Sneaker History Podcast - Sneakers, Sneaker Culture and the Business of Footwear

Sneaker History - Retrospect Podcasts
  • 4.8 (200)
  • Society & Culture
  • Updated Weekly

Nearly 600,000 downloads and still here! A show about sneakers for sneakerheads, by sneakerheads. We're not here to bring people down or play gatekeeper, we are here to show the positive side of sneakers and connect with like-minded sneaker enthusiasts. We talk about sneakers and the footwear industry, interview footwear industry professionals, designers, and creatives who share our passion for sneakers. To advertise to our audience: podcast@sneakerhistory.com A part of the Retrospect Podcast Network. This podcast uses the following third-party services for analysis: Spotify Ad Analytics - https://www.spotify.com/us/legal/ad-analytics-privacy-policy/

  1. From Dallas to the World: Jared Moody's Sneaker Photography Journey

    Jun 23

    From Dallas to the World: Jared Moody's Sneaker Photography Journey

    Mike is back with another Coffee Time Kicks episode, and this one is for anybody who has ever looked at a sneaker photo and wondered how someone made a shoe feel alive. Jared Moody is the photo manager at Sneaker Politics, a contract shooter for Sneaker News, and one of the most intentional sneaker photographers working right now. Born and raised in Dallas, Moody got into sneakers around 2010 through his cousins, got deep once he hit high school, and has been building his craft ever since. In this conversation, Mike and Moody cover the full arc, from the KD 4 that changed how Moody thought about shoes, to what it actually takes to walk into a shoot prepared, to the quiet discipline behind his best work. They also get into building trust with models, shooting events as community acts, and what it looks like to do contract work for two outlets without letting either one look like the other. Moody's advice for anyone trying to break in is as straightforward as it gets: work hard, stay consistent, and stop worrying about the numbers. The art is the point. Find Jared on all socials at @JaredAMoody and check out Sneaker Politics at all their locations, including Dallas. New episodes of the Sneaker History Podcast drop almost every Monday. Subscribe wherever you listen, find everything at sneakerhistory.com, and if you want more sneaker business insights, The Sneaker Newsletter goes out on Substack at thesneakernewsletter.com. Nick also has a book coming. Small Luxuries: Sneakers drops October 2026 and is available to pre-order now at bookshop.org/a/122044/9798317900854. If you are interested in advertising to our audience, contact us: podcast@sneakerhistory.com CHECK OUT OUR OTHER SHOWS: For the Formula 1 Fans - Exhaust Notes: https://exhaustnotes.fm For the Fitted Hat Fans - Crown and Stitch: https://crownandstitch.com For the Cars & Sneakers Fans - Cars & Kicks: https://carsxkicks.com For the Creators & Creatives - Outside The Box: https://podcasts.apple.com/id/podcast/outside-the-box-convos-with-creators/id1050172106 [Links contain affiliate links; we may receive a small commission if you purchase after clicking a link. A great way to support the pod!] —––––—––––—––––—––––—––––—––––—––––—–––– Our podcast is proudly... Recorded on Riverside: http://www.riverside.fm/?via=sneakerhistory Hosted & Distributed By Captivate: https://bit.ly/3j2muPb Disclaimer: The views and opinions expressed in this program are those of the speakers and do not necessarily reflect the views or positions of any entities they represent. This podcast uses the following third-party services for analysis: Spotify Ad Analytics - https://www.spotify.com/us/legal/ad-analytics-privacy-policy/

    37 min
  2. The Whole Squad Is Back: World Cup, Skechers, and the State of Sneaker Culture

    Jun 22

    The Whole Squad Is Back: World Cup, Skechers, and the State of Sneaker Culture

    The whole crew is back. Nick, Robbie, Mike, and Rohit reunite for a full-panel episode of the Sneaker History Podcast, and it feels exactly like catching up with friends who happen to know more about shoes than most people you know. They kick things off with Rockin' and Coppin', covering everything from Nipsey Hussle PUMAs and adidas SL EVOs to a World Cup craze over jerseys and some very real talk about what shoe buying looks like when adulting kicks in. From there, the conversation stretches across World Cup sneaker culture, 3D printing and foam technology in performance footwear, the history of player endorsements in soccer, and how the sport has become one of the most interesting spaces in the sneaker world right now. They also spend time on the rise of Skechers as a legitimate player in the athletic space (yes, really), dig into brand rivalries, talk representation in sneaker culture, and close with a preview of where women's basketball footwear might be heading next. It's a wide-ranging one, but that's the whole squad for you. Come for the sneakers, stay for the chaos. New episodes of the Sneaker History Podcast drop regularly. Subscribe wherever you listen and find everything at sneakerhistory.com. New episodes of the Sneaker History Podcast drop almost every Monday. Subscribe wherever you listen, find everything at sneakerhistory.com, and if you want more sneaker business insights, The Sneaker Newsletter goes out on Substack at thesneakernewsletter.com. Nick also has a book coming. Small Luxuries: Sneakers drops October 2026 and is available to pre-order now at bookshop.org/a/122044/9798317900854. If you are interested in advertising to our audience, contact us: podcast@sneakerhistory.com CHECK OUT OUR OTHER SHOWS: For the Formula 1 Fans - Exhaust Notes: https://exhaustnotes.fm For the Fitted Hat Fans - Crown and Stitch: https://crownandstitch.com For the Cars & Sneakers Fans - Cars & Kicks: https://carsxkicks.com For the Creators & Creatives - Outside The Box: https://podcasts.apple.com/id/podcast/outside-the-box-convos-with-creators/id1050172106 [Links contain affiliate links; we may receive a small commission if you purchase after clicking a link. A great way to support the pod!] —––––—––––—––––—––––—––––—––––—––––—–––– Our podcast is proudly... Recorded on Riverside: http://www.riverside.fm/?via=sneakerhistory Hosted & Distributed By Captivate: https://bit.ly/3j2muPb Disclaimer: The views and opinions expressed in this program are those of the speakers and do not necessarily reflect the views or positions of any entities they represent. This podcast uses the following third-party services for analysis: Spotify Ad Analytics - https://www.spotify.com/us/legal/ad-analytics-privacy-policy/

    1h 1m
  3. The Untold Story of a Soccer Shoe Born From Hustle, Struggle, and Grassroots Roots

    Jun 15

    The Untold Story of a Soccer Shoe Born From Hustle, Struggle, and Grassroots Roots

    Most sneaker fans haven’t seen a project this layered and meaningful — until now. When two creators linked up, they crafted a sneaker that tells a story of perseverance, culture, and global pride, right during the World Cup. Brandon Davis, of Better Generation, and Andu, of Roommate the artist behind the inspiring custom sneakers, turn a simple soccer shoe into a symbol of grassroots hustle and self-expression. In this episode, you’ll discover how a cold DM sparked a creative partnership that culminated in a limited-edition sneaker capturing the spirit of the World Cup. Brandon shares the behind-the-scenes journey of overcoming logistical hurdles from one sample to full production, all while maintaining a story rooted in the grind and community. Andu opens up about balancing personal struggles with collaboration, highlighting how authenticity fuels design that resonates beyond fashion, into a movement. You’ll break down the innovative storytelling elements that make this sneaker timeless: handcrafted packaging, unique collaborations with 26 creators, and a campaign that whispers 'from nothing to something.' Brandon and Andu discuss how the sneaker’s design blurs lines between sport and streetwear, empowering wearers to showcase their journey and individual style. Plus, get insights on how the global stage of the World Cup amplifies local voices—transforming sneaker culture into a platform for possibility.This episode is perfect for creators, sneakerheads, and community builders ready to see how passion transforms into impact. If you believe fashion is more than just what’s on your feet — it’s a statement — then you’ll love how these two visionaries turned a soccer shoe into a symbol of hope, hustle, and unity. Don’t miss the story behind a project that proves success is built from the dirt, starting with a dream and a lot of heart.Whether you're into sneaker design, streetwear, or grassroots storytelling, this conversation offers a fresh perspective on how one shoe can inspire a generation. Tune in to learn how a simple idea grew into a cultural phenomenon and get inspired to start your own journey from the ground up. Andu: https://www.instagram.com/andu.c Roommate: https://www.instagram.com/roommate.s/ Brandon: https://www.instagram.com/davisbtd/ TBG: https://www.instagram.com/thebettergeneration/ Subscribe to the Newsletter for Deeper Industry Insights: https://thesneakernewsletter.com SUPPORT THE SHOW: Donate Through Venmo: https://venmo.com/u/sneakerhistory Buy Me A Coffee: https://buymeacoffee.com/nickengvall Early Access, Exclusive Videos, and Content On Patreon: https://patreon.com/sneakerhistory If you are interested in advertising to our audience, contact us: podcast@sneakerhistory.com CHECK OUT OUR OTHER SHOWS: For the Formula 1 Fans - Exhaust Notes: https://exhaustnotes.fm For the Fitted Hat Fans - Crown and Stitch: https://crownandstitch.com For the Cars & Sneakers Fans - Cars & Kicks: https://carsxkicks.com For the Creators & Creatives - Outside The Box: https://podcasts.apple.com/id/podcast/outside-the-box-convos-with-creators/id1050172106 [Links contain affiliate links; we may receive a small commission if you purchase after clicking a link. A great way to support the pod!] —––––—––––—––––—––––—––––—––––—––––—–––– Our podcast is proudly... Recorded on Riverside: http://www.riverside.fm/?via=sneakerhistory Hosted & Distributed By Captivate: https://bit.ly/3j2muPb GET IN TOUCH: Robbie - robbie@sneakerhistory.com Mike - mike@sneakerhistory.com Rohit - rohit@sneakerhistory.com Nick - nick@sneakerhistory.com Disclaimer: The views and opinions expressed in this program are those of the speakers and do not necessarily reflect the views or positions of any entities they represent. This podcast uses the following third-party services for analysis: Spotify Ad Analytics - https://www.spotify.com/us/legal/ad-analytics-privacy-policy/

    52 min
  4. The Copification of NBA Sneakers... And Why the WNBA Isn't Having It

    May 25

    The Copification of NBA Sneakers... And Why the WNBA Isn't Having It

    Every men's Nike basketball shoe right now has some DNA from the Kobe 4, 5, or 6. Nick, Mike, and Rohit ask whether that's a problem, and whether the women's game has already figured out the answer. They cover Asia Wilson's signature, the Sabrina as a tasteful homage, Edwards making the Believe That One the most talked-about takedown model in recent memory, and a four-team sneaker identity breakdown to close the playoffs. Ganglands, villain shoes, and a Sacramento Kings tangent that gets personal. Subscribe to The Sneaker Newsletter: https://www.thesneakernewsletter.com/ SUPPORT THE SHOW: Donate Through Venmo: https://venmo.com/u/sneakerhistory Buy Me A Coffee: https://buymeacoffee.com/nickengvall Early Access, Exclusive Videos, and Content On Patreon: https://patreon.com/sneakerhistory If you are interested in advertising to our audience, contact us: podcast@sneakerhistory.com CHECK OUT OUR OTHER SHOWS: For the Formula 1 Fans - Exhaust Notes: https://exhaustnotes.fm For the Fitted Hat Fans - Crown and Stitch: https://crownandstitch.com For the Cars & Sneakers Fans - Cars & Kicks: https://carsxkicks.com For the Creators & Creatives - Outside The Box: https://podcasts.apple.com/id/podcast/outside-the-box-convos-with-creators/id1050172106 [Links contain affiliate links; we may receive a small commission if you purchase after clicking a link. A great way to support the pod!] —––––—––––—––––—––––—––––—––––—––––—–––– Our podcast is proudly... Recorded on Riverside: http://www.riverside.fm/?via=sneakerhistory Hosted & Distributed By Captivate: https://bit.ly/3j2muPb GET IN TOUCH: Robbie - robbie@sneakerhistory.com Mike - mike@sneakerhistory.com Rohit - rohit@sneakerhistory.com Nick - nick@sneakerhistory.com Disclaimer: The views and opinions expressed in this program are those of the speakers and do not necessarily reflect the views or positions of any entities they represent. This podcast uses the following third-party services for analysis: Spotify Ad Analytics - https://www.spotify.com/us/legal/ad-analytics-privacy-policy/

    47 min
  5. The World Cup Sneaker Battles Have Begun

    May 11

    The World Cup Sneaker Battles Have Begun

    In this episode of the Sneaker History Podcast, Robbie, Rohit, and Mike discuss various sneaker releases, including a special Mother's Day collaboration from adidas. They share their personal sneaker highlights and upcoming purchases, while also touching on the charitable efforts behind certain sneaker collaborations. The conversation shifts to the rising star Anthony Edwards and his impact on the basketball scene, followed by a review of an exciting new adidas ad for the World Cup, showcasing a blend of sports and celebrity culture. In this engaging conversation, the hosts delve into the dynamics of branding in soccer, particularly focusing on the rivalry between adidas and Nike as they prepare for the World Cup. They explore the cultural significance of the players featured in adidas' latest ad, the timeless style of the brand, and the importance of storytelling in marketing. The discussion also touches on the aesthetics of soccer jerseys and how brands represent their identities through design. Ultimately, the conversation highlights the evolving landscape of sports marketing and the need for brands to connect with their audiences on a deeper level. SUPPORT THE SHOW: Donate Through Venmo: https://venmo.com/u/sneakerhistory Buy Me A Coffee: https://buymeacoffee.com/nickengvall Early Access, Exclusive Videos, and Content On Patreon: https://patreon.com/sneakerhistory Subscribe on Substack: https://www.thesneakernewsletter.com/ If you are interested in advertising to our audience, contact us: podcast@sneakerhistory.com CHECK OUT OUR OTHER SHOWS: For the Formula 1 Fans - Exhaust Notes: https://exhaustnotes.fm For the Fitted Hat Fans - Crown and Stitch: https://crownandstitch.com For the Cars & Sneakers Fans - Cars & Kicks: https://carsxkicks.com For the Creators & Creatives - Outside The Box: https://podcasts.apple.com/id/podcast/outside-the-box-convos-with-creators/id1050172106 [Links contain affiliate links; we may receive a small commission if you purchase after clicking a link. A great way to support the pod!] —––––—––––—––––—––––—––––—––––—––––—–––– Our podcast is proudly... Recorded on Riverside: http://www.riverside.fm/?via=sneakerhistory Hosted & Distributed By Captivate: https://bit.ly/3j2muPb GET IN TOUCH: Robbie - robbie@sneakerhistory.com Mike - mike@sneakerhistory.com Rohit - rohit@sneakerhistory.com Nick - nick@sneakerhistory.com Disclaimer: The views and opinions expressed in this program are those of the speakers and do not necessarily reflect the views or positions of any entities they represent. This podcast uses the following third-party services for analysis: Spotify Ad Analytics - https://www.spotify.com/us/legal/ad-analytics-privacy-policy/

    39 min
  6. The Catalog That Raised a Generation of Sneakerheads (Eastbay Founders Art Juedes & Rick Gering)

    May 4 ·  Bonus

    The Catalog That Raised a Generation of Sneakerheads (Eastbay Founders Art Juedes & Rick Gering)

    There are companies that sell shoes. And then there are companies that shape the way an entire generation experiences them. Eastbay was the latter... and most people have no idea how improbable the whole thing was. Art Juedes and Rick Gering started Eastbay out of a store in Wausau, Wisconsin. Two coaches with 16 years of combined college education, zero business courses between them, and a vision that shoe stores in this country were failing athletes. No one specialized. No one had inventory. No one knew what they were talking about when you called. So Art and Rick decided they would be the ones who did. What followed was one of the most consequential stories in sneaker history... one that most of us lived through without ever knowing the people behind it. In this episode of Outside The Box, Nick sits down with Art and Rick to talk about the moment Nike pulled 40% of their business overnight because Eastbay was too successful at mail order, how Shaquille O'Neal showing up to a Nike meeting in all Eastbay gear helped get them the exclusive back, the tent sales in Wausau where Air Jordans moved out of a parking lot and lines stretched for half a mile, Kevin Plank pitching Under Armour to them before Under Armour was anything, and why they invested $100,000 in a digital camera in 1989 so they could produce a catalog every three weeks while Phil Knight was asking how they did it so fast. Nick's personal connection to Eastbay runs deep... four siblings fighting over one catalog until his mom finally ordered a fifth. He built the original Eastbay Blog for Sole Collector. And this conversation is, as he puts it, probably one of the most important sneaker history conversations he's ever had on any show. Art and Rick's new book, The Book of Eastbay, is available now at BookofEastBay.com. All profits go to the Little Warriors Foundation, a childhood cancer charity. More Sneaker Business Insights at TheSneakerNewsletter.com

    1h 10m
  7. The Art of Taking Sneakers Apart

    Apr 27

    The Art of Taking Sneakers Apart

    Mike sits down with Al Baker, the artist behind Deadstock Anatomies, for a Coffee Time Kicks conversation about turning sneakers into framed art pieces inspired by entomology, the science of pinning insects. Al breaks down how a wife's passion for bug collecting led to taking apart a Jordan 1 and never looking back, the time he split a Red October down the middle and made $6,000 doing it, why the Reebok Above the Rim line still has him hunting Poshmark for old Steve Francis ATRs, and what it felt like to hand A'ja Wilson a piece made from her own signature shoe. Plus, the daily-driver Mars Yards he can't stop wearing, why he stopped chasing hypebeast clients, and the grail Jordan 1 he's still trying to track down in a wearable size. Find Al on Instagram at @DeadstockAnatomies or at dsanatomies.com. Subscribe to Sneaker History wherever you listen, and follow along at SneakerHistory.com. SUPPORT THE SHOW: Two decades in this industry. Hundreds of episodes. Zero corporate overlords. If the show adds something to your day, here's how to keep it going... Pre-Order Nick's Book "Small Luxuries: Sneakers" (Motorbooks, October 2026): https://bookshop.org/a/122044/9798317900854 Donate Through Venmo: https://venmo.com/u/sneakerhistory Buy Me A Coffee: https://buymeacoffee.com/nickengvall Early Access, Exclusive Videos, and Content On Patreon: https://patreon.com/sneakerhistory Subscribe to The Sneaker Newsletter on Substack: https://www.thesneakernewsletter.com Join the Sole Collector Community: https://solecollector.org If you are interested in advertising to our audience, contact us: podcast@sneakerhistory.com CHECK OUT OUR OTHER SHOWS: For the Formula 1 Fans - Exhaust Notes: https://exhaustnotes.fm For the Fitted Hat Fans - Crown and Stitch: https://crownandstitch.com For the Cars & Sneakers Fans - Cars & Kicks: https://carsxkicks.com For the Creators & Creatives - Outside The Box: https://podcasts.apple.com/id/podcast/outside-the-box-convos-with-creators/id1050172106 [Links contain affiliate links; we may receive a small commission if you purchase after clicking a link. A great way to support the pod!] —––––—––––—––––—––––—––––—––––—––––—–––– Our podcast is proudly... Recorded on Riverside: http://www.riverside.fm/?via=sneakerhistory Hosted & Distributed By Captivate: https://bit.ly/3j2muPb GET IN TOUCH: Robbie - robbie@sneakerhistory.com Mike - mike@sneakerhistory.com Rohit - rohit@sneakerhistory.com Nick - nick@sneakerhistory.com Disclaimer: The views and opinions expressed in this program are those of the speakers and do not necessarily reflect the views or positions of any entities they represent. This podcast uses the following third-party services for analysis: Spotify Ad Analytics - https://www.spotify.com/us/legal/ad-analytics-privacy-policy/

    41 min
  8. The Men Behind the Eastbay Catalog | Art & Rick Tell Their Story

    Apr 20

    The Men Behind the Eastbay Catalog | Art & Rick Tell Their Story

    If you grew up flipping through the Eastbay catalog, this one's for you. Mike sits down with Art and Rick, the two men behind one of the most beloved institutions in sneaker and athletic culture. Born two days apart in the same hospital, lifelong friends, and eventual business partners... their story is one of those rare ones that almost sounds made up. They break down how a simple idea rooted in getting the best athletic footwear to young athletes turned into a cultural phenomenon that shaped how a generation discovered sneakers. They also talk about their new book, The Book of Eastbay, which chronicles the whole journey... and yes, the proceeds go to childhood cancer research through the Little Water Foundation. Check out the book and read the prologue at bookofeastbay.com. Order from Bookshop.org to support your local book store of choice: https://bookshop.org/a/122044/9798892790697 Subscribe the newsletter: https://www.thesneakernewsletter.com/ SUPPORT THE SHOW: Donate Through Venmo: https://venmo.com/u/sneakerhistory Buy Me A Coffee: https://buymeacoffee.com/nickengvall Early Access, Exclusive Videos, and Content On Patreon: https://patreon.com/sneakerhistory If you are interested in advertising to our audience, contact us: podcast@sneakerhistory.com CHECK OUT OUR OTHER SHOWS: For the Formula 1 Fans - Exhaust Notes: https://exhaustnotes.fm For the Fitted Hat Fans - Crown and Stitch: https://crownandstitch.com For the Cars & Sneakers Fans - Cars & Kicks: https://carsxkicks.com For the Creators & Creatives - Outside The Box: https://podcasts.apple.com/id/podcast/outside-the-box-convos-with-creators/id1050172106 [Links contain affiliate links; we may receive a small commission if you purchase after clicking a link. A great way to support the pod!] —––––—––––—––––—––––—––––—––––—––––—–––– Our podcast is proudly... Recorded on Riverside: http://www.riverside.fm/?via=sneakerhistory Hosted & Distributed By Captivate: https://bit.ly/3j2muPb GET IN TOUCH: Robbie - robbie@sneakerhistory.com Mike - mike@sneakerhistory.com Rohit - rohit@sneakerhistory.com Nick - nick@sneakerhistory.com Disclaimer: The views and opinions expressed in this program are those of the speakers and do not necessarily reflect the views or positions of any entities they represent. This podcast uses the following third-party services for analysis: Spotify Ad Analytics - https://www.spotify.com/us/legal/ad-analytics-privacy-policy/

    57 min
See All (305)

Trailer

4.8
out of 5
200 Ratings

About

Nearly 600,000 downloads and still here! A show about sneakers for sneakerheads, by sneakerheads. We're not here to bring people down or play gatekeeper, we are here to show the positive side of sneakers and connect with like-minded sneaker enthusiasts. We talk about sneakers and the footwear industry, interview footwear industry professionals, designers, and creatives who share our passion for sneakers. To advertise to our audience: podcast@sneakerhistory.com A part of the Retrospect Podcast Network. This podcast uses the following third-party services for analysis: Spotify Ad Analytics - https://www.spotify.com/us/legal/ad-analytics-privacy-policy/

Information

You Might Also Like