Making Sneakers by Bruce McMillan featuring the Converse World Class Running Shoes ISBN: 0395291615

Making Sneakers – A Fascinating Behind-the-Scenes Look at How Sneakers Are Made
By Bruce McMillan | Houghton Mifflin, 1980 | ISBN: 0395291615

Step inside the world of sneaker manufacturing with Making Sneakers, Bruce McMillan’s fifth book—an out-of-print illustrated classic that captures the heart of American craftsmanship. Originally published in 1980 by Houghton Mifflin, this 30-page visual journey demystifies how one of the world’s most popular fashion items is made, from raw materials to the final lace-up.

Through detailed, real-life photographs taken inside the old Converse factory in Lumberton, North Carolina in 1979, McMillan offers an educational behind-the-scenes look at sneaker production as it was Made in the USA. The book steps the reader through each phase—from mixing and molding the rubber soles to cutting and sewing the canvas uppers, gluing the parts together, and finally adding the shoelaces. Every step is documented with clarity and precision, making it ideal for readers interested in footwear design, fashion, technology, and industrial processes.

As a collector’s item, Making Sneakers holds a unique place in both sneaker culture and publishing history. The very factory featured in the book would go on to inspire other authors and photographers before closing in 2001 after Converse filed for bankruptcy. At its peak, this plant produced over 8 million pairs of sneakers annually.

Whether you're a sneakerhead, a fashion student, a STEM educator, or simply fascinated by how things are made, Making Sneakers delivers a rich, visual, and historical experience that’s as informative as it is memorable.

Sneaker Model Featured in this book:

• Converse World Class

This book is overall very good vintage condition but has distress and wear on the covers. The front cover has a small tear at the top left hand side as shown in the photos.

Product details

• Publisher: ‎ Houghton Mifflin
  
• Author(s): Bruce McMillan
• Publishing Date: 1980
• Language: ‎ English
• Hardcover ‏ : ‎ 30 pages
• ISBN-10: ‎ 0395291615
  
• ISBN-13: ‎ 978-0395291610
  

Please note: All vintage books are sold 'as-is' and might have imperfections from age such as discoloration, fading, creases and small tears. Please message with any questions. All sales are final.