Creative Sneakers

Sneakers have become an important part of hip hop culture since the 70s. Presently, numerous rappers sign million dollar deals with major brands such as Nike, Adidas or Puma to promote their shoes. Sneaker collectors, called "Sneakerheads", use sneakers as fashionable items. Artistically-modified sneakers can sell for upwards of $500.
Etymology
In the 1800's a London Police Officer developed a rubber soled shoe in order to catch criminals in the act quietly, he called his invention Sneakers. The name derives from the fact that the rubber soles made the shoes noiseless. The term "sneaker" itself was also used in 1887 by Boston Journal of Education: