SOLE COLLECTOR: Sneakers

words_Nick DePaula

After combining our years of experience in the footwear industry, interviewing hundreds of people about sneaker culture on our recent Road Trip and ultimately breaking down every monumental shoe that our world has seen over the past several decades, we’ve put together a ranked order of The 100 Greatest Kicks, all to be found in Issue 24, hitting newsstands, boutiques and Foot Locker stores now. It’s a list that has several factors, whether that means including a modern performance classic like the Nike Garnett III, or tying back to the heritage of a brand with the adidas Forum. We made sure to weigh in performance, sales, aesthetics and a shoe’s lasting power, and now we’re waiting to hear what you think.

Also included in this issue is an extensive recap of our East Coast Road Trip, full of pictures of the many people we met, whether it was a group of dedicated sneakerheads in the heart of NYC, or a Jordan-wearing pastor from quiet Warner Robbins, GA. You’ll also find a 4,400 word breakdown of Nike’s most marketed basketball sneaker of the past five years, the Hyperdunk, as well as a look at some recent legislation that might be affecting the price of your next sneaker buy.

Opposite of the 100 Greatest Kicks, make sure you dive into what PUMA has been cooking up, as the fashion-forward brand aims to outfits everyone from the style icon to a messenger biker in love with his fixie. All the while, PUMA will be offering up their newest models and apparel at many of their concept stores, adding a distinct PUMA touch in not only the way the store looks, but also the flexibility of its inventory as well as the functionality of its fixtures.

Available now at Borders, Barnes & Nobles, boutiques the world over and Foot Locker and Foot Action locations, Issue 24 might be our most internally debated issue ever. Whether it was an hour long phone call at 3am to argue over which Air Jordans wouldn’t make the list (surprise — not all 23 made it) or a poll of the Forums asking for the best ten Dunk SB colorways, this issue took an extra level of detail and debate that we’re extremely proud of. Now it’s time for you to debate. In the two days since some industry people have received their copies, I’ve already been hassled over the order, inclusion and even somehow the fact that Fusions and Creative Recreation Cesarios are missing.

Make sure you voice your opinion and tell us how much we blew it, what your #1 sneaker is and where you disagree on the Forums. And check here for a complete list of all Foot Locker stores that will be carrying the issue.

Foot Locker Cover:

Newsstands & Subscribers:

Inside the pages: