Sneaker Freaker: The Ultimate Sneaker Book

The first publication of its kind: Sneaker Freaker has been at the forefront of global sneaker culture for nearly two decades. With more than 650 redesigned pages, new photography, extensive historical background information, and an unprecedented level of detail for enthusiasts, this anthology brings together the best of the magazine and exclusive content created specifically for TASCHEN into one grand tribute to sneakers.

Product details

• Publisher: Taschen
• Title: The Ultimate Sneaker Book
• Author: Simon "Woody" Wood
• Format: 21 x 31.5 cm
• Pages: 672 pages
• Weight: 3.15 kg
• Material: Hardcover
• Language: English

Every sneaker story worth telling

In 2002, Simon "Woody" Wood was brainstorming ways to get free sneakers. Just two weeks later, he became the proud owner of Sneaker Freaker, and his life would change forever.

From its humble origins as a punk-style fanzine to today's professional print and online publication, the independently operated Sneaker Freaker has documented virtually every collaboration, custom release, limited edition, retro-release, Quickstrike, Hyperstrike, and Tier Zero sneaker over the past fifteen years.

Woody's original idea that Sneaker Freaker should be "funny and serious, meaningful and utterly pointless" at the same time, is fully realized in The Ultimate Sneaker Book. With more than 650 pages packed with insider knowledge, personal observations, and a good dose of humor, this book offers impressive historical depth and an almost obsessive attention to detail.

Tracing a hundred years of sneaker history, each chapter paints a vivid picture of the evolution of the sneaker industry. Icons like Air Max, Air Force, Adi Dassler, Converse, Kanye, Dapper Dan, Dee Brown, Michael Jordan, and Yeezy are extensively featured, alongside lesser-known brands and classics such as Troop, Airwalk, and Vision Street Wear.

The Ultimate Sneaker Book is the definitive reference for every sneaker enthusiast and an essential book for collectors, streetwear lovers, and anyone who wants to discover the history of sneakers.

The reviews

• "A 650-page tome packed with facts, observations and insider knowledge about a craze that shows no signs of slowing down." – Forbes
• "...a 650-page bible on all things sneaker culture." – Esquire
• "An essential coffee table classic for enthusiasts obsessed with rubber soles." – The Guardian
• "...an absolute must-have for sneaker lovers with room left on their bookshelf, but no longer in their wardrobe." – VICE