An accessible and comprehensive encyclopedia of 1,000 deadstock sneakers––the originals produced for exclusive, limited-edition releases––by trendsetting sneakerhead and infamous reseller Larry Deadstock. “Deadstock” refers to the originals: authentic, unworn sneakers that were produced for limited-edition releases, limited-run reruns, or pairs that have otherwise stopped being made. No longer available from the direct retailers, deadstock is the most desirable, exclusive, and valuable sneaker merchandise in existence, only available from select resell shops and websites such as Larry Deadstock’s. In 1,000 Deadstock Sneakers, deadstock collector and infamous reseller Larry Deadstock teams up with streetwear journalist François Chevalier to dive deep into the origins, history, and trends of international sneaker culture. This book features: The origin story behind the first pair of Air Jordans Basketball legends LeBron James, Kobe Bryant, and Michael Jordan Groundbreaking designers such as Virgil Abloh Influential figures like Will Smith, Spike Lee, and Travis Scott Informative anecdotes from Larry Deadstock Original advertisements from Nike, Adidas, Air Jordan, New Balance, Rebook, Vans, and more Complete with detailed research, historical context, and trend analysis on the aesthetic appeal of each style, this book explores the significance of the sneaker in fashion and culture today through 1,000 coveted deadstock sneakers of the last 50 years. This is a must-have reference text for sneakerheads and deadstock collectors; eye candy for sports fans, influencers, and all sneaker wearers; and an exploration of a rising phenomenon in fashion and streetwear for anyone interested in contemporary culture. Includes Color Images

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.

In 1985, Nike released Michael Jordan’s first sneaker, the Air Jordan 1, and sneaker culture was born. Now thousands of people wait in line at Supreme, and companies throw millions of dollars at LeBron James to keep him in their marketing plans. The trend that saw steady growth for decades with the emergence of sports, hip-hop, and sportswear advertising has exploded into a phenomenon. And no one has watched that phenomenon more closely than Complex. Sneaker of the Year explores the past 35 years of sneaker culture with the expertise, authority, and passion that only Complex can offer. With vibrant photographs and illustrations throughout, as well as input from some of the sneaker world’s most important voices, this compilation is a must-have for hypebeasts and sneakerheads everywhere.

An accessible and comprehensive encyclopedia of 1,000 deadstock sneakers--the originals produced for exclusive, limited-edition releases--by trendsetting sneakerhead and infamous reseller, Larry Deadstock "Deadstock" refers to the originals: authentic, unworn sneakers that were produced for limited-edition releases, limited-run re-runs, or pairs that have otherwise stopped being made. No longer available from the direct retailers, deadstock is the most desirable, exclusive, and valuable merchandise in existence, only available from select resell shops and websites such as Larry Deadstock's. In 1,000 Deadstock Sneakers, deadstock collector and infamous reseller Larry Deadstock teams up with streetwear journalist François Chevalier to dive deep into the origins, history, and trends of international sneaker culture. This book features: The origin story behind the first pair of Air Jordans Basketball legends Lebron James, Kobe Bryant, and Michael Jordan Groundbreaking designers such as Virgil Abloh Influential figures like Will Smith, Spike Lee, and Travis Scott Informative anecdotes from Larry Deadstock Original advertisements from Nike, Adidas, Air Jordan, New Balance, Rebook, Vans, and more Complete with detailed research, historical context, and trend analysis on the aesthetic appeal of each style, this book explores the significance of the sneaker in fashion and culture today through 1,000 coveted deadstock sneakers of the last 50 years. This is a must-have reference text for sneakerheads and deadstock collectors; eye candy for sports fans, influencers, and all sneaker wearers; and an exploration of a rising phenomenon in fashion and streetwear for anyone interested in contemporary American culture.

A definitive guide to the rarest, most covetable, limited-edition sneaker designs Sneakers: The Complete Collectors’ Guide was a phenomenal success, setting trends in sneaker design and collecting that continue to this day. Brands have since reissued classic designs and started creating the shoes that have spurred a new wave of collecting: limited editions, often designed in collaboration with invited artists, designers, musicians, cultural icons, and co-brands. Sneakers: The Complete Limited Editions Guide brings you the very best limited edition and collaborative sneakers that have been released over the last ten years, a time when sneaker design has transcended its origins to explore new territories in global design culture, including fashion and art. Over 300 designs from fifteen brands have been carefully selected and photographed, with 100 outstanding examples showcasing the burgeoning trend for direct collaborations. From Nike working with New York graffiti artists Futura and Stash, to Reebok collaborating with superstar producer Pharrell Williams or Vans teaming up with Marc Jacobs, brands have used collaboration to build in exclusivity and desirability and to connect with new consumers.

"The third edition of this comprehensive, fully up-to-date homage to sneakers contains detailed profiles as well as in-depth features on culture and collectors. More than 600 photographs tell the story of over 300 of these versatile shoes. Sneaker tribes -- from hip-hop to skate; Hall of Fame -- all-time classics; The big brands: adidas, Nike, Puma, Reebok; Niche brands, from Asics to Vans; Sporting, fashion, and film connections; How to source vintage sneakers; Collectors' stories, treasures, and tips; [and] Sneaker care and storage." --

“A vivid picture of how what we wear on our feet can tell us what it really means to be an American.”—Vanity Fair “Expansive, thorough, and entertaining . . . a comprehensive look at how much the sneaker became a signature indicator of cool.”—The Wall Street Journal A cultural history of sneakers, tracing the footprint of one of our most iconic fashions across sports, business, pop culture, and American identity “It’s gotta be the shoes.” When Spike Lee said it to Michael Jordan in a 1989 commercial, it was with a wink and a nod—what makes MJ so good? His Nike Air Jordan IIIs, of course. But as Nicholas Smith reveals in this captivating history, Lee’s line also speaks to the sneaker’s place at the heart of American culture. Once the athletic shoe graduated from the beaches and croquet courts of the wealthy elite to streetwear ubiquity, its journey through the heart of American life was just getting started. In this rollicking narrative, Nicholas K. Smith carries us through the long twentieth century as sneakers became the totem of subcultures. We follow the humble athletic and watch as sneakers become the calling card of California skaters and New York MCs, the spark of riots and gang violence, the heart of a global economic controversy, the muse of haute couture, and a lynchpin in the transformation of big sports into big business. Along the way, we meet larger-than-life mavericks and surprising visionaries: genius rubber inventor Charles Goodyear, risking everything to get his formula right; the warring brothers who started dueling shoe empires; road-warrior Chuck Taylor, hawking shoes out of his trunk; and many more mavericks, hustlers, and dreamers. With a sure stride and a broad footprint, Kicks introduces us to an influential and evolving legacy.