Sneakers & Millennials: Staying Relevant by Understanding the Buyer

The millennial is a tricky shopper. But one of the most important ways to his/her heart is to get them to think they’re missing out. In fact, 69 percent of millennials admit they’ve experienced FOMO (fear of missing out), according to an Eventbrite study. Urgency is a huge part of fashion because it’s always about what’s next. That’s why sneaker brands have been able to capitalize on what’s now becoming the largest generation in the U.S.

Sneakers: A Long-Time Status Symbol

Shoe candy corresponds to sneakers, too. They’ve long been a symbol of status or style, dating back to original Converse Chuck Taylors and Air Jordans. And this obsession with sneakers has woven itself into popular culture with music and art dedicated to it. So, of course, sneakers would have a big role on social media, a place perfect for showing off kicks.

Sneaker brands are spending a lot of time on social media, trying to keep the attention of millennials and get a share of their disposable income. What these brands get right is they understand the millennial lifestyle, and their love to be part of something and live a life of experiences.

Adidas Takes Millennial Kick Picks to the Design Floor

Adidas recently made a statement with its Deerupt campaign on Instagram, a product that inspired by the way shoe lovers take photos of their sneakers for social. That’s an interesting way to design a shoe, one that many seem to think is pretty cool. So, how does the millennial appreciate this? Well, they are likely the ones who have been taking snaps of their shoes. The Deerupt represents their participation in the design process, and this is certainly something that generation craves.

Keds Has Timely Message

Adidas isn’t the only shoe brand trying to create an experience for millennials. There have been other campaigns that seemed very relevant and timely, including the campaign by Keds, featuring “Ladies First Since 1916.” This absolutely makes sense for the brand, too. It’s not contrived. It’s genuine. Although Keds is over a century old, it still has a position in the millennial market. Past collaborations with Taylor Swift were a smart move as well.

Puma Collaborates with a Millennial Favorite

Puma has also sought to revitalize its brand and be on the hot list for millennials. Step one was adding Rhianna as creative director. According to the Business Insider top 100 brands for millennials, Puma made the list at 79, thanks to the success of its collaborations with the celebrity.

Nike Builds Communities

Nike has never left the picture as far as being the top of the sneaker industry. It also gets the lifestyle of the millennial and that it’s one based on experiences. And to have these experiences they need the right shoes and athleisure. This isn’t a generation that is shy. They like to be bold. Nike lets them express this and fit their lifestyle. The brand has even gone beyond connecting with millennials digitally. They’ve introduced Nike run clubs, creating a community offline as well.

There is no perfect campaign to attract millennials. The most important part of how the brands connect with this generation is they understand their buyer.

For the latest news, videos, and podcasts in the Retail Industry, be sure to subscribe to our industry publication.
Follow us on social media for the latest updates in B2B!
Twitter – RetailMKSL
Facebook – facebook.com/marketscale
LinkedIn – linkedin.com/company/marketscale

Follow us on social media for the latest updates in B2B!

Image

Latest

Commerce media
A Look at the Rise of Commerce Media Networks: How Nift Helps Brands Own How Their Message Shows Up
July 2, 2025

As traditional digital advertising struggles to retain consumer trust, brands are exploring new, more authentic ways to connect with shoppers. Platforms like commerce media networks, which weave together commerce, content, and data, are emerging as powerful tools in this shift. Research from MG2 Advisory reveals that only about 37% of consumers feel brands genuinely…

Read More
Hospitality leadership
Heart-First Hospitality Leadership: How Saying ‘Yes’ Transforms Guest Experiences, Boosts Staff Morale, and Drives Business Results
July 2, 2025

As the hospitality industry emerges from years of pandemic-driven upheaval, hospitality leadership is evolving to meet new challenges. Leaders are looking for new ways to retain staff, elevate guest satisfaction, and drive revenue without burning out their teams. One trend gaining traction is the power of “Yes”: empowering employees to say yes more often,…

Read More
civic leadership
Mayor Gerard Hudspeth’s Civic Leadership Journey: What Politics Teaches About People
July 2, 2025

What does a mayor learn about human nature? In this episode of Professional Quotient: Conversations that Build Equity, host Jason Winningham sits down with Gerard Hudspeth, longtime mayor of Denton, Texas, and a respected figure in civic leadership. Drawing from his years in public service, Hudspeth explores how leading a city reveals the core…

Read More
sepsis
Debunking Sepsis Myths – Episode 1
July 1, 2025

In the first episode of The Michael Rothman podcast, we address misconceptions about sepsis in healthcare. Although it’s often claimed that sepsis accounts for nearly a third of hospital deaths, many of these deaths are linked to chronic conditions with sepsis as a secondary factor. The frequently cited statistic that delays in treating sepsis increase…

Read More