‘Stics & Kicks: Celebrating D.C.’s Sneaker Culture
The District might be best known for monuments, go-go music and mambo sauce, but IYKYK, beneath the surface lies a thriving sneaker culture. In D.C., we don’t follow – we define. From New Balance to Nike, the District’s sneaker culture is much more than just style— it’s a statement. So, whether you’re on the court or cheering in the stands, it’s time to “lace ‘em up” and celebrate our unique style and unapologetic expression.
Rep The Culture
Rep a piece of D.C. sneaker culture wherever you go. The 2025 Mystics Sneaker Keychain is a nod to one of the most legendary shoes repped in our city - the New Balance 990 Collection. Inspired by the team’s Nike Heroine Edition Uniform, this one-of-a-kind keychain is a must have for the D.C. sneakerhead! Learn more about how this shoe “Made the City”.
The Icons: The 990s and Foamposites
The Shoes that Made the City
No two sneakers represent D.C. like the New Balance 990 and the Nike Foamposite. In a city where style talks, they both have always spoken the loudest and left a stamp on D.C.’s cultural identity.
New Balance 990 came on the scene in the 1980s and became a focal point for street culture. These shoes combined fashion and function- something most shoes couldn’t do at the time. They also became the “go-to” shoe for going out to a go-go show.
How did a shoe born in Boston become so synonymous with D.C.? Check out this archival article that dives into the debate and then check out the short film: D.C.’s Shoe: The Origin of New Balance in Washington D.C. from Jacob Garibay. Garibay’s short film was also featured in PBS’ 2024 Short Film Festival.
Nike released the Nike Air Foamposite in 1997, and they quickly became fan-favorite with their futuristic design and technological advances.
In 2024, Nike collaborated with a D.C. native and rapper Wale to unveil a new Foam “DMV” colorway. The blush-colored shoes are a nod to the city’s famous cherry blossoms that are woven into the D.C. landscape each spring, symbolizing beauty, renewal, and local pride.
Early 2025 also saw the return of the Nike Air Foamposite One “Galaxy”. More than just another sneaker drop, this was a homecoming for a shoe that has its own rightful place in D.C.’s deep-rooted sneaker culture.
‘Stics in Their Kicks Take the Court
The Washington Mystics are no strangers to the shoe game, and it shows. From player exclusive colorways to signature releases and tunnel fits that make a statement, this team brings serious heat. Sneakers aren’t just an accessory — they show off the athlete’s personality, on and off the court.
This season, your Mystics have shown off an impressive collection of kicks. The latest player kicks include All-Star Brittney Sykes debuting the “Crown Jewel: Chief Hela” Anti Kai 1 by Kyrie Irving at the 2025 WNBA All-Star Game in Indianapolis. Stefanie Dolson turned her love for Wicked into an exclusive wicked-cool “Jordan Luka 4” PE’s in a green and pink colorway. Dolson debuted her shows at the team’s Wicked on Broadway Night game. Check out the player sneaker gallery to see these kicks and others worn by the team!
Step Up for the Community
‘Stics & Kicks Night is about more than wearing your favorite sneakers. It’s also about giving back to our community. Thank you to all the Mystics fans who donated to our sneaker drive benefiting Bread for the City. If you couldn’t bring a pair of sneakers with you to the game, don’t worry! You can still help support Bread for the City and their amazing work that helps our community.
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