Sneakers: The Complete Collectors' Guide (Hardcover)

by Unorthodox Styles (Author)

Editorial Reviews

Review
"A growing number of "sneakerheads" cover rate models and measure time not by years but by Air Jordan editions."

Product Description
A definitive and indispensable guide to the very best and most collectible sneaker designs.

Sneakers, trainers, tennis shoes, baskets—wherever you live, whatever you call them, however you wear them, it is impossible to escape this humble shoe's rise to global popularity. Sneakers have moved beyond sports attire to become a fashion staple that simultaneously transcends class and race yet defines who you are in today's urban tribes.

The world of the sneaker collector encompasses a huge international audience passionate for the rarest shoes, the latest designs, or reissued classics in a myriad of colors and materials. This encyclopaedic guide, with more than 500 specially taken color photographs, displays over 180 sneaker designs that have made a mark on sneaker culture worldwide. There are examples to delight both the novice collector and the hard-core sneaker freak, from acknowledged classics like the Converse All Star to the latest Nike Air technology to forgotten styles no longer in production but worthy of modern recognition, such as the Ewing Reflective.

The book features comprehensive reference sections for collectors, including histories of the fourteen leading brands from Adidas to Vans; practical tips on building and caring for a collection; a fully illustrated glossary and chronology; and a directory of shops, resources, and Web sites. Over 500 color illustrations.

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Product Details

• Hardcover: 256 pages
• Publisher: Thames & Hudson; illustrated edition edition (May 2005)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 0500512159
• ISBN-13: 978-0500512159
• Product Dimensions: 8.5 x 7.9 x 1.4 inches
• Shipping Weight: 2.3 pounds (View shipping rates and policies)
• Average Customer Review: 4.7 out of 5 stars See all reviews (6 customer reviews)
• Amazon.com Sales Rank: #276,223 in Books (See Bestsellers in Books)

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Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

24 of 26 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Clean, refreshing visual piece... it is obvious the authors did their sneaker research, August 26, 2005

By	J. Wang - See all my reviews (REAL NAME)

I own several sneaker books including SOLE PROVIDER and Bobbito Garcia's WHERE'D YOU GET THOSE (both of which I recommend) and I found this book to be a refreshing alternative. Written by the guys behind CROOKED TONGUES (which is a fantastic site by the way), this book is meant for the sneaker collector who appreciates the aesthetic qualities of a shoe, rather than for someone who only buys into the hype and player endorsement. For practically every sneaker that is showcased, at least one clear photo, brief history, and random fact dedicated to each shoe. I also appreciated the effort by the authors to distinguish original editions from reissues. In addition, the sneaker "dictionary" and collecting/cleaning tips sections are great as well.

One word of caution is that I would not recommend the book for those who are only into Air Jordans, or Dunks, or swear by only one sneaker brand. The book contains information for a variety of different models and brands, some which are more obscure. For example, I found myself skipping over some Vans, Reebok, and Diadora models. The authors also have more of preference for vintage running shoes as well. But if you have an open mind and an eclectic taste in sneakers, I recommend owning this book.

2 of 2 people found the following review helpful:

4.0 out of 5 stars A thorough and well presented history., July 3, 2007

By	Sam (Australia) - See all my reviews

This book is great to look at even if you're not into sneakers. Beautifully presented design and layout, and great history details. A good oversight of all the significant brands and their best creations.

4 of 5 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars asset to hiphip culture, February 16, 2006

By	Denise Torres - See all my reviews (REAL NAME)

this book is awesome is very informative, and if you know anything about the hip hop era then this book should be added to a persons collections.