1000 Sneakers - by Mathieu Le Maux (Paperback)

About the Book

A visual history of the world's most coveted and popular footwear, from early Keds and Converse All Stars to the latest fashion and design icons. Every sneaker has a story to tell, and this encyclopedic book features full-color images of the sneakers that have most influenced global sneaker culture with examples to engage sneaker aficionados of all stripes. This book comprehensively showcases sneakers through time from early Air Jordans, the original Air Force 1, and Adidas Superstars to iconic contemporary designs by pop culture figures like Kanye West and cool fashion designers like Yohji Yamamoto and Martin Margiela. Every angle is covered with legendary sneakers, groundbreaking designs, and technical advancements, as well as the athletes and celebrities who made the shoe famous. The book features detailed reference sections for collectors, histories of leading brands and designers, and anecdotes, making this book the perfect gift for sports, design, and street fashion enthusiasts alike.

Book Synopsis

This book comprehensively showcases sneakers through time from early Air Jordans, the original Air Force 1, and Adidas Superstars to iconic contemporary designs by pop culture figures like Kanye West and cool fashion designers like Yohji Yamamoto and Martin Margiela--a visual history of the world's most coveted and popular footwear, from early Keds and Converse All Stars to the latest fashion and design icons. Every sneaker has a story to tell, and this encyclopedic book features 1,000 full-color images of the sneakers that have most influenced global sneaker culture with examples to engage sneaker aficionados of all stripes. Trainers, tennis shoes, kicks--whatever you call them, the sneaker has risen to global popularity with a huge international audience clamoring for the rarest, the latest, or the reissued classics. Every angle is covered--throwbacks and new shoes alike--with legendary sneakers, groundbreaking designs, and technical advancements, as well as the athletes and celebrities who made the shoe famous. Included are the Adidas Jabbar, the Puma Clyde, the Nike Air Force 1, the Reebok Question, the Nike Zoom Kobe IV, and many others from acknowledged classics, along with less remembered styles worthy of recognition, such as the Royal Master Pro-Keds or the Sk8 High Vans, and one-of-a-kind limited releases like the 1971 Kareem-Abdul-Jabbar Adidas. 1000 Sneakers features detailed reference sections for collectors, histories of leading brands and designers, and anecdotes from the worlds of sports, fashion, hip-hop, and popular culture, making this book the perfect gift for sports, design, and street fashion enthusiasts alike.

Review Quotes

"These days, sneaker-related books are a dime a dozen... That's why 1000 Sneakers by Mathieu Le Maux is such a breath of fresh air." -Sole Collector

"presents a visual history of the world's most coveted pairs, ranging from vintage icons -- the Adidas Jabbar, Puma Clyde, and Nike Air Force 1 -- to lesser heralded classics like the PRO-Keds Royal Master or the Vans Sk8 -Hi." -FreshnessMag.com

"1000 Sneakers: A Guide to the World's Greatest Kicks, from Sport to Street celebrates shoe culture with a look at the most memorable and noteworthy releases, both past and present." -Uncrate.com

"With 1000 Sneakers you are treated to tons of great visuals, fun facts, movie references, sports moments and more." -DeFY New York

"The book spans classics like Keds and Converse All-Stars to today's leading fashion icons, totaling more than 1,000 full-color sneaker images. The pseudo-encyclopedia details the rise of sneaker culture and its star celebrities. 'My second aim was to tell stories, ' the author says, adding, 'I didn't only want to show iconic shoes but explain why they became famous--the story, the man, the event behind each sneaker.'" -Footwear Plus

". . . whether you're a true sneakerhead or just a history buff interested in the legacy of fire kicks, this is a quality read." -Highsnobiety.com

"This is a must-read for sneakerheads." -Maxim Magazine

"It's a fully loaded catalog for sneakerheads, with side-by-side comparisons of all the sneakers that matter most." -BookPage

About the Author

Mathieu Le Maux has been the sports editor of French GQ since 2011 and is an avid sneaker collector, owning more than 300 pairs.