History of Basketball In 15 Sneakers

Darnell Brady
  • 5.0 (4)
  • FASHION & BEAUTY
  • UPDATED SEMIWEEKLY

Russ Bengtson, the author of the book, "A History of Basketball in Fifteen Sneakers," joins Lang Whitaker take you through the history of basketball as told through 15 sneakers. Each episode discusses how the sneaker helped shaped the game we love. New episodes come out Tuesday and Friday mornings.

  1. 12/05/2023

    Future Shock: Nike Adapt BB

    Lang Whitaker and Russ Bengtson look at the only shoe on this list that was originally designed for a movie, the Nike Adapt BB. They look at how the concept of a self-lacing shoe originated in Back to the Future and the journey it took for Nike ideate back in 1985 to release in 2019. They explore why it took 34 years to create and the impact it has made on the sneaker industry.

    18 min

  2. 12/01/2023

    Three the Hard Way: Under Armour Curry One

    Lang Whitaker and Russ Bengtson explore the penultimate shoe on their list, the Under Armour Curry One. Under Armour and Steph Curry shared a similar journey of Under Armour as they both started out overlooked and underrated but quickly redefined the game and left an indelible mark on sneaker culture.

    20 min

  3. 11/28/2023

    The Low-Cut Theory: Nike Zoom Kobe IV

    Lang and Russ share their favorite stories about Kobe Bryant photoshoots they've worked with him as they look at his impact in the game of basketball and sneakers. Kobe initially rocked the three stripes with Adidas, but their paths diverged after a few years. Fast forward to the split, and Kobe's free agency was a basketball frenzy as companies tried snag him for their roster. He shook up the sneaker game by bringing in low-cut signature shoes. Up until then, it was all about the high-tops, but Kobe, drawing inspiration from soccer players, went against the norm.

    26 min

  4. 11/21/2023

    Watch the Throne: Nike Air Zoom Generation

    Dive into the sneaker game with Lang and Russ as they discuss the Nike Air Zoom Generation, aka the LeBron 1s. LeBron James scores his iconic logo with first dunk as an NBA player. LeBron was the undisputed phenom, not in his rookie NBA year, but as early as a sophomore in high school. The big three sneaker giants were in a frenzy, all trying to lock down the future of basketball, especially with the Jordan Brand setting the bar sky-high. Lang and Russ break down the sneaker saga of a high school sensation turning into the LeBron we all know and love.

    21 min

  5. 11/17/2023

    The Strength of Street Knowledge: And1 Tai Chi

    Alright, kick back and let me spin you the tale of the AND1 Tai Chi – the shoes that became legendary thanks to the one and only Vince Carter! Picture this: Vince, on a mission to make a name for himself, steps onto the NBA dunk contest stage rocking the Tai Chi, all without a formal deal with AND1. Now that's some next-level swagger! But here's where it gets juicy – this bold move by Vince doesn't just stop at a dunk contest. Oh no, it sparked a entire movement. AND1 rides that wave of Vince's epic moment and decides to crank up with the AND1 mixtapes. So, not only did Vince Carter throw down some jaw-dropping dunks, but he also kick-started a whole new era of basketball coolness. Lace up your sneakers, folks, because this is one slam-dunk story!

    30 min

  6. 11/14/2023

    A Love Supreme: Nike Air Jordan XI

    Lang and Russ are diving into the saga of the second legendary kicks in basketball history—the cool cousin of the Nike Air Jordan, the Jordan 11s! Picture this: Michael Jordan walking onto the court in these heat of a shoe, never see the shoe again until years later. That exactly what happened, MJ took a break from basketball to play baseball but continued to dropped more shoes during his time away. While MJ was taking a timeout, it was Allen Iverson's time to shine.

    23 min

  7. 11/10/2023

    All Hail the Queen: Nike Air Swoopes

    In this episode, Lang and Russ are about to unravel a groundbreaking chapter in sneaker history! Get ready to dive into the story of the first-ever shoe that proudly showcased a female athlete as its face. Brace yourselves as our hosts take you on a whirlwind journey through the creation of the WNBA, a league that was born from dreams, determination, and a whole lot of girl power. But that's not all! In this episode, Lang and Russ share their high hopes for the future. They're envisioning a world where more talented women, household names like Angel Reese, get the opportunity to step into the limelight with their very own signature shoes. It's a celebration of empowerment, talent, and the limitless potential of women in sports. Join Lang and Russ as they champion the incredible strides women are making in the world of athletics.

    21 min

  8. 11/07/2023

    Bad Boys for Life: Nike Air Force Max

    Get ready for an electrifying episode as Lang and Russ tell the story of the creation of the Nike Air Force Max, a shoe tailor-made for the legendary Charles Barkley, the rising powerhouse of the NBA. Our hosts deep-dive into the thrilling tale of Barkley's journey, exploring how he became a force to be reckoned with, carving out his unique identity in the league. They also discuss the story behind the Fab 5 – a saga where talent, style, and charisma collided, leaving an indelible mark on the basketball scene. Join Lang and Russ as they take you on a ride through the world of Charles Barkley, the Air Force Max, and the birth of the unforgettable Fab 5.

    21 min
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About

Russ Bengtson, the author of the book, "A History of Basketball in Fifteen Sneakers," joins Lang Whitaker take you through the history of basketball as told through 15 sneakers. Each episode discusses how the sneaker helped shaped the game we love. New episodes come out Tuesday and Friday mornings.

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