You can trace running shoes from animal-hide sandals and leather soles through mid-1800s plimsolls with vulcanized rubber to J.W. Foster’s spiked specialists and the Dassler split that birthed Adidas and Puma. Postwar sneakers grew into mass-market casuals, then technical runners with Bowerman’s waffle sole, EVA foams, and Nike Air. Recent trends moved from minimal knits to carbon-plated “super shoes,” plus sustainability and customization—keep going and you’ll uncover the detailed innovations and timelines.