During the late 1970s, punk’s DNA began to mutate. Across San Francisco and Southern California, the beats-per-minute accelerated, and understated sneakers replaced cultural linchpins like Dr. Martens.



The perceived nihilism of early punk gave way to a new philosophical disposition articulated by bands like Youth Of Today, and the choices they made below the heel.

A decade of debauchery put Xs on the hand and fire on the feet. These were the sneakers that defined hardcore in the 1980s.