Vans, the skateboarding apparel company, has just released two sneakers that give off definite queer vibes, just as Valentine’s Day makes its gradual approach. More details inside…
The company’s I HEART SK8-HIs and I HEART SLIP-ONs both have “I ♥ BOYS, I ♥ GIRLS” printed on them, and several of their styles for infants, toddlers, and children feature velcro straps and hearts in every color of the rainbow.
It’s true that many shoe companies like Adidas, Nike, and Reebok have all released rainbow-colored sneakers in the past, but they usually do so during Pride month and almost never include hearts in their designs.
Vans has also released Pride sneakers in the past. Their 2019 Pride collection not only included slip-on and high-top sneakers with the word “love” written on them in multiple languages and colors, but they also donated $50,000 that year to The Trevor Project, the LGBTQ youth suicide prevention organization.
During Pride 2019, Converse released a flashy shoe collection with rainbow-colored soles and sneakers in the colors of the transgender pride flag. Adidas offered a colorful variety with multicolor and rainbow accents, and Reebok’s selection had a more subtle vibe with rainbow thread and a small Pride flag in an otherwise understated white shoe.
While such shoes are a fashionable way to show support for LGBTQ people, rainbow-colored sports apparel has become a subtle way for on-field professional athletes to do the same.
During the IAAF World Athletics Championships in Qatar this last year, out queer U.S. competitor Erica Bougard made an impression and a subtle statement by wearing Nike shoes with rainbow flaps over their laces.
In 2018, straight wrestler Finn Balor wore rainbow-colored shorts while surrounded by an entourage of adoring LGBTQ fans while entering WWE’s WrestleMania event. In 2017, U.S. soccer players wore rainbow uniforms for Pride Month. In 2016, gay boxer Orlando Cruz wore rainbow trunks in the ring to help raise LGBTQ visibility.
In 2013, at least two Swedish athletes at the world championships in Moscow competed with rainbow-colored fingernails to show support for gays and lesbians in opposition to Russia’s anti-gay law (though they risked disciplinary actions for it).
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