Shoes or no shoes museum

02/06/2026

Our site - once the iconic Veranneman Art Gallery – is sometimes jokingly referred to as the shoe bunker. 🏛️ Understandable: with its lead-covered roof and clean, angular lines, the building has a somewhat fort‑like appearance.

But step inside… and you’ll find yourself in the paradise of every shoe lover. From rare icons to surprising stories, every display hides a piece of world history. 🤍

05/05/2026

The Air Jordan 1, released in 1985, marked the moment when basketball, fashion, and street culture collided. What began as a controversial sneaker (even fined by the NBA for the forbidden red soles) evolved into an icon that shaped the modern sneaker world. 🏀

This particular original Air Jordan 1 from our collection is the real deal from 1985. It was purchased by a physical education teacher who only realized at home that the pair was one size too small. As a result, the sneakers remained untouched in their box for decades, becoming a true time‑capsule object. For collectors, this model is considered the holy grail: rare, mythical, and barely touched by time. 🙌

09/04/2026

✨ Tradition meets creativity

Crafted entirely from recycled car‑tire rubber, these traditional Maasai men’s sandals feature a distinctive serrated edge cut from the original tire tread. A striking example of durability, ingenuity, and cultural identity. 🌍🩴

31/03/2026

When a shoe stops being a shoe… and becomes art... ✨

Aldo Mondino channels Marcel Duchamp’s Dadaist spark by lifting everyday objects out of their ordinary lives. Just as Duchamp turned a bicycle wheel into a radical statement, Mondino transforms shoes into a witty tribute - pairing them with a spinning wheel to question what art can be. 🚲

A playful nod to the moment when the ordinary becomes extraordinary.

10/03/2026

Tokio Kumagai - the Japanese designer who shook up Paris in the ’70s and ’80s - loved turning shoes into bold, witty statements. ❤️‍🔥

These bright red heels stare right back at you, complete with eyes, lashes and a playful braid across the heel. Pure Kumagai: art, humor and attitude in one step. 👀

03/03/2026

The CPFM Flea 1 'Overgrown' turns the idea of a sneaker completely upside down - a wild, mossy creature rather than a shoe. Thick green “fur” spills over the entire silhouette, making it look like it was found in a forest rather than a box. 🌿

Created by Cactus Plant Flea Market, the pair plays with texture, humor and exaggeration - a perfect example of how streetwear can blur into art and thus a perfect addition to our collection here at SONS! 👟

16/02/2026

We’re open again - and there’s so much to discover ✨

After lots of hard work behind closed doors, SONS is delighted to welcome visitors back. Our refreshed ethnographic collection is now fully installed, featuring newly added objects and several remarkable pairs from William Habraken’s children’s shoe collection that have never been shown before.

But that’s not all.

We’re also unveiling a brand‑new exposition dedicated to the history of Cortina - the Belgian family company behind SONS and several iconic shoe brands such as Patrick and Safety Jogger. From heritage sports shoes to innovative safety footwear, this exhibition traces the evolution of Cortina’s identity and creativity.

The doors are open, the galleries are ready, and we can’t wait to share it all with you.

Step inside and explore what’s new! 👣

27/01/2026

Behind the scenes at SONS ✨

Our ethnographic collection is currently undergoing a thorough refresh. Among the many new additions are remarkable shoes, including several unique pairs from William Habraken's children’s shoe collection that have never been displayed before.

SONS remains closed until the 5th of February, and in the meantime we’re working full steam ahead to welcome you back warmly once the doors reopen.

A little more patience — it will be worth the wait. 👣

14/01/2026

02/01/2026

✨ Happy New Year from SONS!

To all our visitors, followers, supporters and friends: thank you for making 2025 such an inspiring year.

Your curiosity, enthusiasm and passion for shoes turned SONS into a vibrant meeting place!

As we step into 2026, we’re excited to share that a brand‑new permanent exhibition is on its way - a fresh chapter in our story. Throughout the year, you’ll also see beautiful new acquisitions enriching our design, ethnographic, sneaker and art collections!

And who knows… we might have a few more surprises waiting behind the scenes... 😉

Let’s make 2026 unforgettable at SONS. 🥂

#2026