Get ready for a fresh take on sneaker culture! Art & Sole, the ultimate guide to the world of sneakers, is back with a bang!
Author Nathan Gale, a true sneakerhead at heart, revisits his beloved project after 17 years. He delves into the evolution of sneaker culture, exploring the exciting world of collaborations, hype, and innovation. But here's where it gets controversial... Gale asks a bold question: where does this unique culture go from here?
The Sneaker Evolution
Seventeen years ago, Art & Sole made its mark, and now it's time for an updated edition. Gale's passion project has returned, expanded, and more relevant than ever. The original edition, a must-read for sneaker enthusiasts, showcased his keen eye for artistry and design. And this time, it's even better!
Gale's journey began in the mid-2000s, when he started documenting sneaker design. He explains, "It was a golden era for brands like Nike SB. The release of Jeff Staple's iconic Nike Dunk Low Pro SB 'Pigeon' in 2005 and Nike's Festival of Air in London inspired me greatly."
In the new edition's foreword, sneaker designer Nicole McLaughlin shares her perspective: "Sneakers are more than just shoes. They're a canvas, a cultural symbol, and a way for people to express their identity." This idea has been the driving force behind Gale's work, and it shines through in this updated version.
A Sneaker Culture Revolution
Initially, Gale planned to add just 60 pages of new content, but the past two decades demanded a more significant update. "We had to make some changes to the original content to make room for the biggest and most exciting projects since 2008," he says. The book's structure remains the same, with the first part focusing on artist and designer collaborations and the second part highlighting sneaker-inspired art.
So, what's new in the world of sneakers? Gale identifies several key shifts. "When we first came up with the idea for Art & Sole, sneaker culture was still a hidden gem, a world you had to actively seek out. Now, it's a global phenomenon, and it's much harder to find unique variations in stores across different countries."
Gale also highlights the impact of social media, which has given artists a powerful platform to showcase their work, accelerating cultural exchange. Other notable changes include the rise of raffles and raffle bots, the 'flipping' trend, and the emergence of resale marketplaces like StockX and GOAT. Additionally, brands are now considering sustainability, which Gale believes will drive the most exciting collaborations in the future.
Sustainability Takes Center Stage
This edition of Art & Sole places a strong emphasis on sustainability, in line with McLaughlin's focus. Gale points to projects like Helen Kirkum's consciously crafted footwear, Steven Harrington's Nike Earth Day collection, and McLaughlin's multi-functional designs for Reebok, Vans, and Puma. "The sneaker industry's scale means environmental factors are now major considerations in product development," he explains.
With 40 new artists and 400 new images, Gale's selection process was no easy feat. "There were some artists we simply had to include in the updated version, like Kaws, Tom Sachs, Shantell Martin, and many more." Many artists from the original edition, such as Dave White, Futura, Stash, and Parra, have received comprehensive updates. Unfortunately, due to space constraints, some deserving projects had to be left out, but Gale hints at the possibility of another book in the future.
The Future of Sneaker Culture
Looking ahead, Gale believes technology, sustainability, and material innovation will continue to shape sneaker culture. "When the first book was released, digital collectibles were unimaginable. While interest in NFTs has waned, it's still a promising area for artists and designers."
As Gale quotes from the original introduction, "Whatever direction the culture takes us in, the relationship between art, design, and the sneaker will continue to evolve and thrive."
Art & Sole is available now from Laurence King; laurenceking.com
What do you think? Will sneaker culture continue to evolve and surprise us? Share your thoughts in the comments!
