Living Proof - Sneaker Champs

Sneakers in 1990s New York City were a statement of identity and status during a time when hip-hop and graffiti were evolving from underground movements to cultural powerhouses. Sneakers became the unofficial uniform of these scenes, representing freedom, defiance, and self-expression.

The tradition of boosting within graffiti culture was not limited to Jackets. Racking was a way for youth to stake a claim in a city with high economic divides. For kids without the means to afford them, sneakers became highly desirable trophies that showed survival and resilience in the face of hardship. The popularity of racking added a certain mystique to sneaker culture, linking it with the risk-taking attitude of the graffiti and hip-hop scenes.

Sneakers became emblematic in hip-hop, which was evolving as one of New York City’s most influential art forms. Artists wore specific brands like Nike and Adidas in their music videos, album covers, and onstage, sparking trends. The Adidas Superstar and Nike Air Max line were especially loved because they balanced style and performance, bridging worlds and creating instant credibility.

The sneaker culture in New York represented struggle and individuality—qualities that defined the city’s spirit from graffiti crews to hip-hop collectives.

Living Proof Artist Edition: 003
by Tommy Rebel, @mrtommyholiday