What applies to collectors of all disciplines also applies to sneaker collectors: a fire burns within them that is difficult for outsiders to understand and is fueled by both madness and method.
Chris Robinson, collector, runs a skate shop in Long Beach.
(Photo: Stan Chan)
The fact that, unlike many other nerd activities, the collective subject of “sneakers” is currently causing viral YouTube videos, trendy trendy fairs and numerous coffee table books is probably due to the interface between sport, pop culture and music, where sneakers find their natural habitat. And because almost every person in the Western world today has nostalgic memories of sneakers of some kind, the frenzy of sneakerheads from auctions to trade fairs and on to Nike dealers is, if not understandable, at least nice to see.
Sneaker Freaker: World’s Greatest Sneaker Collectors. Taschen, Cologne 2023. 752 pages, 50 euros.
(Photo: Bags)
In this sense, the volume “World’s Greatest Sneaker Collectors” is not just opulent sneaker porn; above all, the guardians of the expensive shoe boxes also come into the spotlight in this expertly curated standard work. Sneaker collectors from all over the world can show off their treasures, talk about their specific collecting areas and, above all, try to put into words what exactly it is about this hunt for rare special editions, special vintage models or basketball boots with the player’s signature irritating.
These digressions provide many aha experiences for the interested viewer, above all: you wouldn’t have thought that you could fill 750 glossy pages with well-worn treads in such an entertaining way.