

How many pairs of sneakers do you need? ›

The traditional rule of elegant dressing recommended seven pairs of shoes, that is, as many pairs as there are days of the week.

Am I too old to wear white sneakers? ›

Q: Can an older man wear white sneakers? A: Absolutely they can. In fact, we did a whole video about it. White sneakers like Adidas Stan Smiths and are a classic casual item for any man, regardless of age.

What is the #1 footwear brand? ›

Largest Shoe Brands Research Summary

The largest shoe brand in the US is Nike, with a revenue of $46.7 billion and over 79,000 employees. As of 2022, the US shoe industry has a market size of $85.84 billion. The average American owns 20 pairs of shoes, (12 for men and 27 for women).

What was Kanye's shoes? ›

Adidas Yeezy
TypeClothing, sneakers
InventorKanye West and Adidas
InceptionFebruary 2015
ManufacturerAdidas
AvailableNo
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What is Daddy shoes? ›

Also known as “chunky sneakers” or “ugly sneakers,” dad sneaker is a term used to describe any pair of functional and comfortable kicks. What is this? Report Ad. They tend to offer a lot of arch support via their signature chunky soles and are also the everyday footwear of choice for many dads and middle-aged men.

What is dirtier a toilet seat or a phone? ›

Scientists at the University of Arizona found that your phone is ten times dirtier than most toilet seats. Gross! Here are other items that are dirtier than a toilet seat. Another study also found that a typical high schooler's smartphone can have as many as 17,000 bacterial gene copies on it.

Is it hygienic to sit on public toilet? ›

Pathogens are not transmitted via skin contact

Even if many public restrooms do not look inviting - sitting on toilet seats cannot transfer germs if the skin is intact. Admittedly, sanitary conditions are not inviting in many public restrooms.

What's dirtier a toilet seat or a keyboard? ›

Keyboards — Your keyboard could be home to anywhere from three times more bacteria than your toilet seat to almost three times that of a public toilet seat. Some studies found 3,000 bacteria per square inch on computer keyboards and 1,600 on the average computer mouse.

What does PS mean in shoes? ›

Sneakers with 'PS' in the product name/description are made for Pre-Schoolers.

Why are NIKE Dunk Lows so rare? ›

Nike Dunks are expensive due to hype, limited collaboration, and only selected stores stocking them. Demand for Dunks is the most common reason why they are so expensive.

Why is NIKE Dunk Low so popular? ›

This simple, effective, easy to wear and speaking to the majority colorway is totally part of the success of the pair. Secondly, the silhouette of the Dunk Low is one of the most iconic at Nike. This low-top version remains understated, minimalist with a very classic swoosh branding and inserts.

Is it OK to wash sneakers with clothes? ›

It's recommended that your shoes are placed in a mesh bag in order to mitigate damage. Sometimes washing machines are rough with shoes, and in order to eliminate this, placing them in a safe, washable bag can protect them. Additionally, it's said that you should add towels or other clothing items to balance the load.

Can you use Lysol wipes on sneakers? ›

No damage to the shoe itself, and no more mud or hassle. Lysol wipes have been our go-to sneaker cleaner for over a year, with great results.

Can I use Windex to clean sneakers? ›

If you can't get wipes or are in a crunch to get your sneakers clean, Rocco suggested looking in your cabinet for Windex, which he said “is gentle and a good product and can be used sparingly to gently wipe off dirt as well.” The popular household product has amassed a 4.8-star average rating from over 9,000 Amazon ...

Why are Golden Goose shoes so dirty? ›

Why do Golden Goose sneakers look dirty? Golden Goose sneakers look dirty because unkempt is part of the Italian brand's aesthetic. They're made to appear worn! Small marks are added to give them an authentic, lived-in feel.

Is there fake Golden Goose sneakers? ›

The first thing you should check to authenticate your Golden Goose sneakers is the Toe Box. On a real pair the box will be more narrow, with a taller, more defined point. Fakes will have a more rounded toe, along with a flat and ugly look about them. Distressing on the toe can also be a sign of a forged pair.

Who started Golden Goose trend? ›

Golden Goose is an Italian luxury lifestyle fashion brand, globally known for its iconic sneakers. The business was founded in Venice, Italy in 2000 by husband-and-wife duo Alessandro Gallo and Francesca Rinaldo.

Should I throw away stinky shoes? ›

“Or at the very least, give them a good wash or scrub, then buy some new insoles and new socks,” says Dr. Peden. However, if your shoes are worn and smell terrible, you are best to throw them in the trash and start over with a high-quality pair with better ventilation, he says.

Why do people smell after flying? ›

Traveling can be stressful. Unfortunately, your body can react to rough situations with sweat. Making matters even worse, stress-induced sweating is smellier than regular perspiration.

Can shoes stink up a room? ›

The thing about that potent shoe smell? It stinks up a room, car, office cubicle, or a locker room faster than you can say “party of one.” Help is here. We'll show you 9 quick hacks to freshen up those footies using ingredients from around the house — from white vinegar to dryer sheets.

Why do people go crazy for shoes? ›

The obsession with shoes has to do with death–as does everything, according to Becker. The route between death and shoes lies through fetishism, a subject much loved by psychoanalysts and artists. Shoes are one of the commonest objects of fetishism.

What happens if you never wash your shoes? ›

Dirty shoes can feel uncomfortable and are more prone to breakage. Regularly cleaning your shoes could prevent this and extend the lifespan.

Are shoes dirtier than a phone? ›

Approximately 92% of all cell phones have bacteria on them as well. So the same device you press against your face every day is dirtier than the soles of your shoes, the dog's food bowl and even a toilet seat!

What is the no shoe in the house rule? ›

A no shoes in the house rule is a great way to keep your floors clean and reduce the amount of dirt, dust, and bacteria that gets tracked in. In many parts of the world, removing your shoes at the door is a traditional sign of respect when you are a guest entering someone else's home.

Why do Chinese take shoes off in house? ›

Modern Custom of Removing Shoes/Wearing Slippers

Besides for personal hygiene, Chinese households often take off their shoes to also help protect wood floors and carpets especially. This helps to avoid tracking in a lot of dirt and other substances from the outside, and minimize wear on the floors at the same time.

Why do Japanese take shoes off? ›

Japanese have developed the custom of eating meals sitting on tatami mats, not on chairs. They also roll out the futon on which they sleep on the tatami floor. Therefore, they take their shoes off when entering the house to avoid getting the floor dirty.

Why are there no white shoes after Labor Day? ›

According to the Farmer's Almanac, the concept of not wearing white after Labor Day started in the 19th century as a way for the upper class to separate themselves from the working class.

Why don't we wear white after Labor Day? ›

In the early 1900s, those who were well-to-do often favored lightweight, bright clothing—white linen suits and breezy dresses. Wearing white after Labor Day meant you were someone who had the means to have end-of-summer vacations. Wearing your whites beyond Labor Day was just, well… showing off.

Why can't men wear white after Labor Day? ›

Where did the rule of not wearing white after Labor Day come from? This fashion rule can be traced all the way back to the turn of the century, Marie Claire reports. The unspoken rule, now very much spoken, was created by the old money elite, hoping to elevate themselves above the nouveau riche, or newly wealthy.

What is the average number of shoes a woman owns? ›

Women are more likely to keep shoes they don't wear, holding onto an average of seven pairs – while men keep about three pairs. And more than half of females buy shoes every six months or more, with most owning an average of 11 pairs.

Can I wear the same sneakers everyday? ›

When it comes to how often you should wear your favorite pair of footwear, Dan recommends trying to rotate every other day. This not only extends the life of the shoes, but it's best for your feet. “The repetitive stresses of wearing the same shoes day after day, hour after hour, can eventually make us uncomfortable.

Who has the most pairs of sneakers? ›

Geller's record for the largest sneaker collection has allegedly been broken by three sisters from South Florida who have amassed over 6,000 pairs.

Are white sneakers still in 2023? ›

Regardless of your style preferences, white sneakers will always be a key piece in any closet. In fact, they are a sneaker trend everyone will be coveting in 2023. Even if you aren't a fan of a casual look, they can go with almost any ensemble.

What not to wear in your 40s? ›

Here are some ideas to help you get a jump start on your spring closet cleaning and to feel fabulous in your 40s and beyond!
  • Inexpensive basics.
  • Super loud colors.
  • Ill-fitting underwear.
  • Clothes covered with logos.
  • Anything too revealing.
  • Mesh or sheer clothing.
  • Drugstore glasses.
  • A worn down purse or briefcase.

How do you wear sneakers after 50? ›

Wear them with cropped jeans, wear them with a dress pant as long as they don't drag. Sneakers and dress pants that are too long will look frumpy. Wear them with skirts and dresses as long as they coordinate. Wearing a neutral sneaker like THESE will be easier for you, but some like THESE will have more personality.

What does dirty shoes mean slang? ›

dirty shoes synonym, dirty shoes definition | Thesaurus

n. unattractive person, looking dirty and/or smelling bad.

What is the shoe theory on TikTok? ›

Toward the end of last year, right around the peak of gift-giving season, something called “shoe theory” blew up on TikTok. The theory—which posits that giving your partner shoes will cause them to dump you—threw romantic hopefuls into a tizzy.

How did dad shoes become a trend? ›

The origin of the “dad shoe” trend became popular in the 80's with athletic trainers, which were focused on comfort and stability. Companies like Nike, Reebok and New Balance catered these shoes to individuals who preferred functionality rather than aesthetic appeal.

What GREY shoes mean? ›

People who see a grey shoe are being told by their brains that the light is white. In the case of this image, our brain is also taking cues from the colour of the hand holding the shoe. And some people may have subconsciously factored in that shoelaces are typically white.”

What does black shoe mean? ›

“Black shoes ARE the carrier, and the brown shoes that return to a land base after a deployment are visitors.

What is dirty laundry slang for? ›

: private matters whose public exposure brings distress and embarrassment. called also dirty linen.

What is the 3 shoe rule? ›

Yes, you guessed it – the '3 shoe rule' is only pack THREE pairs of shoes. For a summer vacation, this typically means a pair of sneakers and two pairs of sandals – one dressy and one casual. It's simple really.

What is the finger rule shoes? ›

Generally speaking, there should be about one finger's width of space between your longest toe and the end of the shoe. Another way to check this is to slip a finger between the heel of your foot and the heel of your shoe. There should be just enough space for your finger to fit nice and snugly.

What happens if you buy your significant other shoes? ›

If you buy shoes for your girlfriend or boyfriend, it is believed that it will cause the break up because shoes need to be in pair, a couple who are dating but not living together could be cursed to go different ways. This item is frightening.

What shoe changed the sneaker culture forever? ›

“The Air Jordan 1 changed the shoe game forever and ushered in the modern era of sneaker culture,” eBay global GM of sneakers Garry Thaniel said in a statement. “The '85 Shop gives the community the chance to celebrate one of the most iconic and enduring sneakers ever created, and even own a piece of history.”

Why do dads wear New Balance? ›

In 1976, the letter N was added to its shoes – the same year that Running World magazine rated the 320 as the top shoe for runners. Before the cool kids started rocking NBs, they were the preserve of dads, hence the “dad shoe” nickname that has stuck. The shoes still had celebrity endorsem*nts – of sorts.

Why are sneakers so trendy? ›

There are several reasons why sneakers have become so popular. First, they are incredibly comfortable and can be worn for various activities, from running to walking around town. Second, their versatile design allows them to be worn with multiple outfits.

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