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

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.comCHECK OUT OUR OTHER SHOWS:For the Formula 1 Fans - Exhaust Notes: https://exhaustnotes.fmFor the Fitted Hat Fans - Crown and Stitch: https://crownandstitch.comFor the Cars & Sneakers Fans - Cars & Kicks: https://carsxkicks.comFor 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=sneakerhistoryHosted & Distributed By Captivate: https://bit.ly/3j2muPbDisclaimer: 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/

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.cRoommate: 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.comSUPPORT THE SHOW:Donate Through Venmo: https://venmo.com/u/sneakerhistoryBuy Me A Coffee: https://buymeacoffee.com/nickengvallEarly Access, Exclusive Videos, and Content On Patreon: https://patreon.com/sneakerhistoryIf you are interested in advertising to our audience, contact us: podcast@sneakerhistory.comCHECK OUT OUR OTHER SHOWS:For the Formula 1 Fans - Exhaust Notes: https://exhaustnotes.fmFor the Fitted Hat Fans - Crown and Stitch: https://crownandstitch.comFor the Cars & Sneakers Fans - Cars & Kicks: https://carsxkicks.comFor 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=sneakerhistoryHosted & Distributed By Captivate: https://bit.ly/3j2muPbGET IN TOUCH:Robbie - robbie@sneakerhistory.comMike - mike@sneakerhistory.comRohit - rohit@sneakerhistory.comNick - nick@sneakerhistory.comDisclaimer: 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/

The whole crew is back together... Nick, Mike, Robbie, and Rohit are all in the same (virtual) room for the first time in a while, and things get weird before they get good. From confusing their Thugs (Young vs. Slim, no disrespect to either) to breaking down the Reebok Engine A26 and the adidas x Spider collab dropping March 3rd, the guys cover a lot of ground this episode.The real meat of the conversation though? That ESPN story by Baxter Holmes about the Jordan 19 and the Black Mamba origin... it turns out the snakeskin concept that defined Kobe's entire identity was originally pitched for Michael Jordan, who wanted absolutely nothing to do with it. Nick, Rohit, and Mike dig into why that story matters beyond the history books, what it says about how sneaker media used to work, and why moments like this one don't happen nearly enough anymore.Then the conversation shifts to Formula 1, sneaker partnerships in motorsports, where the real opportunity is, and why Lewis Hamilton moving to Ferrari might be more interesting for the sneaker world than anyone is talking about yet.Oh, and somewhere in there, Robbie gets off a line about MJ having too many animal nicknames that you just have to hear for yourself.Topics covered:Reebok Engine A26, adidas x Spider Superstar Super Modified, Jordan 19 Black Mamba origin story, WNBA Jordan Heir II, Hyrox vs. CrossFit, Formula 1 sneaker partnerships, NIL deals and the future of basketball culture.ESPN Story: https://www.espn.com/nba/story/_/id/48016100/inside-secret-history-black-mamba-kobe-bryant-michael-jordan-air-jordan-19Nick's Story: https://www.thesneakernewsletter.com/p/sometimes-the-universe-proves-yourSUPPORT THE SHOW:Donate Through Venmo: https://venmo.com/u/sneakerhistoryBuy Me A Coffee: https://buymeacoffee.com/nickengvallEarly Access, Exclusive Videos, and Content On Patreon: https://patreon.com/sneakerhistorySubscribe on Substack: https://substack.com/@sneakerhistoryJoin our Discord Community: https://discord.gg/xJFyWmWgzaIf you are interested in advertising to our audience, contact us: podcast@sneakerhistory.comCHECK OUT OUR OTHER SHOWS:For the Formula 1 Fans - Exhaust Notes: https://exhaustnotes.fmFor the Fitted Hat Fans - Crown and Stitch: https://crownandstitch.comFor the Cars & Sneakers Fans - Cars & Kicks: https://carsxkicks.comFor 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=sneakerhistoryHosted & Distributed By Captivate: https://bit.ly/3j2muPbGET IN TOUCH:Robbie - robbie@sneakerhistory.comMike - mike@sneakerhistory.comRohit - rohit@sneakerhistory.comNick - nick@sneakerhistory.comDisclaimer: 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/

JT, AKA The Sneaker Savant, has been in the sneaker world long enough to remember when eBay was church, when Dadas sold out, and when nobody questioned either of those things. He's been a fixture in the Sneaker History Discord for years, built a following on Instagram under @TheSneakerSavant, writes over at thesneakersavant.substack.com, and has been quietly one of the most interesting thinkers in this whole space... he just doesn't always show his face.This one gets personal pretty fast. We talk about the Portland gathering and what it meant to finally be in a room full of people who just get it, without needing to explain themselves. We get into why Instagram is broken, why eBay is still our church, and why the algorithm is really good at exactly one thing... flattening culture. JT makes the case that the Dadas were absolutely a thing in Northern California and he's completely right, and we both wonder what stories are being lost because the internet only amplifies what everybody already agrees on.We also get into the sneaker card JT made for the Portland trip, a Jordan card with MJ in a Blazers jersey, how that one piece of cardstock led to a conversation with Ken Black, one of the architects of Nike team sports, which somehow led to JT learning who designed a jersey he'd wanted since he was a kid living in Great Britain. That story alone is worth the listen.This is a conversation about sneakers, but honestly it's more about community, memory, and why the stuff that mattered to us deserves to be documented before it gets lost.In this episode:The Foot Locker chaos on February 13th and what sneaker riots say about where the culture is right now. Why JT stopped buying shoes and started routing them to people who'd actually want them. The eBay rabbit hole that both of us still fall into on the regular, and why eBay is still the best place for actual sneaker knowledge. JT's 265-days-on-Instagram calculation and why the math kind of ruins you. The Portland gathering, getting the invite, and what it felt like to finally be in that room. Making 60 Jordan/Blazers cards by hand, how that one move changed the whole second night. Ken Black, Drake Ramberg, the Arsenal jersey, and how sneaker passion creates these connections that genuinely could not be planned. Why Steph Curry wearing Chris Webber's Dadas matters more than most people gave it credit for. And the argument that Substack might be the only platform left where regional sneaker stories and real cultural memory can survive.Follow JT the Sneaker Savant:Substack: thesneakersavant.substack.comInstagram: @TheSneakerSavantWebsite: TheSneakerSavant.comSUPPORT THE SHOW:Donate Through Venmo: https://venmo.com/u/sneakerhistoryBuy Me A Coffee: https://buymeacoffee.com/nickengvallEarly Access, Exclusive Videos, and Content On Patreon: https://patreon.com/sneakerhistorySubscribe on Substack: https://substack.com/@sneakerhistoryJoin our Discord Community: https://discord.gg/xJFyWmWgzaIf you are interested in advertising to our audience, contact us: podcast@sneakerhistory.comCHECK OUT OUR OTHER SHOWS:For the Formula 1 Fans - Exhaust Notes: https://exhaustnotes.fmFor the Fitted Hat Fans - Crown and Stitch: https://crownandstitch.comFor the Cars & Sneakers Fans - Cars & Kicks: https://carsxkicks.comFor 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=sneakerhistoryHosted & Distributed By Captivate: https://bit.ly/3j2muPbGET IN TOUCH:Robbie - robbie@sneakerhistory.comMike - mike@sneakerhistory.comRohit - rohit@sneakerhistory.comNick - nick@sneakerhistory.comDisclaimer: 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/

In this episode of the Sneaker History Podcast, Mike and Rohit dive into the latest sneaker culture trends, including their recent picks and the buzz around the Costco Dunk. They also review J. Cole's new double album, discussing its themes and production quality, before transitioning to a discussion about the new Marvel series, Wonder Man, and its character-driven storytelling.Subscribe to the newsletter: https://www.thesneakernewsletter.comChapters00:00 Introduction and Sneaker Culture Overview03:02 Recent Sneaker Acquisitions and Experiences06:07 The Costco Dunk Phenomenon11:59 In-Depth Review of the Costco Dunk17:56 Final Thoughts and Sneaker Community Dynamics18:54 The Resilience of Nike SB20:10 J. Cole's New Album: A Deep Dive24:42 The Storytelling in Wonder Man28:08 Marvel's Shift to Character-Driven Narratives34:25 The Importance of Family and Encouragement in StorytellingSUPPORT THE SHOW:Donate Through Venmo: https://venmo.com/u/sneakerhistoryBuy Me A Coffee: https://buymeacoffee.com/nickengvallEarly Access, Exclusive Videos, and Content On Patreon: https://patreon.com/sneakerhistorySubscribe to the newsletter: https://www.thesneakernewsletter.comJoin our Discord Community: https://discord.gg/xJFyWmWgzaIf you are interested in advertising to our audience, contact us: podcast@sneakerhistory.comCHECK OUT OUR OTHER SHOWS:For the Formula 1 Fans - Exhaust Notes: https://exhaustnotes.fmFor the Fitted Hat Fans - Crown and Stitch: https://crownandstitch.comFor the Cars & Sneakers Fans - Cars & Kicks: https://carsxkicks.comFor 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=sneakerhistoryHosted & Distributed By Captivate: https://bit.ly/3j2muPbGET IN TOUCH:Robbie - robbie@sneakerhistory.comMike - mike@sneakerhistory.comRohit - rohit@sneakerhistory.comNick - nick@sneakerhistory.comDisclaimer: 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/

Chris Kaufman co-founded StockX, but this isn't an origin story. We talk about what he learned watching companies destroy culture for quarterly gains, why constant layoffs cost more than just keeping good people, and what leadership actually looks like when you stop pretending you have all the answers. Plus: the Kanye visit, the first StockX trades, and why Detroit was the perfect place to build something weird and new.Chris wrote "Empathy at Work" because he's convinced being decent to people isn't just morally right... it's better business. After this conversation, I think he's right.(This is the first episode of a new/show I'm still naming. Outside The Box? Pursuit of Something? Unplanned Entrepreneur? Let me know what you think.)More Conversations Like This: Subscribe to Outside The Box If you are interested in advertising to our audience, contact us: podcast@sneakerhistory.comOur podcast is proudly...Recorded on Riverside: http://www.riverside.fm/?via=sneakerhistoryHosted & Distributed By Captivate: https://bit.ly/3j2muPb[Links contain affiliate links; we may receive a small commission if you purchase after clicking a link. A great way to support the pod!]GET IN TOUCH:Nick - nick@sneakerhistory.comDisclaimer: 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/

An essential update for the podcast moving forward, and what you can expect in 2026.Subscribe to The Sneaker Newsletter: https://www.thesneakernewsletter.com$12/month for industry analysis, insider stories, and deep dives into sneaker history.Podcast listeners: DM me on Substack and mention the podcast for a special discount.SUPPORT THE SHOW:Donate Through Venmo: https://venmo.com/u/sneakerhistoryBuy Me A Coffee: https://buymeacoffee.com/nickengvallEarly Access, Exclusive Videos, and Content On Patreon: https://patreon.com/sneakerhistoryJoin our Discord Community: https://discord.gg/xJFyWmWgzaIf you are interested in advertising to our audience, contact us: podcast@sneakerhistory.comCHECK OUT OUR OTHER SHOWS:For the Formula 1 Fans - Exhaust Notes: https://exhaustnotes.fmFor the Fitted Hat Fans - Crown and Stitch: https://crownandstitch.comFor the Cars & Sneakers Fans - Cars & Kicks: https://carsxkicks.comFor 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=sneakerhistoryHosted & Distributed By Captivate: https://bit.ly/3j2muPbDisclaimer: 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/