Mike is back with another Coffee Time Kicks episode, and this one is for anybody who has ever looked at a sneaker photo and wondered how someone made a shoe feel alive.

Jared Moody is the photo manager at Sneaker Politics, a contract shooter for Sneaker News, and one of the most intentional sneaker photographers working right now. Born and raised in Dallas, Moody got into sneakers around 2010 through his cousins, got deep once he hit high school, and has been building his craft ever since.

In this conversation, Mike and Moody cover the full arc, from the KD 4 that changed how Moody thought about shoes, to what it actually takes to walk into a shoot prepared, to the quiet discipline behind his best work. They also get into building trust with models, shooting events as community acts, and what it looks like to do contract work for two outlets without letting either one look like the other.

Moody's advice for anyone trying to break in is as straightforward as it gets: work hard, stay consistent, and stop worrying about the numbers. The art is the point.

Find Jared on all socials at @JaredAMoody and check out Sneaker Politics at all their locations, including Dallas.

New episodes of the Sneaker History Podcast drop almost every Monday. Subscribe wherever you listen, find everything at sneakerhistory.com, and if you want more sneaker business insights, The Sneaker Newsletter goes out on Substack at thesneakernewsletter.com.

Nick also has a book coming. Small Luxuries: Sneakers drops October 2026 and is available to pre-order now at bookshop.org/a/122044/9798317900854.

If you are interested in advertising to our audience, contact us: [email protected]

CHECK OUT OUR OTHER SHOWS:

For the Formula 1 Fans - Exhaust Notes: https://exhaustnotes.fm

For the Fitted Hat Fans - Crown and Stitch: https://crownandstitch.com

For the Cars & Sneakers Fans - Cars & Kicks: https://carsxkicks.com

For the Creators & Creatives - Outside The Box: https://podcasts.apple.com/id/podcast/outside-the-box-convos-with-creators/id1050172106

[Links contain affiliate links; we may receive a small commission if you purchase after clicking a link. A great way to support the pod!]

—––––—––––—––––—––––—––––—––––—––––—––––

Our podcast is proudly...

Recorded on Riverside: http://www.riverside.fm/?via=sneakerhistory

Hosted & Distributed By Captivate: https://bit.ly/3j2muPb

Disclaimer: The views and opinions expressed in this program are those of the speakers and do not necessarily reflect the views or positions of any entities they represent.

The whole crew is back. Nick, Robbie, Mike, and Rohit reunite for a full-panel episode of the Sneaker History Podcast, and it feels exactly like catching up with friends who happen to know more about shoes than most people you know.

They kick things off with Rockin' and Coppin', covering everything from Nipsey Hussle PUMAs and adidas SL EVOs to a World Cup craze over jerseys and some very real talk about what shoe buying looks like when adulting kicks in. From there, the conversation stretches across World Cup sneaker culture, 3D printing and foam technology in performance footwear, the history of player endorsements in soccer, and how the sport has become one of the most interesting spaces in the sneaker world right now.

They also spend time on the rise of Skechers as a legitimate player in the athletic space (yes, really), dig into brand rivalries, talk representation in sneaker culture, and close with a preview of where women's basketball footwear might be heading next.

It's a wide-ranging one, but that's the whole squad for you. Come for the sneakers, stay for the chaos.

New episodes of the Sneaker History Podcast drop regularly. Subscribe wherever you listen and find everything at sneakerhistory.com.

New episodes of the Sneaker History Podcast drop almost every Monday. Subscribe wherever you listen, find everything at sneakerhistory.com, and if you want more sneaker business insights, The Sneaker Newsletter goes out on Substack at thesneakernewsletter.com.

Nick also has a book coming. Small Luxuries: Sneakers drops October 2026 and is available to pre-order now at bookshop.org/a/122044/9798317900854.

If you are interested in advertising to our audience, contact us: [email protected]

CHECK OUT OUR OTHER SHOWS:

For the Formula 1 Fans - Exhaust Notes: https://exhaustnotes.fm

For the Fitted Hat Fans - Crown and Stitch: https://crownandstitch.com

For the Cars & Sneakers Fans - Cars & Kicks: https://carsxkicks.com

For the Creators & Creatives - Outside The Box: https://podcasts.apple.com/id/podcast/outside-the-box-convos-with-creators/id1050172106

[Links contain affiliate links; we may receive a small commission if you purchase after clicking a link. A great way to support the pod!]

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Our podcast is proudly...

Recorded on Riverside: http://www.riverside.fm/?via=sneakerhistory

Hosted & Distributed By Captivate: https://bit.ly/3j2muPb

Disclaimer: The views and opinions expressed in this program are those of the speakers and do not necessarily reflect the views or positions of any entities they represent.

Most sneaker fans haven’t seen a project this layered and meaningful — until now. When two creators linked up, they crafted a sneaker that tells a story of perseverance, culture, and global pride, right during the World Cup.

Brandon Davis, of Better Generation, and Andu, of Roommate the artist behind the inspiring custom sneakers, turn a simple soccer shoe into a symbol of grassroots hustle and self-expression. In this episode, you’ll discover how a cold DM sparked a creative partnership that culminated in a limited-edition sneaker capturing the spirit of the World Cup. Brandon shares the behind-the-scenes journey of overcoming logistical hurdles from one sample to full production, all while maintaining a story rooted in the grind and community.

Andu opens up about balancing personal struggles with collaboration, highlighting how authenticity fuels design that resonates beyond fashion, into a movement. You’ll break down the innovative storytelling elements that make this sneaker timeless: handcrafted packaging, unique collaborations with 26 creators, and a campaign that whispers 'from nothing to something.' Brandon and Andu discuss how the sneaker’s design blurs lines between sport and streetwear, empowering wearers to showcase their journey and individual style. Plus, get insights on how the global stage of the World Cup amplifies local voices—transforming sneaker culture into a platform for possibility.This episode is perfect for creators, sneakerheads, and community builders ready to see how passion transforms into impact.

If you believe fashion is more than just what’s on your feet — it’s a statement — then you’ll love how these two visionaries turned a soccer shoe into a symbol of hope, hustle, and unity. Don’t miss the story behind a project that proves success is built from the dirt, starting with a dream and a lot of heart.Whether you're into sneaker design, streetwear, or grassroots storytelling, this conversation offers a fresh perspective on how one shoe can inspire a generation. Tune in to learn how a simple idea grew into a cultural phenomenon and get inspired to start your own journey from the ground up.

Andu: https://www.instagram.com/andu.c

Roommate: https://www.instagram.com/roommate.s/

Brandon: https://www.instagram.com/davisbtd/

TBG: https://www.instagram.com/thebettergeneration/

Subscribe to the Newsletter for Deeper Industry Insights: https://thesneakernewsletter.com

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

If you are interested in advertising to our audience, contact us: [email protected]

CHECK OUT OUR OTHER SHOWS:

For the Formula 1 Fans - Exhaust Notes: https://exhaustnotes.fm

For the Fitted Hat Fans - Crown and Stitch: https://crownandstitch.com

For the Cars & Sneakers Fans - Cars & Kicks: https://carsxkicks.com

For the Creators & Creatives - Outside The Box: https://podcasts.apple.com/id/podcast/outside-the-box-convos-with-creators/id1050172106

[Links contain affiliate links; we may receive a small commission if you purchase after clicking a link. A great way to support the pod!]

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Our podcast is proudly...

Recorded on Riverside: http://www.riverside.fm/?via=sneakerhistory

Hosted & Distributed By Captivate: https://bit.ly/3j2muPb

GET IN TOUCH:

Robbie - [email protected]

Mike - [email protected]

Rohit - [email protected]

Nick - [email protected]

Disclaimer: The views and opinions expressed in this program are those of the speakers and do not necessarily reflect the views or positions of any entities they represent.

Every men's Nike basketball shoe right now has some DNA from the Kobe 4, 5, or 6. Nick, Mike, and Rohit ask whether that's a problem, and whether the women's game has already figured out the answer. They cover Asia Wilson's signature, the Sabrina as a tasteful homage, Edwards making the Believe That One the most talked-about takedown model in recent memory, and a four-team sneaker identity breakdown to close the playoffs. Ganglands, villain shoes, and a Sacramento Kings tangent that gets personal.

Subscribe to The Sneaker Newsletter: https://www.thesneakernewsletter.com/

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

If you are interested in advertising to our audience, contact us: [email protected]

CHECK OUT OUR OTHER SHOWS:

For the Formula 1 Fans - Exhaust Notes: https://exhaustnotes.fm

For the Fitted Hat Fans - Crown and Stitch: https://crownandstitch.com

For the Cars & Sneakers Fans - Cars & Kicks: https://carsxkicks.com

For the Creators & Creatives - Outside The Box: https://podcasts.apple.com/id/podcast/outside-the-box-convos-with-creators/id1050172106

[Links contain affiliate links; we may receive a small commission if you purchase after clicking a link. A great way to support the pod!]

—––––—––––—––––—––––—––––—––––—––––—––––

Our podcast is proudly...

Recorded on Riverside: http://www.riverside.fm/?via=sneakerhistory

Hosted & Distributed By Captivate: https://bit.ly/3j2muPb

GET IN TOUCH:

Robbie - [email protected]

Mike - [email protected]

Rohit - [email protected]

Nick - [email protected]

Disclaimer: The views and opinions expressed in this program are those of the speakers and do not necessarily reflect the views or positions of any entities they represent.

In this episode of the Sneaker History Podcast, Robbie, Rohit, and Mike discuss various sneaker releases, including a special Mother's Day collaboration from adidas. They share their personal sneaker highlights and upcoming purchases, while also touching on the charitable efforts behind certain sneaker collaborations. The conversation shifts to the rising star Anthony Edwards and his impact on the basketball scene, followed by a review of an exciting new adidas ad for the World Cup, showcasing a blend of sports and celebrity culture. In this engaging conversation, the hosts delve into the dynamics of branding in soccer, particularly focusing on the rivalry between adidas and Nike as they prepare for the World Cup. They explore the cultural significance of the players featured in adidas' latest ad, the timeless style of the brand, and the importance of storytelling in marketing. The discussion also touches on the aesthetics of soccer jerseys and how brands represent their identities through design. Ultimately, the conversation highlights the evolving landscape of sports marketing and the need for brands to connect with their audiences on a deeper level.

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://www.thesneakernewsletter.com/

If you are interested in advertising to our audience, contact us: [email protected]

CHECK OUT OUR OTHER SHOWS:

For the Formula 1 Fans - Exhaust Notes: https://exhaustnotes.fm

For the Fitted Hat Fans - Crown and Stitch: https://crownandstitch.com

For the Cars & Sneakers Fans - Cars & Kicks: https://carsxkicks.com

For the Creators & Creatives - Outside The Box: https://podcasts.apple.com/id/podcast/outside-the-box-convos-with-creators/id1050172106

[Links contain affiliate links; we may receive a small commission if you purchase after clicking a link. A great way to support the pod!]

—––––—––––—––––—––––—––––—––––—––––—––––

Our podcast is proudly...

Recorded on Riverside: http://www.riverside.fm/?via=sneakerhistory

Hosted & Distributed By Captivate: https://bit.ly/3j2muPb

GET IN TOUCH:

Robbie - [email protected]

Mike - [email protected]

Rohit - [email protected]

Nick - [email protected]

Disclaimer: The views and opinions expressed in this program are those of the speakers and do not necessarily reflect the views or positions of any entities they represent.

There are companies that sell shoes. And then there are companies that shape the way an entire generation experiences them. Eastbay was the latter... and most people have no idea how improbable the whole thing was.

Art Juedes and Rick Gering started Eastbay out of a store in Wausau, Wisconsin. Two coaches with 16 years of combined college education, zero business courses between them, and a vision that shoe stores in this country were failing athletes. No one specialized. No one had inventory. No one knew what they were talking about when you called. So Art and Rick decided they would be the ones who did.

What followed was one of the most consequential stories in sneaker history... one that most of us lived through without ever knowing the people behind it.

In this episode of Outside The Box, Nick sits down with Art and Rick to talk about the moment Nike pulled 40% of their business overnight because Eastbay was too successful at mail order, how Shaquille O'Neal showing up to a Nike meeting in all Eastbay gear helped get them the exclusive back, the tent sales in Wausau where Air Jordans moved out of a parking lot and lines stretched for half a mile, Kevin Plank pitching Under Armour to them before Under Armour was anything, and why they invested $100,000 in a digital camera in 1989 so they could produce a catalog every three weeks while Phil Knight was asking how they did it so fast.

Nick's personal connection to Eastbay runs deep... four siblings fighting over one catalog until his mom finally ordered a fifth. He built the original Eastbay Blog for Sole Collector. And this conversation is, as he puts it, probably one of the most important sneaker history conversations he's ever had on any show.

Art and Rick's new book, The Book of Eastbay, is available now at BookofEastBay.com. All profits go to the Little Warriors Foundation, a childhood cancer charity.

More Sneaker Business Insights at TheSneakerNewsletter.com

Mike sits down with Al Baker, the artist behind Deadstock Anatomies, for a Coffee Time Kicks conversation about turning sneakers into framed art pieces inspired by entomology, the science of pinning insects.

Al breaks down how a wife's passion for bug collecting led to taking apart a Jordan 1 and never looking back, the time he split a Red October down the middle and made $6,000 doing it, why the Reebok Above the Rim line still has him hunting Poshmark for old Steve Francis ATRs, and what it felt like to hand A'ja Wilson a piece made from her own signature shoe.

Plus, the daily-driver Mars Yards he can't stop wearing, why he stopped chasing hypebeast clients, and the grail Jordan 1 he's still trying to track down in a wearable size.

Find Al on Instagram at @DeadstockAnatomies or at dsanatomies.com.

Subscribe to Sneaker History wherever you listen, and follow along at SneakerHistory.com.

SUPPORT THE SHOW:

Two decades in this industry. Hundreds of episodes. Zero corporate overlords. If the show adds something to your day, here's how to keep it going...

Pre-Order Nick's Book "Small Luxuries: Sneakers" (Motorbooks, October 2026): https://bookshop.org/a/122044/9798317900854

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 to The Sneaker Newsletter on Substack: https://www.thesneakernewsletter.com

Join the Sole Collector Community: https://solecollector.org

If you are interested in advertising to our audience, contact us: [email protected]

CHECK OUT OUR OTHER SHOWS:

For the Formula 1 Fans - Exhaust Notes: https://exhaustnotes.fm

For the Fitted Hat Fans - Crown and Stitch: https://crownandstitch.com

For the Cars & Sneakers Fans - Cars & Kicks: https://carsxkicks.com

For the Creators & Creatives - Outside The Box: https://podcasts.apple.com/id/podcast/outside-the-box-convos-with-creators/id1050172106

[Links contain affiliate links; we may receive a small commission if you purchase after clicking a link. A great way to support the pod!]

—––––—––––—––––—––––—––––—––––—––––—––––

Our podcast is proudly...

Recorded on Riverside: http://www.riverside.fm/?via=sneakerhistory

Hosted & Distributed By Captivate: https://bit.ly/3j2muPb

GET IN TOUCH:

Robbie - [email protected]

Mike - [email protected]

Rohit - [email protected]

Nick - [email protected]

Disclaimer: The views and opinions expressed in this program are those of the speakers and do not necessarily reflect the views or positions of any entities they represent.

If you grew up flipping through the Eastbay catalog, this one's for you.

Mike sits down with Art and Rick, the two men behind one of the most beloved institutions in sneaker and athletic culture. Born two days apart in the same hospital, lifelong friends, and eventual business partners... their story is one of those rare ones that almost sounds made up. They break down how a simple idea rooted in getting the best athletic footwear to young athletes turned into a cultural phenomenon that shaped how a generation discovered sneakers. They also talk about their new book, The Book of Eastbay, which chronicles the whole journey... and yes, the proceeds go to childhood cancer research through the Little Water Foundation. Check out the book and read the prologue at bookofeastbay.com.

Order from Bookshop.org to support your local book store of choice: https://bookshop.org/a/122044/9798892790697

Subscribe the newsletter: https://www.thesneakernewsletter.com/

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

If you are interested in advertising to our audience, contact us: [email protected]

CHECK OUT OUR OTHER SHOWS:

For the Formula 1 Fans - Exhaust Notes: https://exhaustnotes.fm

For the Fitted Hat Fans - Crown and Stitch: https://crownandstitch.com

For the Cars & Sneakers Fans - Cars & Kicks: https://carsxkicks.com

For the Creators & Creatives - Outside The Box: https://podcasts.apple.com/id/podcast/outside-the-box-convos-with-creators/id1050172106

[Links contain affiliate links; we may receive a small commission if you purchase after clicking a link. A great way to support the pod!]

—––––—––––—––––—––––—––––—––––—––––—––––

Our podcast is proudly...

Recorded on Riverside: http://www.riverside.fm/?via=sneakerhistory

Hosted & Distributed By Captivate: https://bit.ly/3j2muPb

GET IN TOUCH:

Robbie - [email protected]

Mike - [email protected]

Rohit - [email protected]

Nick - [email protected]

Disclaimer: The views and opinions expressed in this program are those of the speakers and do not necessarily reflect the views or positions of any entities they represent.

Christina Faith has been building for 20 years. She started with a DSLR in 2006, ran a record label, launched her first business in college, and has now opened a 2,500 sq. ft. creative production space that's also becoming a live music venue. She's self-taught, faith-driven, and one of the most grounded voices in the creative space right now.

In this Coffee Time Kicks conversation, Mike sits down with Christina to talk about growing up not being able to afford sneakers, making her own money by 7th grade just to grab a pair of Penny Hardaways, and why everything she posts today is pure love... no brand check required.

They also get into what it really takes to build something that lasts, why consistency beats everything, and why creating for a bag instead of a purpose is the thing that stops most people before they ever get started.

Follow Christina Faith on Instagram and TikTok at @ChristinaFaith and The Grindhouse Inc. at @TheGrindhouseInc.

More sneaker stories at SneakerHistory.com and industry analysis at TheSneakerNewsletter.com.

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

Join our Discord Community: https://discord.gg/xJFyWmWgza

If you are interested in advertising to our audience, contact us: [email protected]

CHECK OUT OUR OTHER SHOWS:

For the Formula 1 Fans - Exhaust Notes: https://exhaustnotes.fm

For the Fitted Hat Fans - Crown and Stitch: https://crownandstitch.com

For the Cars & Sneakers Fans - Cars & Kicks: https://carsxkicks.com

For the Creators & Creatives - Outside The Box: https://podcasts.apple.com/id/podcast/outside-the-box-convos-with-creators/id1050172106

[Links contain affiliate links; we may receive a small commission if you purchase after clicking a link. A great way to support the pod!]

—––––—––––—––––—––––—––––—––––—––––—––––

Our podcast is proudly...

Recorded on Riverside: http://www.riverside.fm/?via=sneakerhistory

Hosted & Distributed By Captivate: https://bit.ly/3j2muPb

GET IN TOUCH:

Robbie - [email protected]

Mike - [email protected]

Rohit - [email protected]

Nick - [email protected]

Disclaimer: The views and opinions expressed in this program are those of the speakers and do not necessarily reflect the views or positions of any entities they represent.

You probably know I've got a love-hate relationship with running. But when Raziq Rauf, the guy behind the Running Sucks Substack, sent me his new book This Is Running, I couldn't put it down. So I figured I needed to get him on the show.

Raz is a former music journalist, BBC and Guardian contributor, USATF running coach, and now author of what is genuinely a cultural history of running in the 21st century. We talk about the super shoe revolution and what carbon plate technology actually does to your body, why run clubs exploded out of the pandemic, how brands coming into that space changes the community, and what it actually means to find yourself while you're out there grinding through a five mile loop.

We also get into the sneaker side of all of this... the Nike Alphafly at fashion week, whether performance running shoes can cross over the same way basketball shoes and tennis shoes did, and the moment it all changed at the 2016 Olympics.

If you've ever laced up for a run or thought about it, this one's for you.

This Is Running is available to order now: https://amzn.to/4tlGWxq

Follow Raz at @runningsucks101 on Instagram and find his newsletter at runningsucks101.com.

Timestamps:

• 0:00 — Intro & how Nick found Raziq on Substack
• 1:00 — Raz introduces himself: London, LA, running, writing
• 1:50 — "The radical act of running" — what that opening line means
• 3:22 — Why this isn't a training book... and why that was the point
• 6:43 — The photos, the format, and thinking about the book holistically
• 7:17 — Nick's love-hate relationship with running and the Bay to Breakers
• 9:39 — Moving to LA, run crews, and using running to find community
• 12:50 — Stan Smith was a tennis player, and other things sneakerheads understand
• 13:24 — How the pandemic turned running into a movement
• 16:03 — Why run clubs went "like wildfire" when lockdowns lifted
• 21:09 — Brand run clubs: the compromise between community and commerce
• 24:31 — The super shoe revolution: carbon plate technology explained
• 27:16 — Nike Pump Fury, the 2016 Olympics, and the moment everything changed
• 28:28 — Alpha Fly at fashion week: can performance running shoes cross over?
• 31:23 — GORP core, Salomon, Norda, and the casualization of technical footwear
• 33:55 — Accessibility: $300 super shoes vs. the reality for most runners
• 37:00 — A marathoner in Bangladesh wearing his shoes for 1,000 miles
• 39:27 — The Pegasus Turbo, ZoomX cushioning, and the shoe lifespan no one talks about
• 41:52 — Is the $300 super shoe worth it? Raz breaks down the 4% advantage
• 44:42 — Finding yourself in running: silence, boredom, and no headphones
• 48:27 — Vivid dreams, writing, and the creative byproducts of running regularly
• 49:50 — Moving your body gives you 60% more ideas (the brick study)
• 51:05 — From music journalism to running writing: the transferable skills
• 53:38 — Where to find Raz and how to get This Is Running

Subscribe to the Newsletter: https://www.thesneakernewsletter.com

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

If you are interested in advertising to our audience, contact us: [email protected]

CHECK OUT OUR OTHER SHOWS:

For the Formula 1 Fans - Exhaust Notes: https://exhaustnotes.fm

For the Fitted Hat Fans - Crown and Stitch: https://crownandstitch.com

For the Cars & Sneakers Fans - Cars & Kicks: https://carsxkicks.com

For the Creators & Creatives - Outside The Box: https://podcasts.apple.com/id/podcast/outside-the-box-convos-with-creators/id1050172106

[Links contain affiliate links; we may receive a small commission if you purchase after clicking a link. A great way to support the pod!]

—––––—––––—––––—––––—––––—––––—––––—––––

Our podcast is proudly...

Recorded on Riverside: http://www.riverside.fm/?via=sneakerhistory

Hosted & Distributed By Captivate: https://bit.ly/3j2muPb

GET IN TOUCH:

Robbie - [email protected]

Mike - [email protected]

Rohit - [email protected]

Nick - [email protected]

Disclaimer: The views and opinions expressed in this program are those of the speakers and do not necessarily reflect the views or positions of any entities they represent.

Mark Strong didn't have a design background. He didn't have a factory connection. He had an idea, a Garrison contest entry, and the kind of stubbornness it takes to actually see something through. Four-plus years later, he's got a shoe. The SV1 "Radici" — 60 pairs, hairy suede uppers, Vibram soles, and laces sourced from the same Tennessee tannery that makes Rawlings baseball glove leather.

We talk about the whole journey: Made in USA dreams that hit a $300/pair wall, a Portugal factory that went dark mid-sample, a pivot back to China, tariff chaos during pre-orders, and indigo-dyed hemp tongues that almost didn't make it into production. Mark also gets into the meaning behind the name — "Radici" means roots in Italian, a nod to his great-grandparents who immigrated from Italy to Brooklyn — and why he embossed Nashville's GPS coordinates right into the shoe.

This is the kind of story that doesn't get told enough. It's not about a big brand drop. It's about one person swimming upstream to make something real, and what that process actually looks like from the inside.

Check out the SV1 "Radici" at saint65.com and follow Mark at @saintsixtyfive on Instagram.

Timestamps:

• 0:00 — Intro & why these stories matter
• 2:51 — Mark introduces himself and how he got into sneakers
• 5:19 — Getting laid off, entering the Garrison contest, and the first design sketches
• 8:53 — Sampling process: Made in USA dreams and a $300/pair reality check
• 10:21 — Portugal factory goes dark mid-sample
• 12:14 — Pivoting to China, pre-orders, and tariff chaos
• 14:29 — What samples actually cost, and why minimums change everything
• 16:03 — Aaron Cooper, the Cars and Kicks Show, and rethinking China's manufacturing reputation
• 19:28 — Transparency, ethics, and trying to get factory photos over WhatsApp
• 21:43 — Why Portugal worked better for a small brand
• 23:50 — The Tennessee tannery, Rawlings baseball glove laces, and why that detail matters
• 27:35 — The sneaker community's fragmentation problem
• 31:23 — The Saint65 name: I-65, New Orleans Saints, and "Remember Your Roots"
• 33:07 — Apparel, embroidery, and the full brand picture
• 35:19 — Opening the box: hairy suede, baseball laces, and the wow factor
• 38:09 — Indigo-dyed hemp tongues and the materials that traveled the world
• 40:04 — The SV1 "Radici" colorway name and the Italian heritage connection
• 41:28 — Vibram soles, the last, and design decisions
• 44:40 — Why 18 months for a shoe actually makes sense
• 47:44 — The gray colorway and what's next for Saint65
• 50:22 — What Mark would do differently
• 54:00 — Why independent brands can't get the same factory access as the big guys
• 57:45 — Wrapping up: where to find Saint65

Subscribe to the Newsletter: https://www.thesneakernewsletter.com

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

If you are interested in advertising to our audience, contact us: [email protected]

CHECK OUT OUR OTHER SHOWS:

For the Formula 1 Fans - Exhaust Notes: https://exhaustnotes.fm

For the Fitted Hat Fans - Crown and Stitch: https://crownandstitch.com

For the Cars & Sneakers Fans - Cars & Kicks: https://carsxkicks.com

For the Creators & Creatives - Outside The Box: https://podcasts.apple.com/id/podcast/outside-the-box-convos-with-creators/id1050172106

[Links contain affiliate links; we may receive a small commission if you purchase after clicking a link. A great way to support the pod!]

—––––—––––—––––—––––—––––—––––—––––—––––

Our podcast is proudly...

Recorded on Riverside: http://www.riverside.fm/?via=sneakerhistory

Hosted & Distributed By Captivate: https://bit.ly/3j2muPb

GET IN TOUCH:

Robbie - [email protected]

Mike - [email protected]

Rohit - [email protected]

Nick - [email protected]

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