The Men Behind the Eastbay Catalog | Art & Rick Tell Their Story

The Men Behind the Eastbay Catalog | Art & Rick Tell Their Story

From Sneaker History Podcast - Sneakers, Sneaker Culture and the Business of Footwear by Sneaker History - Retrospect Podcasts

April 20, 2026 · 57 min · Season 8 · Episode 14

About this episode

Mike interviews Art and Rick, the founders of the Eastbay catalog, discussing their journey and new book.

If you grew up flipping through the Eastbay catalog, this one's for you. Mike sits down with Art and Rick, the two men behind one of the most beloved institutions in sneaker and athletic culture. Born two days apart in the same hospital, lifelong friends, and eventual business partners... their story is one of those rare ones that almost sounds made up. They break down how a simple idea rooted in getting the best athletic footwear to young athletes turned into a cultural phenomenon that shaped how a generation discovered sneakers. They also talk about their new book, The Book of Eastbay , which chronicles the whole journey... and yes, the proceeds go to childhood cancer research through the Little Water Foundation. Check out the book and read the prologue at bookofeastbay.com. Order from Bookshop.org to support your local book store of choice: https://bookshop.org/a/122044/9798892790697 Subscribe the newsletter: https://www.thesneakernewsletter.com/ SUPPORT THE SHOW: Donate Through Venmo: https://venmo.com/u/sneakerhistory Buy Me A Coffee: https://buymeacoffee.com/nickengvall Early Access, Exclusive Videos, and Content On Patreon: https://patreon.com/sneakerhistory If you are…

People in this episode

Host: Mike

Guests: Art, Rick

Topics covered

  • sneaker culture
  • Eastbay catalog
  • athletic footwear
  • business partners
  • childhood cancer research

Keywords

  • Eastbay
  • sneakers
  • athletic culture
  • Art
  • Rick
  • childhood cancer research
  • The Book of Eastbay

Mentioned in this episode

Organizations: Little Water Foundation, Bookshop.org, Sneaker History

Books & works: The Book of Eastbay

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