Chapter 1
The birth of the rubber sole
Chapter 2
The court meets the street
Chapter 3
The global design revolution
Chapter 4
The modern hype machine
Ch 2 · The court meets the street
adidas The Waffle Iron Breakthrough
He poured some rubber in a waffle press, To shape the soles that changed how we dress!
adidas Chuck Taylor joined Converse in 1921, traveling America to promote the 1917 sneaker before earning his ankle patch signature in 1932.
Quiz
What was Chuck Taylor's actual role when he first started working with Converse in 1921?
Quiz
Which shoe model did Michael Jordan actually wear when he violated the NBA's uniform color rule in 1984?
Fun Fact
Waffle iron tragedy: Barbara Bowerman never got her original waffle iron back; Bill ruined it completely, but the resulting shoe design changed running forever.
Quiz
Where did Run-DMC instruct 20,000 fans to hold up their Adidas shoes in 1986, securing their endorsement deal?
Glossary
sneaker (noun)
A soft shoe with a rubber sole worn for sports or casual wear. In 1984, Michael Jordan famously brought these athletic shoes from the hardwood to everyday urban fashion.
A soft shoe with a rubber sole worn for sports or casual wear. In 1984, Michael Jordan famously brought these athletic shoes from the hardwood to everyday urban fashion.
Quiz
At which university was Bill Bowerman coaching track when he experimented with the waffle sole?
Quiz
What kitchen appliance did Bill Bowerman ruin to invent Nike's revolutionary high-grip running sole?