Art & Sole: Contemporary sneaker art & design - Tapa blanda

In recent years the sneaker scene has exploded withbartist and designer collaborations. These specialist shoes are invariably produced as short runs, using innovative or luxury materials, and often have bespoke packaging. Some even push the design of the shoes themselves, creating hybrids or new incarnations of classic designs. Focusing exclusively on contemporary, cutting-edge sneaker design, Art & Sole sets out to explore and to celebrate the creative sicle of sneaker culture - showing the best and most original rarities and collaborations. These are not shoes that can be found in your average sports store. The book also highlights how a growing number of artists base their work on sneakers - from sculptures made from dissected shoes, to oil paintings on canvas, and even the customization of the shoes themselves. Among the brands featured are Nike, adidas, Reebok, Vans, Puma, New Balance, Converse, Onitsuka Tiger, Madfoot ! and Gravis. And the artists and designers collaborating with them include Parra, Dave Kinsey, Dalek, Mark Gonzales, Futura 2000, Neckface, Evan Hecox, Stash and many others.

London-based design studio Intercity was founded in 2004. The company has produced work for a wide variety of clients including Uniqlo, Bush Records, Carhartt and Creative Review. Intercity are co-authors of Rad Rides (Laurence King, 2012), an exciting and in-depth exploration of the world of BMX bikes.