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Pair of Much Used Bronzed 1970's Tretorn Men's Sneakers 11.5 Cool Home Sculpture
$675
£509.13
€587.36
CA$952.78
A$1,060.86
CHF 552.05
MX$12,804.41
NOK 6,923.25
SEK 6,539.44
DKK 4,385.06
About the Item
Pair of 1970s Tretorn Men’s Sneakers in Bronze – Size 11.5 – Unique Vintage Home Sculpture
This striking pair of bronzed men’s sneakers captures the spirit of the 1970s and the enduring legacy of Tretorn, one of the most iconic sneaker makers of the era. Once much-worn and clearly well-loved, these original size 11.5 men’s Tretorns have been permanently immortalized in bronze, transforming them from athletic gear into an evocative piece of sculptural art. The shoes show significant wear to the toes and soles, suggesting they may have been championship-winning sneakers, or simply someone’s most trusted pair of tennis shoes. Their story remains a mystery, but their transformation into bronze ensures they live on as a bold and fascinating decorative object.
The bronze has developed areas of natural oxidation and patina, giving the shoes depth and character. Despite this, the pair remains in overall very good condition, with no structural issues to note. They make for a highly original piece of vintage home décor — equally at home on a bookshelf, desk, or entry table as a conversation-starting sculpture.
Founded in Sweden in 1891, Tretorn became world-renowned for its high-quality tennis and casual sneakers, particularly gaining popularity in the 1960s and 70s when its Nylite canvas tennis shoes became an international style staple. Beloved by athletes and style icons alike, Tretorn sneakers represented a mix of performance and effortless cool.
The practice of bronzing shoes dates back to the early 20th century, originally done as a way for families to preserve a child’s first pair of shoes as a keepsake. Skilled artisans coat the shoes in layers of metal (traditionally copper or bronze) through electroplating or other methods, creating a durable and lasting cast of the original object. Over time, the tradition expanded beyond baby shoes to include items of sentimental value — like sneakers, boots, and even athletic gear — making each bronzed piece a personal and one-of-a-kind relic.
Pieces like this pair of bronzed 1970s Tretorn sneakers sit at the intersection of nostalgia, design, and pop culture. They are collectible not only as a quirky example of vintage bronzed footwear but also as a tribute to the heritage of Tretorn sneakers, which remain highly regarded among fashion and sports history enthusiasts. For collectors of unusual decorative arts, sneaker culture memorabilia, or mid-century design objects, this pair offers a rare and conversation-worthy acquisition.
Please note since these shoes have been bronzed, they are not wearable and are now functional as decorative pieces only.
- Dimensions:Height: 4.25 in (10.8 cm)Width: 4.25 in (10.8 cm)Depth: 12 in (30.48 cm)
- Style:Mid-Century Modern (Of the Period)
- Materials and Techniques:
- Place of Origin:
- Period:
- Date of Manufacture:1970's
- Condition:
- Seller Location:Red Lion, PA
- Reference Number:1stDibs: LU10258246382252
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