In the skateboard universe the evolution of riding technique, skateboard decks, graphics and art are well documented. Until now, however, skateboard shoes have received little attention. Made for Skate tells the story of skateboard footwear as seen through the eyes of those who lived it. Along with the classics by companies such as Vans, Airwalk, Etnies, and Duffs it features hard-to-find and one-of-a-kind shoes that emerged throughout almost five decades of skate history - all photographed superlatively. This book provides an exhaustive overview of the history and styles of skate shoes and is based on the collection of the Museum of Skateboard History in Stuttgart, Germany. Discover, for instance, why the legendary Bones Brigade had to scrounge for shoes at the height of their fame and how key design features such as the lace saver provided protection and functionality. Skate personalities we meet include Stacy Peralta, Lance Mountain, Tony Hawk, Rodney Mullen, Steve Caballero, Natas Kaupas, Don Brown, Paul Rodriguez, Chad Muska, Mike Vallely, Adrian Lopez, Mark Gonzalez, Tim Gavin, and many more. Shoe designers featured include James Arizumi, Jeremy Fish, Andy Howell and Todd Bratrud.
Born and raised in Wiesbaden, Germany, Dirk Vogel has written the text for "Made For Skate: The Illustrated History of Skateboard Footwear," created and produced by Juergen Bluemlein and Daniel Schmid at the Museum of Skateboard History in Stuttgart, Germany.
"Made For Skate" chronicles the history of skateboard footwear in the words of influential skateboarders and shoe designers. The +400-page coffee table book reveals many previously untold chapters of skate shoe history through exclusive stories and interviews.
Dirk has been writing for international skateboarding publications since 1994, including editorial positions at Kingpin magazine (Europe), Limited magazine (Germany), as well as contributions to magazines such as Monster MSM, Place, Avenue and Sugar. He has worked as a newspaper reporter and magazine writer, copywriter in advertising agencies and localization editor at The Pokémon company.
He is currently a contributor to European Boardsport Source magazine, Sneakers magazine and Place magazine and lives in Seattle, WA with his wife. For additional information, please visit his website, www.dirkwriter.com
