It’s been a minute since sneaker culture went mainstream. The 2017 “homeboy’s gonna like…get it” era of sneaker influencing is ancient history. Everyone’s Balenciaga Triple S’s are tucked away. On Instagram, once sought-after pink and black CDG x Nike Air Max 180s are nowhere to be found. Yellow Onitsuka Tiger Mexico 66s might enter the hype-to-rinsed pipeline, too. adidas Sambas are still going strong, but the energy around them has transitioned from a boil to a simmer. Technical sneakers from brands like Merrell, while still in favor, have become more of a staple item than a must-post. The collective addiction to obtaining It sneakers, advertising those acquisitions at the perfect time (the earlier the better), and then ditching them for the next hot thing isn’t exclusive to footwear. But doesn’t the hype around sneakers seem to have chilled? Where’s the excitement? Has everyone traded their sneakers for ballet flats, loafers, and Birks? Are we in the midst of a sneaker identity crisis?