New can’t-miss sneaker exhibit in Toronto puts tons of rare shoes on display

Calling all Toronto shoe-lovers and sneaker collectors, if you want to feast your eyes on some of the most important shoes in sneaker history, you’ll want to keep on reading.

The new Art/Wear: Sneakers and Artists exhibition, on now at the Bata Shoe Museum, dives into the sneaker-art world with a display of some wicked shoes from iconic cultural figures, artists, and designers.

With works from Virgil Abloh, Jean-Michel Basquiat, Keith Haring, Kenzo Minami, and more, Art/Wear: Sneakers and Artists asks the question, “What is art?” and allows the viewer to reflect on the shoe’s ability to blur the line between art, fashion, commerce and its cultural significance. 

Highlights of the exhibition include KAWS x DC Shoes, Peter Max-designed high tops, and Daniel Arsham’s adidas originals New York Futurecraft D4! 

Other artists on view include Aaron Fowler, Alife, Damien Hirst, ESPO, Futura, Eric Haze, Hebru Brantley, Javier Calleja, Jean-Michel Basquiat, Judi Werthein, Kate Knudsen, KAWS, Keith Haring, Kenzo Minami, MSCHF, Peter Max, Ruohan Wang, Shantell Martin, Stash, Takashi Murakami, Tom Sachs, Vicky Vuong, and honestly way more. 

To help kick off this exciting program, the Bata Shoe Museum will also be hosting its annual Founders Lecture featuring Dr. D’Wayne Edwards — former Nike design director and the designer of the iconic Air Jordan 21 and 22. 

Taking place on Tuesday, November 5, you can buy tickets on the Bata Shoe Museum site. 

Level up your sneaker knowledge and amplify your fascination with Art/Wear this fall at the Bata Shoe Museum. Don’t forget that general admission is always $14 per person and free every Sunday! 

The Bata Shoe Museum presents Art/Wear: Sneakers x Artists 

When: October 3, 2024 – March 23, 2026
Where: Bata Shoe Museum – 327 Bloor Street West
Price: General admission $14. Free on Sundays.