Chapter 1
The court classics that changed the world
Chapter 2
The beat of the street
Chapter 3
Track stars and tech marvels
Chapter 4
The modern revival and restoration boom
Ch 4 · The modern revival and restoration boom
adidas As aging polyurethane midsoles crumble from hydrolysis, a global community performs sole swaps to breathe life into classic shoes.
Quiz
What is the term used by sneaker restorers for taking a fresh sole from a new shoe and attaching it to a vintage upper?
Quiz
What chemical process causes the polyurethane midsoles of aging vintage sneakers to crumble over time?
adidas Collectors pay premium prices for authentic, unworn vintage shoes in original boxes
Quiz
Which multi-billion-dollar online marketplace pioneered treating collectible sneakers like stocks, complete with live market prices?
Fun Fact
The million-dollar shoe: In 2021, a pair of Nike Air Ships worn by Michael Jordan in 1984 sold at auction for a record-breaking $1.47 million, proving retro sneakers are true fine art.
Quiz
Which environmental organization partnered with Adidas to remake classic sneakers using recycled ocean plastic?
Quiz
What is the name of Nike's product line that remakes classic silhouettes like the Dunk using at least 20% recycled content?
Glossary
restoration (noun)
The act or process of returning something to its original or former unimpaired condition. Veja launched its cobbler project in 2020, opening repair stations in Paris, Berlin, Madrid, and Brooklyn.
The act or process of returning something to its original or former unimpaired condition. Veja launched its cobbler project in 2020, opening repair stations in Paris, Berlin, Madrid, and Brooklyn.
Quiz
Which luxury French fashion house collaborated with Jordan Brand in 2020 to release an ultra-limited, high-end Air Jordan 1?
Quiz
What Italian luxury brand partnered with Adidas to release premium, Italian-made versions of the classic Superstar sneaker?