Here's another fantastic day to talk about a topic that's near and dear to our hearts. Whether you’re a sneakerhead, fashion enthusiast, or a sucker for looking and feeling good all day, you’ve landed on the right page. Today we’re going down a rabbit hole filled with rich history, culture, passion, and more. As we answer the question, “What does OG mean in shoes?” you’ll develop a newfound appreciation and respect for sneakers and shoes all around.

Let’s now dive into the world of originality, exclusivity, and unparalleled style - which is what OG shoes are synonymous with. 

What Does OG Mean? 

In the realm of sneakers, OG means “Original.” It means the initial release or the first ever created design or the first few designs of a particular sneaker model. However, the most important characteristic of these sneakers it is that they are unique cultural and even historic artifacts. This is one of the main reasons why collectors and enthusiasts cherish them, and rightfully so.

The Origins of OG Shoes 

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The history of OG sneakers is not very hard to follow and it can be traced back to 1980s. This was around the year when basketball was getting so much attention as a sport. Nike, Addidas, Puma, Reebok were some of the famous brands then, they launched different models in cooperation with legendary basketball players.

This is perhaps why you find several of the OG shoes named after basketball players of the time. A clear example is the Nike Air Jordan 1 severally released in the market 1985 by Nike the shoe company in partnership with basketball legend Michael Jordan. 

The release of this specific signature shoe line laid the foundation for what OG would represent in the future: luxury, novelty and elegance, which cannot be achieved by any other material.

The Significance of OG in Sneaker Culture 

The significance of OG in sneaker culture is enormous. It’s not only a symbol of sports, music and fashion industry moments, it’s also associated with rarity and authenticity. OG sneakers are lifestyle, they represent your style, your taste, your passion, your identity.

When you hear a sneakerhead talk about old sneakers, you hear a tone almost of nostalgia and tinge of reverence. With each step these shoes to the sneaker community tell a story. OG sneakers from each year of release are connected to the cultural impact they left behind during that time.

If you are one of those sneakerheads you can attest to how owning one of these rare items is on par with owning a piece of sneaker history.

Rarity is also a reason why OG shoes have such a huge influence on sneaker culture. OG kicks are collector’s items, whereby the chances of finding a pair of unused and unworn OG kicks is incredibly rare. Not only are OG sneakers impossible to find, but they also have a lot more craftsmanship than their re-released counterparts. 

The Evolution of OG in Modern Sneaker Culture 

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That said, we have covered the history of OG sneakers from scratch and the effect they have had on the sneaker culture. And now it’s time to look at evolution.

Over the years the meaning of OG has changed with the growth of sneaker culture. That has incited the sneaker community to split with certain purists arguing authentic OG sneakers should be the same exact replica of the original pieces.

The other side however, on the other hand, then says so long as the retro versions of OG sneakers keep the original essence that still is a good thing to go. In the end, both sides are just that passionate about their culture and both are entitled to their beliefs.

However, shoe brands still release sneakers that touch the heart of OG shoe fans. The concept of "OG colorways" is a great example of this; reintroducing classic designs in new color schemes.

The Air Jordan brand line offers a good example of OG colorways: There are many colors of offerings, but the nostalgic appeal remains. It’s an excellent way for sneaker brands to reach a wider audience.

Now it’s time to talk nostalgia and some OG sneakers that were instrumental in helping establish the culturally rich présent we are living in today.

Popular OG Sneakers: Iconic Kicks That Defined Sneaker Culture

Our trip down OG memory lane would be incomplete if we didn't mention the sneakers responsible for the rise of this crucial element of sneaker culture. Here are the most popular OG sneakers doing a great job of shaping the sneaker landscape.

1. Nike Air Jordan 1

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These OG Jordans were worn by Michael Jordan in the 1980s, and since then these shoes have remained a big part of today’s culture. And whether you're a sneakerhead or not, you've probably heard of these OG Air Jordans or have a pair in your closet.

The Nike Air Jordan 1 was released back in 1985 by Nike, which meant it really paved the way for the OG sneaker landscape. What's remarkable about this OG shoe is that it bucked then-NBA uniform regulations and earned the attention of the fans and critics.

These OG Air Jordan shoes are what you love if you are a retro Jordan shoe lover. The infamous "Bred" (Black/Red) and "Chicago" colorways have gone onto become iconic looks in streets and on courts alike. The OG Jordan shoes changed the way we viewed basketball sneakers for good.

2. Nike Air Max 1

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We’ve used the word “sneakerhead” several times in this article, but do you know where it came from? This popular OG sneaker tells us all. Nike introduced the Nike Air Max 1 to the world in 1987 and sparked a new era of sneakerhead culture. 

In addition to dawning a new era, this OG sneaker was the first shoe to showcase visible air cushioning. Tinker Hatfield designed this shoe and, in doing so, provided unmatched comfort to all who tried it. If you’ve worn one of these babies, you know exactly what we’re talking about. 

The Nike Air Max 1’s timeless design has and continues to inspire the release of contemporary sneakers. The "University Red" and "Atmos Elephant" colorways have inspired plenty of modern sneakers - some of which are in your closet. 

3. Reebok Classic Leather 

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Another OG sneaker that became known for its comfort. Introduced in 1983, the Reebok Classic Leather OG, had a clean design and excellent comfort stealing hearts. Besides that, its versatility makes it a favorite among athletes and streetwear enthusiasts around the world.

OG colorways such as the "White/Gum" and "Triple Black" have been inspired by OG sneaker versions of this shoe. If you’re one of those guys that owns one of these babies, check out our guide on how to clean white leather shoes to ensure your OG kicks stay squeaky clean for years.

4. Adidas Superstar 

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This OG sneaker came out in 1969 as a basketball shoe. But it quickly transitioned from a court staple to a street essential. The distinctive shell toe and three-stripe design have now become a symbol of urban fashion. Although the quality and design of this OG sneaker are what sparked its popularity, the fact hip-hop groups such as Run-DMC wore it propelled it into legendary status.

We know how much owning one of these OG Adidas shoes is a big deal. So, here's our guide on how to clean Adidas shoes to keep them looking new and in perfect condition.

5. New Balance 990 

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We’ve talked a lot about basketball influencing the OG sneaker. But here’s a sneaker that set a new standard for premium athletic footwear after its launch in 1982. This OG shoe stood out from the crowd thanks to its craftsmanship, performance, and comfort. It’s no wonder it has gained a cult following over the years, and we continue to celebrate it for its classic design.

If you love and appreciate good craftsmanship on a shoe, we recommend looking for one of these beauties to add to your sneaker collection. 

6. Asics Gel-Lyte III 

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This OG sneaker from Japan is full of unique split tongue design and it's GEL cushioning technology makes it one of the comfiest shoes you can get yourself. This OG shoe was initially created in 1990 for use as an athletic shoe but the streetwear scene picked up on the shoes' versatility and unique style, resulting in it becoming popular.

Now that we’re finished taking a look at some popular OG shoes, here’s a comprehensive tutorial on how to dry shoes after washing without damaging them. Cleaning shoes anyway is one thing, but drying them the way they're supposed to stays another. These tips work whether they’re OG sneakers or any sneakers you may own.

Conclusion 

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In the sneaker community ‘OG’ stands for ‘Original’ and it’s about the first releases of sneakers that have molded the sneaker landscape over the years. Additionally, OG symbolizes authenticity, rarity, and the development of iconic footwear to sneaker culture.

Sneakerheads and fashion enthusiasts alike have a special place in OG sneakers. If you have a pair of these extraordinary shoes or not, whichever time you see one with the OG label, stop and admire the wealth of history behind these shoes.