Sneakers Unboxed: Studio to Street

This summer from November 25, HOTA is inviting you to step into Gallery 1 to enjoy 'Sneakers Unboxed: Studio to Street' which charts the design and cultural journey of sneakers.

We’re well and truly living in the age of the sneaker! Sneakers have transcended their primary function to become fashion items - and works of art. This fun and funky exhibition allows footwear lovers of all ages to discover the footwear phenomenon that’s challenged performance design, inspired subcultures, and shaken the world of fashion.

Have you ever seen shoes over 100 years old? Now’s your chance! This brand is still going strong too, with millions of their iconic shoes sold each year. 

From trainers originally designed for specific athletic activities like the Converse Chuck Taylor All Star, the Puma Disc, and Nike Air Zoom Alphafly Next%, discover how sneakers like the Reebok InstaPump Fury, the Vans Half Cab, and the Asics Gel Lyte III have become cultural symbols of our times.

Take a journey through the design process behind today’s most inventive shoes, a brand using blockchain certification, and the world’s first biologically active shoes developed by MIT Design Lab and Biorealize for Puma.

Delve into the lucrative resale market that’s currently valued at $10 billion, before reliving the high-fashion reinvention of sneakers by Balenciaga, Comme des Garçons, and Y-3 and runway looks from A-Cold-Wall* and Craig Green.

Uncover the icons and collaborations that have shaped the sneaker scene over the years from Michael Jordan to Run-DMC, experience visuals and graphic work, and discover the designers working to make the industry more sustainable.

You’ll be stunned to find over 400 objects on show, including over 200 shoes, plus process materials, photography, posters, videos, and artworks. All exploring the journey of sneakers. And trust us, you won’t miss the size 22 shoe from an NBA great.

The all ages exhibition opens Saturday November 25 and runs from 10am-3pm daily in Gallery 1. Any-day-any-time tickets are $26. Set session tickets for adults are $23, concession $19, HOTA Members $17, youth (5-16 years) $10, family (two kids + two adults) $49 and season Pass $44.

What are you waiting for? Put your best foot forward and jog on in for footwear fun!

Images courstesy of HOTA.

By Michaela Lyons