It’s a new form of reselling, privileged by Gen Z – and one that occasionally allows them to make thousands of dollars by betting on the right horse, or, in this case, the right pair.

In essence, the sneaker has become one of the most coveted objects of the present, to the point that luxury labels are putting them at the heart of their new collections, as they dethrone long-reigning stilettos.

It’s this social phenomenon that the Musée de l’Homme is dedicating an entire exhibition to, from Oct 13, 2021 through July 25, 2022.

The display traces the origins of the sneaker as well as looking at its various symbolic meanings over time: establishing a social and cultural identity, freedom, emancipation, transgression, and of course, now, a major, must-have fashion accessory.

With the participation of brands and institutions, the exhibition will feature collectors’ objects, posters and archival documents, performances, audio-visual materials, and legendary models, with more than 70 pairs exhibited in total.