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50 Sneaker Facts You Didn’t Know

50 Sneaker Facts You Didn’t Know

50 Sneaker Facts Complex 01

The sneaker industry is a booming business, and thanks to the broadening of the ‘game’, these once small companies have become billion dollar empires, but not without some bits and pieces of loose change along the way. The rise to the top has been far from a smooth ride for all of these companies, and so Complex just compiled a great feature detailing 50 sneaker-related facts and bits of trivia that you might not have known. Information on New Balance’s curious numbered-model system, a signature athletic sneaker with the F-word, and the origin of Nike’s ‘Just Do It’ slogan are just some of the great figments of sneaker knowledge you can add to your sneaker-trivia arsenal, so check out a sampling of some of these interesting sneaker facts after the jump and head to Complex for the entire feature.

50 Sneaker Facts Complex 12

Allen Iverson has a lifetime contract with Reebok, one that pays him seven million dollars a year.

50 Sneaker Facts Complex 02

Reebok and Pharrell were once involved in legal battles, with threats of lawsuit, but the two side reconciled and went back into business together.

50 Sneaker Facts Complex 09

LeBron James was almost a Reebok athlete until Nike went above ‘Bok’s $75-million contract and offered $90-million.

50 Sneaker Facts Complex 03

Phil Knight considered naming the brand ‘Dimension 6’.

50 Sneaker Facts Complex 04

In 1990, approximately 80,000 pairs of Nikes got lost at sea.

50 Sneaker Facts Complex 05

Nelly’s Air Force 1s video was banned by MTV for ‘excessive product placement’.

50 Sneaker Facts Complex 06

The Puma Clyde is first true signature sneaker.

50 Sneaker Facts Complex 11

Andy Roddick had a signature Reebok shoe called the ‘Figjam DMX’. The word ‘Figjam’ is an acronym for ‘F&%$ i’m good…just ask me’.

50 Sneaker Facts Complex 07

The Air Max 95, designed by Sergio Lozano, was inspired by the human body. The midsole represents the spine, the ‘gradient’ represents muscles, the lace-holes represent ribs, and the mesh mimic human skin.

50 Sneaker Facts Complex 08

Fake sneakers were once spotted in Fabolous’ sneaker closet during an episode of ‘It’s The Shoes’.

50 Sneaker Facts Complex 10

The New Balance numbered-model system determines the approximate retail price of the sneaker by dividing the number by 10. For example: New Balance 574 = $57.40.

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