Totally 80s Trivia
How well do you know the 1980s? Get ready to show of your knowledge!
What's On 2023
80s Movie Night
Join us for the kick-off of our 1980s-inspired movie screening series starting with the action-packed holiday cult classic, DIE HARD!
Totally 80s Vinyl Record Paint Night
One-of-a-kind paint night with Bata Shoe Museum graphic designer Gus Aguirre - SOLD OUT
Dressed To Impress
Take a step back to the 1980s and experience the nostalgia and excess of the times. Now on view.
In Bloom
A celebration of how nature has provided meaning and material for shoemaking across both time and place.
Obsessed
Discover how society became obsessed with shoes.
All About Shoes
Take a walk through the the fascinating history of footwear.
Media Room
Find our latest press releases and more information on media images and interview requests.
Follow Us @batashoemuseum
This evening sandal incorporates many aspects of late 1930s glamour. The exuberant shell-like ornament that rises up on the sides of the foot was perhaps designed to make the wearer feel like Venus emerging from the sea. In 1939, Bally was awarded an exhibition prize for this shoe.
Bally. Swiss, 1939.
Explore our online exhibition "WANT: Desire, Design and Depression Era Footwear" on our website now.
On November 24, 1989 @reebok released the Pump, which featured a lightweight internal inflation mechanism that allowed the wearer to customize the fit of the sneaker. Throughout the 1980s, Reebok battled with Nike and LA Gear to be the top producer of athletic footwear. The release of the Pump meant that at the close of the decade, Reebok reigned supreme.
American, 1989. Collection of Reebok Archives.
On view in our exhibition "Dressed to Impress: Footwear & Consumerism in the 1980s". Sponsored by: @boom973toronto @thetorontostar @designlinesmagazine @thekitca @azuremagazine
The fun doesn`t stop at the Bata Shoe Museum 👠Step into a time machine and journey back to the 80s with our newest exhibition, workshops and events.
November 30 - Vinyl Record Paint Night
December 5 - Totally 80s Trivia
December 14 - Totally 80s Movie Night
Exhibition Media Partners
@boom973toronto
@thetorontostar
@designlinesmagazine
@thekitca
@azuremagazine
Exhibition Partners
Design: @arc.and.co
Fabrication: @pro_x_event_tradeshow_events
Lighting: Glenn Davidson and Nick Davidson
Greenery: @ryefloralco
Video Production: J. Gus Aguirre
Electrical: Danik Electrical Construction Co.
AV: @rp-av
Exhibition Window Vinyl
@rollout
Opening Party Partners
Beverages: @drinkcrawler @fogorigbrewery @islanddiaz
Vinyl: @rollout
Performances: @citydancecorps
Performance Wardrobe: @reebokcanada
Photographers: @ryanemberley @kennedypollard_
Videographer: @lilacmediagroup
AV: @rp.av
Catering: @foodudes
Arcade Games: @abbeyroadentertainment
Video by: @lilacmediagroup
What made the Pattern 99 blade revolutionary? ⛸️ The aggressive toe-pick design gave skaters a strong grip on the ice when taking off during jumps. Pattern 99 soon became the blade of choice for Canadian and international champion free skaters.
Pictured: Petra Burka’s skates fitted with “Pattern 99” blades manufactured by John Wilson, c. 1966-1969
Explore the artistry and athleticism of figure skating from its early beginnings to today by checking out our online exhibition "Boots & Blades: The Story of Canadian Figure Skating".
Developed with the support of the Digital Museums Canada.
In addition to creating shoes for new activities, many late 19th century manufacturers began to offer specialty items to make footwear comfortable. Ceramic boot warmers were designed to be slipped into women`s boots and filled with hot water to warm them. Carriage boots were worn as overshoes and were designed to keep wearers warm in unheated carriages. Most examples have quilted lining and fur trim but this pair by François Pinet features ostentatious ostrich feathers to trap the heat. See these shoes on display in OBSESSED: How Shoes Became Objects of Desire ~ on view until April 2024.
French, c. 1900-1910
Photo: Darren Rigo
How well do you know the 1980s? From movie, music, fashion, celebrity, food and iconic cultural moments, get ready to show of your knowledge about this truly outrageous decade as you compete for some super rad prizes on December 5 from 7:00 pm to 10:00 pm. Purchase your tickets by visiting our website.
Aerobics was one of the fastest growing forms of exercise in the 1980s, especially among women. Sneakers with soft leather uppers were popular for this activity, and brands sought to capitalize on this trend. @reebok was the most successful, with the debut of their Freestyle in 1982. The original model was a high-top with two Velcro straps and glove leather uppers that were designed for flexibility. They were first released in white, but a slew of bright colors quickly followed. The Freestyle became one of Reebok’s best sellers, turning them into one of the most profitable producers of athletic footwear in this decade. See these shoes on display in our new exhibition, Dressed to Impress: Footwear and Consumerism in the 1980s.
Sponsored by: @boom973toronto @thetorontostar @designlinesmagazine @thekitca
American, 1982–90
Photo by: Kailee Mandel
Join us for a night of creativity! 🎨 We’re excited to offer a one-of-a-kind vinyl record paint night on November 30 from 7:00pm to 9:30 pm with artist (and our graphic designer) Gus Aguirre. In this workshop, participants will be guided through the process of painting on a vinyl record in the style of Memphis design, including an image of the Original Air Jordan I sneaker. 👟 Visit our website to purchase tickets.
Museum admission, all materials, instruction, and one (1) complimentary drink are included. This is a 19+ workshop. Drinks and snacks will be available for purchase.