“The Rise of Sneaker Culture” features approximately 150 pairs of sneakers ranging from the mid-19th century to today, all specified by chronological order and showing the different materials these shoes happen to be made of including rubber and canvas all the way as much as today’s modern materials. Special Note: Did you know that sneakers got their name as their rubber soles allowed the wearer to “sneak” around without having to be heard?
Well, you now do. Among the highlights of the six section exhibit is a display depicting the history from the Air Jordan type of basketball shoes (23 models released from 1984-2008) and also the “Fresh” section that displays the high-end, limited editions developed by designers like Jimmy Choo, Prada and Alexander McQueen. And don’t miss seeing the special edition Pigeon Dunk SB sneaker created by Nike and designer Jeff Staple and Reebok’s Chanel Insta Pump Fury sneaker.
Other noteworthy sneakers displayed include the original 1916 Keds Champion, the initial 1917 Converse All Star, the very rare Batta x Wilson x John Wooden collection from 1977 which was produced for only one year, the Louis Vuitton x Kanye West Don which sold for $1000 a pair and also the Yeezy Boost for Adidas which sold for $350 a pair and it has resold as almost as much ast $5400 within the first weekend after its release.
No matter what your age, in which you grew up or what culture you’re from, there’s almost one hundred percent chance that you had sneakers in your footwear during some portion of your lifetime. But did you have you ever wondered about the good reputation for this versatile shoe? Well, now all of your questions can be answered when you venture to see the fascinating special exhibit “The Rise of Sneaker Culture” being held in the Toledo Museum of Art in Toledo, Ohio from now through Feb 28. Toledo is approximately a 90 minute drive from Cleveland.
Whether you called them sneakers, athletic shoes or running sneakers or used them for exercise (like running or walking) or just for everyday use since they’re comfortable, the sneaker has become a major icon nowadays. This intriguing traveling exhibit organized by the American Federation of Arts and Bata Shoe Museum in Toronto explores the athletic shoe from it’s origin in the mid 1800’s to today and it is role in high fashion by taking a glance at its complex design, history and cultural significance.