Bata Shoe Museum Presents: Out of the Box: The Rise of Sneaker Culture

The Bata Shoe Museum presents "Out of the Box: The Rise of Sneaker Culture", an exhibition that explores the history of the sneaker from the 19th century through to today. "Out of the Box" is the first exhibition in North America to showcase the history of sneaker culture and will feature over 120 sneakers representing the past 150 years. Highlighting iconic sneakers from the 20th and 21st centuries, Museum visitors will have the opportunity to explore the historical beginnings of the sneaker from its emergence in the 19th century to becoming one of the most democratic forms of footwear in the 20th century to its current position as status symbol and icon of urban culture. Rare sneakers from the archives of adidas, Nike, Reebok, PUMA, Converse and Northampton Museums and Art Gallery, along with loans from rap legends Run DMC, sneaker guru Bobbito Garcia aka Kool Bob Love and Dee Wells from OSD will be featured. The exhibition will also include the latest designs from fashion designers, including Christian Louboutin, Pierre Hardy, Lanvin and Prada, as well as exceptional limited editions such as the Nike Dunk Supremes and LeBron James Stewies. "Out of the Box: The Rise of Sneaker Culture" will be on view at the Bata Shoe Museum in Toronto, Canada from April 25th, 2013 to March 30th, 2014. www.batashoemuseum.ca