Melding Motorsports, Car Culture, and Sneakerhead Self Expression: The Crossover Between Cars and Kicks

In this episode of The Cars and Kicks Show, Jacques Slade, Erik Valdez, and Nick Engvall discuss the intersection of cars and sneakers. They talk about the recent collaboration between Porsche and Puma to celebrate the 50th anniversary of the Porsche 911 Turbo. They also discuss the trend of wearing merchandise from events or brands that people haven't actually experienced, and how it relates to the car and sneaker world. They touch on early collaborations between the sneaker and automotive world, such as the Reebok Insta Pump Fury Carbon Fiber and the Lotus Formula One team shoes. They also mention recent collaborations like the Nissan x New Balance 327. Overall, they express their excitement for the blending of the car and sneaker worlds and the potential for future collaborations. The conversation explores the differences between European and American car culture and the lack of sneaker and automotive collaborations in the US. It mentions the collaboration between Crocs and NASCAR, as well as the partnership between Puma and European car brands. The hosts discuss the functional design of driver-centric shoes like the Puma Speedcat and the history of Nike's involvement in NASCAR. They also touch on the potential for future collaborations with Lewis Hamilton and Ferrari. The episode concludes with a reminder to subscribe to the podcast and follow the hosts on social media.Chapters:00:00 Introduction and Random Intro Songs02:29 Introducing the Cars and Kicks Podcast02:58 Collaboration between Porsche and Puma05:47 Wearing Merchandise from Events or Brands You Haven't Experienced11:38 The Blending of the Car and Sneaker Worlds18:31 The Evolution of Car and Sneaker Collaborations23:17 The Mainstream Appeal of Car and Sneaker Collaborations28:29 Looking Forward to Future Collaborations30:01 Excitement for the Blending of the Car and Sneaker Worlds30:08 NASCAR and Car Collaborations31:05 The Kobe Bryant and Nike Aston Martin Collab32:29 Ken Block and DC Shoes33:25 European Car Culture vs. American Car Culture36:14 The Association Between K-Swiss and Gang Culture38:15 Puma's European Car Collaborations44:18 Nike's Involvement in NASCAR48:15 The Difference Between European and American Car Culture51:47 Crocs and NASCAR Partnership56:12 Conclusion and Call to ActionGet in touch: carsxkicksshow@gmail.comAll of the links you need: https://www.carsxkicks.comThe Cars and Kicks Show is hosted by:Jacques Slade is a multifaceted creator that explores the world of footwear and sports through the lens of culture. Through sneakers and golf, Jacques has cultivated an industry leading voice in the industry that can be seen online and on television. Or he is just an idiot. The jury is still out on that.Erik Valdez is a husband, father, actor, producer, and creator, whose passion and knowledge for cars is unmatched. You might have seen him on shows like General Hospital, Graceland, or Superman & Lois. He’s driven in the Continental Tire SportsCar Challenge, the Baja 1000, and the number of cars he’s owned would rival the how collections of many sneakerheads.Nick Engvall is a consultant and creator who helps brands make more authentic connections with their customers. His obsession with cars and sneakers both toe the line of unhealthiness that is best described as, overly passionate. If he’s not recording podcasts, he’s probably at the burrito shop or chasing down ocean sunsets.