Warhol on Basquiat

The endless quest for the ultimate ‘Holy Grail’ is both a blessing and a curse. Sneaker collectors are constantly searching, planning, and dreaming of that one pair still missing from their collection. From rare vintage classics to player-worn Air Jordans: this anthology from Sneaker Freaker takes you into the collections of leading collectors. In addition, the book contains practical tips from experts on sneaker photography, safely storing your collection, and recognizing and avoiding fake sneakers.

Product details

• Publisher: Taschen
• Title: World's Greatest Sneaker Collectors
• Author: Simon "Woody" Wood
• Format: 21 x 31.5 cm
• Weight: 3.29 kg
• Pages: 752 pages
• Material: Hardcover
• Language: English

The art of sneaker collecting

Discover the fascinating world of the most impressive sneaker collections globally in this ultimate guide from Sneaker Freaker. Simon "Woody" Wood, founder and editor-in-chief of the iconic sneaker platform, has closely followed international sneaker culture for the past two decades. These years of experience form the basis of The World's Greatest Sneaker Collectors: an impressive book of no less than 752 pages filled with rare sneakers, extraordinary stories, and passionate collectors.

From Tokyo and New York to London, Philadelphia, Melbourne, and Stjørdal, this book takes you through some of the most exceptional sneaker collections ever assembled. More than 2,500 sneakers are featured, including vintage classics, exclusive athlete SMUs, unattainable samples, unique handmade prototypes, coveted collaborations, and Player Exclusives. Also extensively covered are rare, top athlete-worn Air Jordans worth millions of dollars.

The endless quest for the ultimate 'Holy Grail' is the common thread of the book. For collectors, this quest is both a blessing and an addiction: always hunting for that one pair still missing from the collection.

Besides stunning portraits of collectors, the book contains practical guides packed with expert tips on sneaker photography, safely storing and insuring a collection, cleaning sneakers, and recognizing fakes. The expertise is invaluable, and the personal stories offer a unique insight into the passion, dedication, and perseverance required to call yourself a true sneaker collector. Coffee table books in NL are available at Boomboxx

Reviews:

"The World's Greatest Sneaker Collectors offers much more than just fascinating images of some of the most passionate sneaker collectors in the world. It also serves as a source of inspiration and a blueprint for future generations of collectors."
– Essence

"I've had every Jordan since 1999. I bought 34 pairs of each model. Brand new! Sometimes I'm about to buy a pair, only to realize I already have them in storage somewhere."
– AllDay, Brooklyn

"I've always seen collecting sneakers as more than a hobby; it's a sport. And for me, it's still a competition."
– Chris Rosario, North Carolina

"In the early 2000s, $500 for a pair of sneakers was unthinkable. At the time, I paid a few thousand dollars for a Wu-Tang Dunk, which seemed insane then. Nowadays, that's hardly anything. There are 17-year-olds now who easily shell out $5,000 for a pair of sneakers."
– Andre Ljustina, Los Angeles

"I love sneakers for one simple reason: pure love. That's all it is. I can spend hours looking at a pair of shoes. Some people collect stamps or stones. I collect sneakers."
– Super Lalla, Paris

"I have so many sneakers that my apartment looks like a life-size version of Tetris. When I go to sleep, I don't pray for better health, but that I don't get buried under a collapsing shoe rack!"
– Julia Schoierer, Berlin

"This game is not easy. It took me ten years to collect sixty pairs of player-worn Jordans. I worked incredibly hard for it. It's all about the hunt. Hard work and perseverance – nothing beats that."
– Elliot Tebele

"An indispensable book that gives readers a unique insight into the passionate world of sneaker enthusiasts."
– GQ