6. Kingmaker

Sneakernomics is a close encounter with the visionaries, artisans and journeymen who’ve made, and been made, by trainers. We’ll follow in the footsteps of mavericks, hustlers and dreamers, and hear their tales of boom and bust, fame and infamy, hope and heartbreak.

Across nine episodes, Sneakernomics tells the extraordinary origin stories of some of the world’s biggest brands, and how sponsorship deals and celebrity culture redefined our relationship with products. It’s also a business story – how leisure has evolved into a multi-billion dollar industry; a sports story – how games became organised and grew into a global spectacle; and it’s a story of invention – how enthusiastic hobbyist-pioneers often took extraordinary risks that changed the course of sport and fashion.

The sneaker story is characterised by fierce competition and rivalry. We explore how the quest to be number one tore families and friendships apart and divided towns. Above all, this is the story of the people behind the shoes. What you’ll hear is a mix of interviews with many of the key individuals who’ve played their part in that extraordinary story, interlaced with moments of fiction inspired by their testimonies and our research.

Written and presented by Nicholas Smith, with 1Xtra presenter Ace. The drama is written by Al Smith.

Horst . . . . . Mark Edel-Hunt Kathe . . . . . Jane Whittenshaw Reporter . . . . . Gunnar Cauthery João . . . . . Joseph Balderrama Rob . . . . . Wilf Scolding Phil . . . . . Trevor White Adriaan . . . . . Roger Ringrose Secretary . . . . . Cecilia Appiah

Production Trainee: Marithe Van Der Aa Assistant Producer: Ben Hollands Sound: Peter Ringrose Producer: Sasha Yevtushenko

Special thanks: Michael Dassler, Sigi Dassler, John Boulter, Patrick Nally, Sonny and Pam Vaccaro, Julie Dixon, Angelo Anastasio and Andrew Jennings.

First heard on BBC Sounds in 2021.