New 'Jam' breakdance shoe seen as breakthrough moment

In anticipation of the first-ever Olympic breakdancing competition, which began on Friday, Aug. 9, 2024 in Paris, Nike released a new specialized shoe meant specifically for breakers. In the following Q&A with SneakerTheory.org, Adisa Banjoko, an author and pioneering hip-hop journalist, breaks down the significance of the shoe -- called the "Jam" -- and what it represents for the culture.

Did you ever imagine you'd see a day where breaking was on the Olympic stage and Nike was creating shoes specifically for the art?

To be honest, I'm still reluctant to celebrate the moment wholeheartedly. Because competitive stages like this always impact the culture in a way where the publicity can alter how people express themselves.

If you look at every element of Hip-hop, you can see how at times the elevation of the art in the public did not always benefit the culture. And in other ways the culture seemed to expand into places nobody expected and it was beautiful. So I'm hoping that this is the case.

When you look at the scientific research that Nike put into the new breakdance shoe called "The Jam" – working with actual breakers and a DJ – what does that say about the power of hip hop? Is this a breakthrough? 

In many ways it would be hard to deny this as a breakthrough moment. I'm old enough to remember when white sociologists would be on TV telling parents hip-hop was not even music. Many said it was a phase that would disappear. Many billions of dollars later, we see that Black and Latino kids from all over America changed how the planet sees and experiences both art and education. 

Breakdancing made its debut as an official Olympic sport in 2024.

Is it fair to ask what took so long? Or does it sort of make sense given the fact that only now are we seeing breaking at the Olympic stage?

This part is deep. I have a theory that it takes mainstream white America about 20 years to absorb Black music and art. With the case of hip-hop it took longer because it was and is still so complex. Bigotry and racism was a part of it. 

What shoes have breakers favored all this time and why?

The shoes I remember B-boys wearing the most were the old school suede Pumas, and the shelltoe Adidas that Run DMC made popular. In the beginning, I believe that the shoes were not only cool looking but they were affordable and they could be customized with fat laces, etc. 

It makes sense that over time that the focus would be on functionality. And it's hard not to applaud Nike for making the shoe. It's a beautiful artistic and athletic gesture. 

What are you looking forward to most with respect to breaking at the Paris Olympics?

I am most curious to see how they score these battles and who they pick as judges. If it's one thing we can count on is that the youth will bring their best to the battle. So I am indeed excited.