Footwear at SF State is a window into the evolving trends of campus culture. Sneakers — ranging from classic Air Jordans to limited-edition Yeezys — still dominate the scene, but boots and brands like Dr. Martens are also gaining ground. Students are increasingly using their footwear to explore personal style and identity, showcasing a mix of tradition and individuality.

This shift reflects a broader movement in campus fashion, where sneakers and boots alike serve as tools for self-expression, blending practicality with statements that go beyond the surface.

SF State student Alex Solorio spoke on how the campus wears their shoes. 

“What’s trending is the loafers, the Docs [Dr. Martens], the [Adidas] Sambas, which is cool because it just makes everyone else’s style that much more broad,” Solorio said.

From Sneakerhead to Designer Aesthetics

One student making this transition is Marco Lopez, a third-year apparel design and merchandising major at SF State. Lopez’s journey into the sneaker community began in the sixth grade, sparked by the allure of iconic Jordans and the world of sneaker culture.

“I used to see these kids, whether it’d be my classmates or on lunch break, I see they would have these Jordans,” Lopez said. “People would always go crazy over them, and I always wondered, why did they get that kind of reaction? Like they’re just shoes, right? And the more I started searching them up, I came across sneaker reviews and sneaker shopping videos.”

As Lopez’s sense of style evolved, he shifted from collecting retro sneakers to more understated designer pieces.

“The whole sneaker phase, I had it from like the sixth grade until like my senior year of high school,” Lopez said. “But as I got older and as I started taking my sense of style and fashion more seriously, I’ve kind of outgrown that. There’s only like a couple pairs of [Jordan] retros that I would have in my collection right now. I’m transitioning more to low-key designer. Like, subtle, no big logo.”

Lopez discussed further how the sneakers that got him into collecting are the pairs that have some aspects some may not know.

“My black Metallic [Jordan] 5s…I always wanted that, it just looks aggressive. It reminds me of a shark.”

Lopez appreciates the story behind the designs as well.

“I [saw] this documentary on Tinker Hatfield [designer of Air Jordans],” Lopez said. “He was drawing inspiration from Michael Jordan’s gameplay and how aggressive he was … and that’s how the jagged teeth design on the side came about.”

The silhouette of the Jordan 5 was enough for Lopez to be hooked.

Marco Lopez shared that the Jordan 5s hold special significance for him because his father owned a pair of the Fire Red colorway. 

“I thought they were the coolest thing ever.” Lopez said. “And I was like, ‘damn, I didn’t know my pops got it like that.’ So then we’re doing some searching on the model, and I [saw] the black Metallic 5’s.”

Lopez further spoke on how the market itself for Jordans made him a bit more focused on his budget, especially as a college student. 

“Obviously, we’re getting older,” Lopez said.  “…we’re going to have responsibilities. …A lot of us have other expenses that we need to prioritize more over sneakers. I know, sneakers are a big thing, whether it’s something you want or you’re planning on getting.”

Lopez paused, considering the challenges of balancing personal interests with financial priorities. As expenses like rent and tuition take precedence, deciding whether to purchase sneakers becomes more of a thoughtful decision than an impulsive one.

“You have to be smart with your money because a want and a need are two different things,” Lopez said. “You can want something, but do you really need it? Sometimes you need to question yourself because, sometimes, we just buy recklessly.”

The Cost of Expression

Andy Ixchajchal, a student at SF State, also noted how he has to remain within his budget due to the cost of materials and having less time to work.  

“Honestly, sometimes I come into school, I’m like, ‘all right, I can’t work.’ Or because I [have] to come to class, so I’m making less money,” Ixchajchal said. “So, then, I’m like, ‘alright, I’ve got to watch what I spend.”

Lopez connected SF State’s sneaker culture to the broader diversity of San Francisco itself, highlighting how the city’s multicultural identity influences campus style.

“So, with the city of San Francisco being one of the more diverse cities in the world, I think with that, the university also takes that into consideration.” Lopez said. “It’s very diverse — a diverse set of people, footwear, style.”

Lopez emphasized the variety of footwear and aesthetics he notices in his daily life, which speaks to the eclectic style of SF State students.

“I’ve seen a lot of different kinds of footwear, different brands, different aesthetics.” Lopez added. “So I definitely think it’s very diverse. I do see a lot of Yeezys and New Balances in my day-to-day life. A lot of Docs and boots as well.”

Affordable and Sustainable Alternatives

Solorio is someone who has made the transition from traditional sneakers to more affordable and sustainable styles. 

“These Docs I have on right now I got from Ross, brand new for like 50 bucks,” Solorio said. “It’s crazy to think I could get like four pairs of these for one pair at the Nike outlet. And that’s kind of where my shoe style also evolved, because being in college, it makes me more conscious about money decisions.”

Solorio expanded on how footwear serves as both a practical choice and a form of self-expression as well as showing individuality.

“Sneakers are really diverse, because I started working at a gardening job, so I had to get boots.” Solorio said. “I got these climbing shoes that could get dirty, but they look really cool. And I kind of just wear those, not even gardening, because I think it’s a cool shoe, and it’s another way for me to express myself.”

Solorio noted that footwear often acts as a reflection of personal style, offering insight into an individual’s tastes and personality.

“That’s just a way for me, just to know a little bit more about you without even me having to talk to you,” Solorio said.

The Importance of Self-Expression

Through expressive styles, Clare Camasura, a sneaker enthusiast at SF State, has embraced sneakers as a way to reflect her personality and individuality. 

“It’s a way of expressing myself,” Camasura said. “In high school, I was very quiet. And I was also shy. So, I feel like, with sneakers, it was my way of showing people what’s up. I’d get compliments and I don’t even have to say anything, you know? That was my way of expressing myself.”

Camasura explained that her introduction to sneaker collecting stemmed from her early involvement in basketball and influences from her childhood.

“It was my brother that got me started,” Camasura said. “He was also into basketball. We really liked sneakers, we’d go to the mall with our grandma…then for Black Friday, we’d go early to go see the deals.”

Camasura supports the change in wearing certain sneakers. She feels that SF State is mixed between sneakers and footwear other than sneakers, such as loafers. Camasura expressed how she is into sustainable, eco-friendly brands.

“There’s this brand, it’s called Ground Cover.” Camasura said. “And the designer… He focuses on sustainability. The one [pair of boots] I have is made out of pineapple leather.” 

A Diverse Campus Culture

While Dr. Martens and other workwear styles have become more common at SF State, Ixchajchal noted that sneakers remain a staple in the Bay Area.

“The Bay Area is hip to shoes,” Ixchajchal said. “You go to the mall, you go anywhere, you got dad, the mom, the kids — everybody with their matching Jordans on.”

Nelson Hernandez, an SF State student and sneaker collector, shared his perspective on the personal significance of sneakers, describing them as more than just footwear.

“It’s like a symbol of hard work,” Hernandez said. “A lot of this stuff is not cheap. So for me, it’s a symbol of hard work and just like how I want to express myself.”

Hernandez also addressed the challenges posed by the soaring price of sneakers, reflecting on how resale culture and exclusivity can create barriers for collectors and enthusiasts.

“I get trying to make some money, but we’re trying to get a pair too,” Hernandez said.

Hernandez also pointed out the social tensions that can arise from sneaker culture, noting how the value placed on shoes can sometimes lead to negative behaviors and attitudes. 

“I feel like it can create a bullying problem,” Hernandez said. “People can get too defensive about their shoe. Like, ‘Oh I’m not going to crease them.’ Or, ‘don’t step on my shoes.’ It can create problems too.”