Sneakers or trainers: almost everyone owns at least one pair and some even collect them.

Originally known by names that reflected their purpose, like ‘gym shoes’ or ‘sports shoes’, they were designed for running and playing basketball or tennis; today they‘re objects of desire. Now they
come in an incredible range of styles, benefit from awesome innovations in technology and command steep prices.

The whole sneaker culture began when certain styles were adapted by subcultures like hip-hop and skateboarding – a remarkable development that has led to the foundation of Germany’s first sneaker museum, which since May has been presenting themed exhibitions of particularly rare or popular styles.

There is even a sneaker altar where visitors can worship the holy grail of sneaker history – the original Air Jordan I of 1985 or an Air Max prototype that never went on sale, of which there are only three pairs in the world.

Information
Sneakermuseum
Jülicher Strasse 14
50674 Cologne
http://www.sneakermuseum.de/