Sneakers Unboxed

This is the first book to bring together designers, creators, and industry experts to reflect on sneaker design and its groundbreaking impact on popular culture. Contributors provide insight into the evolution of sneakers from sneakers to style icons, the processes and people involved in sneaker design, and its global future. Through conversations with the people directly involved in sneaker creation, it speaks to the next generation of sneaker designers and wearers by asking: Who are the people involved in the design of a sneaker? How do their roles and approaches differ? How does their individual work contribute to the collective effort of making a sneaker? What will be the future of sneaker design? Richly illustrated, it includes iconic sneakers, drawings and sketches, prototypes, as well as glimpses into the manufacturing process. In three chapters – Style & Culture, People & Process, The Future – the approaches and expertise of industry leaders unfold the past, present and future of sneakers as style icons and cultural enablers. Contributors turn to the next generation of designers with an open challenge to move the industry in a more positive direction for both people and the planet.