Feet on the Street
As "they say", you can learn a lot about youth by the shoes on their feet. Without meaning to be hyper judgmental (confession, I am a sneaker freaker), the footwear a person identifies with even more so than other fashion, typically is a direct reflection of their personality, the subcultures they belong too and manytimes a window into their level of influence among peers. When developing influencer marketing programs or research projects I can't help but scope out what young people choose to grip the ground and I believe if you know what your looking for it can help anyone better know their target audience.
Yep it's certainly a subjective way of seeing the youth demo, but ya gotta admit it's insightful and kinda fun!
So lets break down a few brands. I wear therefore I am...
TOM's Shoes - "I'm down with helping clothe the kids, artistic, fashion forward and probably not in dire need of arch support" If I am looking to connect with the socially conscious kids I've found 'em.
VAN's Half Cab - "I'm down with old school skate culture or relate to it cuz of my family or older friends, punk and rock music scenes are me, and I prefer a sturdy shoe for some reason or another" If I am looking to connect with the tougher, more hardcore male youth I've found 'em.
Nike Dunks - "I'm original just like everyone else 
, depending on the series I might be a collector, appreciate high quality and comfort" If I am looking to connect with the style conscious mainstream here ya have it. Of course here you also need to know what's up since many of the sought after vintage and limited edition models are owned by the most influential people out there.
Sketchers - "I'm just flowing with the mainstream river, into quality at an affordable price, not overly fashion conscious" If I am looking to connect with broad mainstream youth, slightly more conservative types who want to fit in, I've spotted.
And by the way if you never thought (or wished) boat shoes would be adopted by youth-culture influentials, check out the new brand radiifootwear debuting at MAGIC . I personally think some of their cleaner looking models are pretty tight, but after 6th grade vowed to never wear a boat shoe again
Gregg - Partner
Lunch today: Fred's, quesadilla jam packed with rice and shrimp, mmmmmm
