Sneakers – Nick Engvall

Bucket List: I Was On NPR Talking About Sneakers

February 15, 2025 by nickengvall

I’ve been obsessed with sneakers since I was just a kid. While, yes, many moons ago it was all about self-expression, it’s evolved into a community that has supported me through the darkest times, celebrated my life’s victories with me, and ultimately a community I feel seen in and respected to be a part of. … Read more

RIP Ken Block

January 3, 2023 by nickengvall

I’ve been wearing the shoes from this guy’s brand, watching him race through the streets of San Francisco (and all over the world), and even writing about the things he’s done over the past 10-15 years. Not to mention, all the projects he’s kicked off through his partnerships. The world, and specifically the automotive world, … Read more

My Top 10 Sneakers of…2015

December 28, 2022 by nickengvall

My top 10 sneakers from 2015 popped up on my Facebook page as a memory today. I stand by my choices. I own a few of these, would love to find a few more in my size, and would happily wear any of them today, with the exception of the Pirate Blacks. Anyone remember what … Read more

Happy Holidays!

December 24, 2022 by nickengvall

The Worst Money Nike Ever Spent

December 15, 2022 by nickengvall

It’s no secret that Nike is a marketing company before they are a footwear or apparel brand. It’s the marketing that gets us all hooked and makes so many of us love them. It’s also what keeps them at the top of the game and as the aspirational brand in the footwear space. That said, … Read more

I Have To Give It Up…

December 7, 2022 by nickengvall

If you’re reading this blog, there is a good chance you know me from my work in the sneaker world but over the next 365+ days of blogging, it will be rare that I talk about sneakers here. You can find my words about sneakers in a handful of places almost every single day, but … Read more

Malls Aren’t Dying Creativity Is

January 17, 2020 by nickengvall

I recently came across this story on Footwear News about how malls in America are being reinvented in an effort to bring back customers. After working for a couple of years for FInish Line (which I still need to add to my portfolio!), I have a pretty strong stance on retail in America: Malls Aren’t … Read more

AND1 Tai Chi

January 13, 2020 by nickengvall

The AND1 Tai Chi is one of my favorite sneakers of all time. Not just because Vince Carter wore them in the Slam Dunk Contest, but because they were such a poignant success for a small company like AND1. It was truly a David and Goliath kind of success. The Tai Chi was only $75 … Read more

Sneaker History – 5 Years In The Making, 10 Years Later

January 7, 2020 by nickengvall

I’ve always been nostalgic when it comes to sneakers, really, when it comes to everything. There’s something I find incredibly important about the stories that got us here and acknowledging the people that paved the path for the journey. While today is the official 5 year anniversary of me starting Sneaker History, the idea had been in the works for much longer.

A Different Pair of Sneakers Every Day – How Long Can I Go Without Repeating?

January 4, 2020 by nickengvall

Sneakers have become one of the most important things in my life. When I was young, I obsessed over them because I couldn’t get them and I thought they made other kids cool. I quickly realized growing up that it is never the sneakers that make a person cool, no matter how much Nike says ‘It’s gotta be the shoes‘ or Reebok says to ‘Pump up and Air out‘. That said, my obsession for sneakers that began with drawing concepts with my brothers over 3 decades ago, has turned into something that provides me a way to make a living now, so the significance of them in my life has become important on a much different level.