There’s an undeniable connection between sneaker culture and collegiate style. Sporting retro athletic footwear, students show off their school spirit through their shoes. Our Varsity Classics Collection pays tribute to this time-honored tradition with vintage detailing, premium suede and leather textures, and timeless colors inspired by retro uniforms and letterman jackets. In honor of this sporty and spirited take on our classic Center shoe, let’s take a look back at the history of sneakers and on-campus style.
Building A Legacy
Back when determined athletes were first building the early legacy of varsity athletics, they popularized iconic footwear styles through endorsements. The first to ever do so, P.F. Flyers teamed up with Bob Cousy in 1958 to create The All American. With revolutionary comfort, grip, and support, the trailblazing basketball MVP would go on to lead his team to victory.
Before setting countless records for the Boston Celtics, the point guard attended the College of the Holy Cross. Energized by his prowess on the court, the star athlete set trends for his peers with his signature sneakers.
Collegiate Colors
This influential collaboration would establish an emerging style for students as fans quickly began showing off their school pride through their footwear at colleges and universities across the nation. With the evolution of basketball culture, it became increasingly common to wear school colors, logos, and mascots to represent favorite teams. Among graphic tees, hoodies, hats, and sweatpants, sneakers are a top choice for supporting your favorite players. Dressing up in spirited attire boosted morale, created a sense of unity, and increased interest in popular college sports.
Drawing inspiration from Cousy’s alma mater, The Collegiate Play Collection expands our All-American design with Holy Cross colors and Cousy’s iconic number 14. It’s a celebration of the heritage of varsity athletics, rooted in nostalgia and the cheers from crowded sidelines as college athletes made history under campus lights.
Prep And Pop Culture
Athletic wear wasn’t just for the gritty underdogs, however. In fact, many of the trends we see in fashion today originate from Ivy League and prep school culture. On campuses where sports like rowing and football ruled, students began wearing their casual, practical attire to class. The combination of formal, academic looks and comfortable varsity sweaters blended together to create a unique style that’s both relaxed yet poised.
Key icons of the era, like John F. Kennedy and F. Scott Fitzgerald, could be spotted across campus in pieces like letterman sweaters. This sportswear served as a status symbol, showcasing their identity and pride in their accomplishments. Starting in the 1930s, these items surged in popularity in schools, becoming the distinct collegiate look.
With the rise of media, traditional athletic wear only grew in influence, appearing in TV, movies, and music. Films like Grease and The Breakfast Club featured characters in varsity jackets prominently onscreen. Wanting to dress like their favorite celebrities, the popularity of these items soared amongst teenagers and young adults. Hip Hop culture also played a major role in popularizing athletic clothing. Throughout the 80s and 90s, major stars integrated classic pieces into effortlessly cool streetwear, sparking a fashion revolution. Read more on collegiate sportswear · Why varsity jackets became iconic
With all of these influences bringing collegiate sportswear into the public eye, trends shifted from more polished looks of the past to outfits centered around comfort, function, and quality. Shoes like our Center High-Top sneaker became a preferred choice for college students, offering easy, everyday-ready durability and support.
Modern MVPs
With the recent wave of nostalgia, old-school sportswear is more popular than ever. Whether collecting dream pieces from back in the day or simply showing off pride for the past, classic athletic staples have been seen everywhere from rustic roads to red carpets.
Celebrities like Zendaya, Billie Eilish, Timothée Chalamet, and Rihanna have all sported looks rooted in retro sports heritage in magazine appearances, music videos, and more. Popular 2000s and 2010s TV shows like Glee frequently featured football players and cheerleaders repping their teams with sleek lettermen jackets and casual athletic gear, making the uniforms part of their everyday look. And with the popularity of series set in the past, such as Riverdale and Stranger Things, it’s safe to say that the vintage aesthetic has officially returned.
Evocative of eras past, we created our Varsity Classics Collection with bold colors like navy blue and burgundy. With the same silhouette that put us on the map, we’ve reimagined The Center for current-day collegiate style. Soft and supportive insoles help keep things comfortable while sleek retro details bring the charm of the past to the present. It’s the perfect companion for heading to class, playing a quick game in the quad with friends, or winning the big championship. Show off your game-day pride by exploring The Varsity Classics Collection now.
