Whether you called them sneakers, tennis shoes or tennis shoes or used them for exercise (like running or walking) or just for everyday use because they are comfortable, the sneaker has turned into a major icon in today's world. This intriguing traveling exhibit organized through the American Federation of Arts and Bata Shoe Museum in Toronto explores the athletic shoe from it's origin within the mid 1800's to today and its role in designer if you take a glance at its complex design, history and cultural significance.
"The Rise of Sneaker Culture" features approximately 150 pairs of sneakers ranging from the mid-19th century to today, all specified by chronological order and showing the different materials these shoes happen to be made from including rubber and canvas completely up to today's modern materials. Special Note: Did you know that sneakers got their name because their rubber soles allowed the wearer to "sneak" around without being heard? Well, you now do.
One of the popular features of the six section exhibit is really a display depicting a brief history from the Jordans line of basketball shoes (23 models released from 1984-2008) and also the "Fresh" section that displays the high-end, limited editions developed by designers like Jimmy Choo, Prada and Alexander McQueen. And don't miss seeing the limited edition Pigeon Dunk SB sneaker developed by Nike and designer Jeff Staple and Reebok's Chanel Insta Pump Fury sneaker.
Other noteworthy sneakers displayed range from the original 1916 Keds Champion, the original 1917 Converse All Star, the rare Batta x Wilson x John Wooden collection from 1977 which was produced for only one year, the Lv x Kanye West Don which sold for $1000 a pair and the Yeezy Boost for Adidas which sold for $350 a pair and has resold as almost as much ast $5400 within the first weekend after its release.
Admission to the Toledo Museum of Art and also to "The Rise of Sneaker Culture" exhibit is free. Parking is $5. Hours for the Toledo Museum of Art are 10 a.m. - 4 p.m. on Tuesdays and Wednesdays, 10 a.m. - 9 p.m. on Thursdays and Fridays, 10 a.m. - 5 p.m. on Saturdays and noon - 5 p.m. every sunday. The Museum is closed on Mondays. This is the only Ohio stop for "The Rise of Sneaker crampon mercurial Culture" traveling exhibit.
To learn more about the special exhibit or concerning the Toledo Museum of Art, call 419-255-8000 or get online at The Toledo Museum of Art is located at 2445 Monroe St. in Toledo, Ohio. Toledo is approximately a 1.5 hour drive from Cleveland.