Out of the Box: The Rise of Sneaker Culture (touring)

A fashion staple and cultural icon, sneakers are worn by millions of people and seem to transcend generations and socioeconomic status. Explore the significance, complex design history, and evolution of these shoes in Out of the Box: The Rise of Sneaker Culture, the first exhibition of its kind in the United States, now open at the Oakland Museum of California.

View more than 140 iconic sneakers from the 19th century to the present, including rare collectibles from the archives of brand-name manufacturers such as Adidas, Nike, Puma, and Reebok, and selections from renowned sneaker collectors—affectionately known as “sneakerheads”—including hip-hop group Run–DMC, sneaker guru Bobbito Garcia, and Dee Wells of Obsessive Sneaker Disorder. Reflect on how sneakers represent identity and sports fashion, learn some fresh-to-death lacing techniques, and share your own sneaker story in the gallery. Experience film footage, photographs, and design drawings showcasing the history, technical advancements, and fashion trends that have played a role in the sneaker’s evolution.