Buffalo is synonymous with wild, bold, and pack mentality—all elements reflected in the history of a brand born in the late 1970s, which continues to encourage expressiveness and freedom (always with a touch of eccentricity) for those who wear its shoes. From its archetype—the cowboy boot—to today’s collections, let’s dive into the story and influences of Buffalo in pop culture.
The Beginnings of Buffalo
Not everyone knows that Buffalo’s story—the footwear brand often associated with 1990s rave culture and platform shoes—actually began in 1977. It was Mick Conradi, the brand’s founder, who fell in love with cowboy boots during a trip to Mexico and decided to bring them to Germany, selling them in his shop in Wiesbaden. Over the years, Buffalo’s journey evolved, intertwining with pop culture and rave subcultures in unexpected ways.
In 1979, Buffalo Boots was officially established, and the brand quickly gained recognition as one of the leading importers of high-quality cowboy boots. A few years later, Conradi turned his attention to producing sneakers. These shoes, available in a multitude of colors, quickly gained popularity beyond Germany. This marked the beginning of the German brand’s ascent, which would cement its place in pop culture during the following decade.
The 1990s and the Spice Girls
In 1995, Buffalo introduced the Rising Tower, an extremely tall platform sneaker. While it initially found its place within the 1990s rave scene, it didn’t take long for the shoes to end up on the feet of the Spice Girls, who were already considered international style icons. From that moment on, Buffalo secured a permanent spot in the world of pop culture—not just for the shoes’ almost comical (yet statuesque) appearance but also for the boldness they imparted to wearers.
Buffalo’s connection to British style can largely be credited to the Spice Girls, whose influence championed empowerment tied to third-wave feminism and countercultural politics (not to mention the uniquely British phenomenon of “Blair’s Babes”). But the Spice Girls were only part of the story. Buffalo shoes also became a staple of subcultures linked to music genres like punk, techno, grunge, and goth. Today, Buffalo continues to be worn by numerous pop stars, including Doja Cat in her iconic Agora Hills video, Ariana Grande in Baby, Hunter Schafer in Euphoria, as well as Madison Beer, Jennie Kim, Billie Eilish, Rita Ora, and Charli XCX.
Buffalo Today
Today, Buffalo offers a wide range of designs tailored to different target audiences, united by a desire to stand out, break the mold, and assert their unique style and identity. The brand remains true to its roots while striving to surpass them with innovative models. For example, Buffalo has launched two distinct lines that diverge from its “classic” look: one streetwear-inspired collection aimed at younger audiences and a more elegant line designed for urban fashionistas who love clubbing and staying ahead of trends. Buffalo’s journey from cowboy boots to platform sneakers is a testament to its ability to adapt, innovate, and leave an indelible mark on fashion and culture.
