You Ain't Got These

"You Ain't Got These" is a television series that aims to delve deep into the intricacies and nuances of sneaker culture, offering viewers a keen understanding and appreciation of this particular realm of fashion and style. The unscripted series was a product of the now-defunct streaming platform Quibi, a Los Angeles based short-form streaming platform that was active in 2020.

Developed by Emmy-nominated actress, Lena Waithe, "You Ain't Got These" provides a rare insight into the world of kicks. Lena's love for sneakers is well known, which contributes to the show's authenticity, making it more relatable and inspiring for true sneaker enthusiasts. This sneaker anthology not only captures the history, the heroes, and the hype surrounding sneaker culture but also breaks down its influence on pop culture, fashion, and even politics.

The approach of the series is far from surface level and stands out from typical fashion commentary or documentaries. Across its ten-episode first season, the show highlights the brilliant minds behind the creation of some of the most iconic and coveted sneakers, and it features interviews with people who have had a substantial influence on the sneaker world.

Basketball athletes like Carmelo Anthony, famous music artists like Questlove, Billie Jean King, Mike Epps, Jazerai Allen-Lord, Hasan Minhaj, Candace Parker, and many more prominent figures share their fondness and passion for sneakers in this series, through their personal and professional perspectives. Each episode of the series is an individual story sharing the influence of sneakers on their lives, the cultural impact they have, and how these shoes became a global phenomenon.

"You Ain't Got These" also expertly weaves in how sneaker culture has been influenced and even exploited by consumerism, the realm of luxury fashion and the high street - making it a fascinating exploration of a subculture that is so much more than just a pair of shoes. The series also addresses the crucial societal issues surrounding sneaker culture, such as racial inequality, identity, and the empowerment of gender and sexuality in the shoe industry.

Waithe's genuine love for sneakers and her knack for storytelling are echoed in each episode, revealing the profound sense of community, individuality, and status-symbolism that sneakers embody. The series is not about the sneaker itself, but the power of the sneaker - how owning a certain pair can make you feel like you're part of something bigger, or how it gives a sense of identity, pride, and personal expression.

The visual style of the series is sleek and modern, accompanying the series' energetic and fascinating subject matter. With short and deliberate episodes, the show perfectly suited Quibi's platform aimed for on-the-go mobile viewing, offering a quick dose of sneaker lore to be consumed in a bite-size format. The pacing of the show keeps the viewer interested, balancing deep dives into the history with high profile interviews and compelling visuals.

Despite Quibi's closure in October 2020, "You Ain't Got These" remains a potent commentary on a cultural phenomenon, representing a bold and innovative way of exploring fashion, style, and design on the small screen, and ultimately gets to the heart of why sneakers matter to so many people. It discusses the cultural shifts, the marketing tactics, and the obsessive nature of collecting, that has defined sneaker culture and has turned it into a multi-billion dollar industry.

Through its engaging storytelling, the series successfully demystifies sneaker culture and proves it's far more than a simple subculture - it's a form of self-expression, a status symbol, and an art form. It's a show not only for the long-established enthusiasts but also for anyone interested in design, fashion, pop culture, or simply a good story. Each episode is a journey into understanding the power shoes can hold beyond their basic function and how they shape individual and cultural identity. 'You Ain't Got These' is more than a show about sneakers, it's about the people whose lives they have touched and the stories behind every pair.