sneaker love 101

just like mike
Jordan started it all. In fact, Jordan made me even change the sport I loved. I used to play football more than basketball. But attempting to play like MJ– the tongue wagging, the shorts, the armband (or the wristband you placed there just to get a look close to his), and even the way you jumped. I never completed the Jordan Look. I would borrow my friend’s pair though so that I could look like the poster on my wall. Pathetic, I know.

I can’t even remember if they sold Jordans here. All they had were Grosbys, World Balances,and Mighty Kids. Brands like Nike, adidas, and Converse were hard to come by. I’d get adidas for football and World Balance for basketball. In school, the guys who had the freshest pairs were the ones that went to the US for summer vacation. They were the ones who had the Jordans, Barkleys and ‘Boks. The only other way you could cop a pair was from Cash & Carry. And they didn’t come cheap.

I took my first trip back to the US when I was 11.By this time, I made it a point to come home with something different- something so fresh that my friends would say “What the hell are those?” or “Nice Shoes!”. We had a layover in Korea and got two pairs then- an Air Trainer and Air Flights (I think these were David Robinson’s first pair- or looked like them at least). By the time school started, I got what I wanted.

high school high
By high school, the game changed once again. Sneaker endorsements were all over the place- Barkley had the CBs, Reebok came out with Shaq’ Shaq Attaqs and Kemp’s Kamikazes, LJ and KJ had their Converse joints, heck, even Dikembe Mutombo had his own signature pair of adis. Grant Hill and Fila were cool back then too. Owning a unique pair gave that high only some other substance could achieve. By the end of high school, I was sporting Sambas, Questras and Ratballs (Jalen Rose mids from adidas) and life was all fine and dandy.

higher (sneaker) education
My sneaker closet was slowly growing. The game exposed me to a couple of great pairs- Nike had the Shox, Prestos and Team Jordans. Adidas had the EQTs and the Feet You Wear line, sported by the “next next MJ”. Pumas were making a comeback and I made sure I had a pair no one had. Sneakers now were more than just sneakers. I would now research countless hours on the net (simply because it took forever to surf with a 28.8 kbps dialup) for that next pair. I slowly learned that there was more to being unique. From the inspirations of designers to special editions for special occasions, sneakers were a guy’s best accessory. Girls had bags, bracelets, and what have you. Guys had sneakers.

sneaker fiending and then some
Six years out of college and working, my taste has definitely changed. The game has gone to lifestyle. Retro’s back but better. Pumas, Onitsukas, Originals, and a whole slew of others are now coming up with new colorways and collections. The Skateboarding scene’s stronger than ever with Gravis, SB, and Vans. Regular releases aren’t enough- it’s got to be something special. Now it’s got to be a totally different colorway, a store exclusive, a special edition. I’ve cleaned up shop and down to about 40+ pairs. Imelda’s got thousands more, but I believe my sleds are worth a look every time out.

So why do I love sneakers? You tell me. It’s more than just owning a special pair. It grows more and more with every new box I open. From the first time you get a whiff of a fresh pair, the first time you lace them up, the first time you step out of the house, and the first time people check you out from the floor up. It gives me this warm feeling all over knowing you look good wearing what you’re wearing. Shallow maybe, but it’s love just the same.

Now this blog is all about sneakers. From store releases, special drops, and whatnot. Feel free to talk shop. Feel free to take a look. Feel free to listen to the confessions of a sneaker fiend.