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For most footwear mad folk, you may have read or heard of Trainers by Neal Heard, which is the first and most iconic footwear book to date. The most recent issue is just one of the many updated versions Neal has put out.
MN: For those who don’t know of you, would you like to introduce yourself to the Mens Needs readers, and let them know a little about yourself?
NEAL: Author of the book ‘Trainers’, deadstock hunting since the early 90’s. Purveyor of the now defunct clothing label White Riot, about to produce a new book on iconic football shirts. Serial Bore!
MN: Also how did the whole footwear book idea come from? It’s not every day I look at a shoe box and think of writing a paragraph on them. (Baring in mind we do this on our blog too! But you get the jist)
NEAL: That’s where you’re going wrong Graeme, there is pretty much a story in the most ‘mundane’ of subjects.
MN: Speaking to yourself at Transalpino during your Northern launch of Trainers, your new book, we seemed to have a lot in common. Where did it all start for you with trainers?
NEAL: Part time 1st time Casual in early 80’s, deadstock hunter and vintage trainer dealer in the 90’s.
MN: We know you’re a massive advocate of being different, going against the grain as such, at the minute with retro runners being at peak of popularity and how do you keep you with being different?
NEAL: It’s not just a case of being alternative for it’s sake, it’s about spotting something relevant yet still forward thinking. I like to be unique, i don’t want to look exactly like everyone around me, so it’s about subverting something sartorially.
MN: Throughout your book, you show a huge amount of knowledge about brand history and history of shoes, do you feel that is important when brands make comebacks/ bring back shoes?
NEAL: Yes, but as above, it’s not just about being ‘retro’ – you have to look forward, or it all stand still.
MN: We know you’re currently on to a new project, could you tell us a little about this?
NEAL: Basically, I am in the process of producing a book in a very similar vein of the Trainers book, but this time on Football shirts. This one will have even more cultural relevance as I am including a lot of music and other themes into this one.
MN: Growing up in the 80’s, do you feel that had an impact on your taste now? Whether it be football shirts, footwear or casual dress?
NEAL: Without a doubt. But the last thing I want to do now, is wear retro versions of the same clothes I wore back then.
NEAL: It’s totally up to them!
Neals book is now available from available from Carlton Books priced at £19.99.
You can also check our review with some more of our favorite pages from this excellent book via Review if you need swaying, but we highly doubt it.
Source: Trainers by Neal Heard
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