Inside the Converse Archive: A Century of Sneaker History

In this episode of the Sneaker History Podcast, host Mike Guillory (https://www.youtube.com/@MikeGuillory) speaks with Sam Smallidge, the archivist at Converse, about the rich history of the brand and its impact on sneaker culture. They discuss Sam's unique connection to Converse, the evolution of various shoe models, and the significance of player-worn shoes. The conversation also delves into the role of an archivist, the process of archiving new models, and the importance of collaborations in sneaker design. MORE ON THE BUSINESS OF SNEAKERS: https://www.thesneakernewsletter.com CHAPTERS: 00:00 Introduction to Converse and Sneaker History 03:00 The Role of an Archivist in Sneaker Culture 05:59 Converse's Running Heritage 08:57 Exploring Converse's Outdoor and Boot Models 12:02 The Evolution of Converse's Tennis Line 25:43 The Archive Intake Process 27:42 Managing New Models and Collaborations 29:48 Preserving Historical Shoes 33:49 Collecting Game-Worn Memorabilia 36:48 The Hunt for Unique Shoes 40:50 Michael Jordan's Legacy in the Archive 42:39 The Evolution of Converse Shoes 44:11 Collaborations and Design Sessions 46:12 The Archivist's Journey 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 Subscribe on Substack: https://substack.com/@sneakerhistory J