Russ Bengtson, the author of the book, "A History of Basketball in Fifteen Sneakers," joins Lang Whitaker take you through the history of basketball as told through 15 sneakers. Each episode discusses how the sneaker helped shaped the game we love.
New episodes come out Tuesday and Friday mornings.
Lang Whitaker and Russ Bengtson look at the only shoe on this list that was originally designed for a movie, the Nike Adapt BB. They look at how the concept of a self-lacing shoe originated in Back to the Future and the journey it took for Nike ideate back in 1985 to release in 2019. They explore why it took 34 years to create and the impact it has made on the sneaker industry.
1 Dec 2023
Three the Hard Way: Under Armour Curry One
Lang Whitaker and Russ Bengtson explore the penultimate shoe on their list, the Under Armour Curry One. Under Armour and Steph Curry shared a similar journey of Under Armour as they both started out overlooked and underrated but quickly redefined the game and left an indelible mark on sneaker culture.
28 Nov 2023
The Low-Cut Theory: Nike Zoom Kobe IV
Lang and Russ share their favorite stories about Kobe Bryant photoshoots they've worked with him as they look at his impact in the game of basketball and sneakers. Kobe initially rocked the three stripes with Adidas, but their paths diverged after a few years. Fast forward to the split, and Kobe's free agency was a basketball frenzy as companies tried snag him for their roster. He shook up the sneaker game by bringing in low-cut signature shoes. Up until then, it was all about the high-tops, but Kobe, drawing inspiration from soccer players, went against the norm.
21 Nov 2023
Watch the Throne: Nike Air Zoom Generation
Dive into the sneaker game with Lang and Russ as they discuss the Nike Air Zoom Generation, aka the LeBron 1s.
LeBron James scores his iconic logo with first dunk as an NBA player. LeBron was the undisputed phenom, not in his rookie NBA year, but as early as a sophomore in high school. The big three sneaker giants were in a frenzy, all trying to lock down the future of basketball, especially with the Jordan Brand setting the bar sky-high. Lang and Russ break down the sneaker saga of a high school sensation turning into the LeBron we all know and love.
17 Nov 2023
The Strength of Street Knowledge: And1 Tai Chi
Alright, kick back and let me spin you the tale of the AND1 Tai Chi – the shoes that became legendary thanks to the one and only Vince Carter! Picture this: Vince, on a mission to make a name for himself, steps onto the NBA dunk contest stage rocking the Tai Chi, all without a formal deal with AND1. Now that's some next-level swagger! But here's where it gets juicy – this bold move by Vince doesn't just stop at a dunk contest. Oh no, it sparked a entire movement. AND1 rides that wave of Vince's epic moment and decides to crank up with the AND1 mixtapes. So, not only did Vince Carter throw down some jaw-dropping dunks, but he also kick-started a whole new era of basketball coolness. Lace up your sneakers, folks, because this is one slam-dunk story!
14 Nov 2023
A Love Supreme: Nike Air Jordan XI
Lang and Russ are diving into the saga of the second legendary kicks in basketball history—the cool cousin of the Nike Air Jordan, the Jordan 11s! Picture this: Michael Jordan walking onto the court in these heat of a shoe, never see the shoe again until years later. That exactly what happened, MJ took a break from basketball to play baseball but continued to dropped more shoes during his time away. While MJ was taking a timeout, it was Allen Iverson's time to shine.
10 Nov 2023
All Hail the Queen: Nike Air Swoopes
In this episode, Lang and Russ are about to unravel a groundbreaking chapter in sneaker history! Get ready to dive into the story of the first-ever shoe that proudly showcased a female athlete as its face. Brace yourselves as our hosts take you on a whirlwind journey through the creation of the WNBA, a league that was born from dreams, determination, and a whole lot of girl power. But that's not all! In this episode, Lang and Russ share their high hopes for the future. They're envisioning a world where more talented women, household names like Angel Reese, get the opportunity to step into the limelight with their very own signature shoes. It's a celebration of empowerment, talent, and the limitless potential of women in sports. Join Lang and Russ as they champion the incredible strides women are making in the world of athletics.
7 Nov 2023
Bad Boys for Life: Nike Air Force Max
Get ready for an electrifying episode as Lang and Russ tell the story of the creation of the Nike Air Force Max, a shoe tailor-made for the legendary Charles Barkley, the rising powerhouse of the NBA. Our hosts deep-dive into the thrilling tale of Barkley's journey, exploring how he became a force to be reckoned with, carving out his unique identity in the league. They also discuss the story behind the Fab 5 – a saga where talent, style, and charisma collided, leaving an indelible mark on the basketball scene. Join Lang and Russ as they take you on a ride through the world of Charles Barkley, the Air Force Max, and the birth of the unforgettable Fab 5.
3 Nov 2023
Yo! Bum Rush the Show: Reebok Pump
Lang and Russ are unraveling the wild rollercoaster ride of the Reebok Pump. Now, we're talking serious bucks – this shoe hit the market with a bang, sporting a price tag that towered a whole $100 above its competitors. These kicks weren't just a heavy pricetag; they were bulky beasts on your feet.
The guys delve into the fascinating journey of roping in players like Dominique Wilkins, who was dancing on the edge of his prime years, and then doing some impressive maneuvers to land the mighty SHAQ. It was a hoop dream, but boy, did they pull off some serious acrobatics in the world of sports endorsements!
The Reebok Pump, shaping the NBA dunk contest like never before. So, despite its hefty price and weighty issues, this shoe left an indelible mark in the high-flying, slam-dunk contest.
31 Oct 2023
Cult of Personality: Nike Air Jordan
Get ready to lace up your sneaker knowledge because Lang and Russ are taking us on a thrilling ride through the iconic world of Nike Air Jordans! These kicks aren't just shoes; they're practically legends in the world of basketball and beyond. The duo get deep into the intriguing tale of Michael Jordan, exploring the uncertainties he faced in the NBA spotlight. Despite proving himself as the league's ultimate superstar, Jordan's journey was far from a slam dunk. When Nike knocked on his door with a game-changing shoe deal, the basketball sensation hesitated. Believe it or not, Jordan was quietly leaning towards Adidas over the swoosh of Nike. Both Jordan and Nike shared this uncertainty, and in the fine print of their contract, there was an escape hatch for the company. It's a saga where uncertainty meets destiny, and the Air Jordans, as we know them today.
27 Oct 2023
It's the New Style: Nike Air Force 1
Imagine a sneaker that not only revolutionized the game for basketball players but also became a style statement in the world of hip-hop! That's the magic of Nike's AF1, a shoe that paved the way for countless others. Designed by Frank Rudy, who drew inspiration from hiking shoes, this footwear marvel quickly caught the eyes of athletes and trendsetters.
24 Oct 2023
The Shape of Sneakers to Come: adidas Top Ten
Lang and Russ dive into the time machine to chat about the adidas Top Ten sneaker, born in '79 but totally rocked the '80s! It was dubbed 'Top 10' with high hopes of it gracing the famous feet of the NBA's elite, but the top 10 players didn't sport these stylish kicks. Unfortunately, the players that signed weren’t necessarily the top 10 players playing basketball. Lang and Russ explore the sneaker tales of the '80s that didn't quite live up to the hoop dreams!
20 Oct 2023
New York State of Mind: PUMA Clyde
In this episode, Russ and Lang dive deep into the tale of Puma's quest to conquer the sports world. Puma ambitiously chased after every big-shot athlete on the scene, but most of these athletes played sports with cleats or spikes, making it a real head-scratcher for Puma to sell their shoe.
Enter Clyde, the shoe that catapulted the Puma brand into the limelight despite the fact it was priced at double the rate of its competitors.
17 Oct 2023
Tougher Than Leather: Adidas Superstar
In this episode, Russ and Lang get into the story behind the Adidas Superstar, the sneaker that challenged the dominance of Chuck Taylors, offering people an option in footwear. They explore how Chris Laverne, a prominent designer, played a pivotal role in the creation of the Superstar, turning adversity into inspiration.
13 Oct 2023
The Birth of Cool: Converse Chuck Taylor All-Star
On this episode, Lang and Russ talk about the Chuck Taylor All-Star. Chuck Taylor wasn't the exceptional athlete one might expect, but rather, he was a salesman. Hear about some of the most iconic athletes to wear this shoe in their profession careers like, Mickey Johnson and Sugar Ray Leonard. They also explore the evolution of the Chuck Taylor shoe, transitioning from its origins as athletic footwear to becoming a prominent symbol in lifestyle fashion.
10 Oct 2023
A History of Basketball In Fifteen Sneakers: Introduction
In this new episode of the podcast "A History of Basketball in Fifteen Sneakers" from Grind City Media, hosts Lang Whitaker and Russ Bengtson introduce their latest venture. Russ, the author of "A History of Basketball in Fifteen Sneakers," joins Lang in Memphis, Tennessee, to discuss their shared passion for basketball and sneakers. The episode starts with the excitement of the book's release and the hosts reminiscing about their long history together, including memorable encounters with basketball legends like Michael Jordan. They tease the upcoming episodes, promising discussions about sneakers, basketball, and the intertwining history of the two.
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