A History of Basketball in Fifteen Sneakers

“This book is not only a tremendous amount of fun, but also a tremendous resource of history. And I know that oftentimes those two things cannot co-exist. But that’s only because oftentimes it’s not Russ Bengtson who is doing the writing.” —Shea Serrano, bestselling author of Basketball (and Other Things)

“This is the personification of perfect author meeting perfect subject. Russ Bengtson’s passion for sneakers knows no bounds, and it oozes from the pages of this joyfully explosive book. A herculean effort that takes the reader on an unforgettable journey of leather, laces, and soul.” —Jeff Pearlman, bestselling author of Showtime, Three-Ring Circus, and The Last Folk Hero

“A gorgeous book, as innovative and essential as the iconic sneakers that grace these pages. Whether you’re a sneakerhead, a basketball lover, or someone who has never even watched hoops, this book will pull you in. There’s no one better to tell this story than Russ Bengtson.” —Mirin Fader, bestselling author of Giannis: The Improbable Rise of an NBA MVP and senior staff writer at The Ringer

“Russ Bengtson has been at both the genesis and the center of the sneaker revolution for thirty years. A History of Basketball In Fifteen Sneakers is not the typical sneaker dive—it is a historical recreation on how basketball and the shoes that have been a part of the game since Day One are as deeply connected as Chuck is to Taylor, Jordan is to Air, and P. J. is to Tucker.” —Scoop Jackson, author of Sole Provider and former writer/editor at SLAM and ESPN

“A History of Basketball in Fifteen Sneakers confirms Russ Bengtson as this generation's definitive voice on everything sneaker-related. This book is a treasure trove of knowledge for novices and a reminder to even the most diehard sneakerhead that there are many layers to the history behind what we're wearing on our feet today.” —Alex Wong, author of Cover Story and We the Champs

“Russ Bengtson has spent three decades reporting on—and shaping—basketball and sneaker culture. A History of Basketball in Fifteen Sneakers is a culmination of that expertise, but, more importantly, it is flat-out terrific. Through interviews with major contributors (Kobe Bryant, Sonny Vaccaro, David Falk) and tireless research, Bengtson crafts a mix of sports and cultural history that will inform and intoxicate readers for years to come.” —Pete Croatto, author of From Hang Time to Prime Time