Words from the editor
When I first pitched a story about sneakers, it was after a 2-hour conversation I had just had with a friend who decided to tell me the whole history of air max 95’s, after I had innocently commented that I liked his shoes.This particular friend had never expressed so much passion--let alone historical knowledge--in any of the other things he talked about, which made me realize how much cultural significance sneakers carry. So, Carmen, one of our lovely contributors, reached out to four incredible sneaker enthusiasts to learn more about the personal and cultural significance of sneakers in their lives and in their style.
Georgia is a bold and elegant font that is highly readable, even on smaller screens. So it’s ideal for mobile.
- Zena
What do your sneakers mean to you?
Sneakers mean a lot to me because I feel like this type of shoe is inherently for everybody! It doesn't matter if you're young or old, male or female, you could still put on a pair of sneakers and express yourself and your personal style.
When did you first get into sneakers? Could you tell me a memory from that time when you first started liking or showing interest in them?
Since birth, literally! I have recently looked at some of my childhood pictures from when I was about 2 years old and in all of them, my mom (the OG sneaker head) would dress me in a cute little pink dress paired with some fresh white sneaks! So, I feel like my mom was the one who instilled a lifelong love for sneakers in me.
What is your favorite pair of sneakers?
Right now, I’m just all about Vans and that's because I love love love how they give people so much leverage when it comes to customizing a shoe—from the vamp all the way to the color of the eyelets—so, naturally my favorite pair is the one I customized with Vans.
When did you first get into sneakers? Could you tell me a memory from that time of how you came about to liking them?
Unbeknownst to me, I've always been into sneakers as a utilitarian tool. Whether they were a pair of cleats, running shoes, skate shoes, or rain boots, I've felt the need to have a pair for whatever thing I was doing or environment I'm in. Only recently have I begun to be infatuated with them beyond function.
What is your favorite pair of sneakers?
I'm bad at favorites, it tends to be whatever I purchased last (laughs). As of right now that would be the Triple Black Lacess Vapormax's. The sole unit on them are unlike anything I’ve ever seen.
What do your sneakers mean to you?
It’s constantly changing, so I guess for now it's the next thing I'm studying and learning to express myself through whether that be as a designer or a consumer. Within that frame of reference it manifests as being fascinated by the way a sole unit is engineered, its loving how materials and colors come together on a given shoe, it's being able to look at the shoes you've utterly destroyed as pieces of your journey to where you are now. That and it literally being something that everyone can relate to.
What projects are you working on now?
Currently working with a independent footwear brand developing various projects/products.
When did you first get into sneakers? Could you tell me a memory from that time of how you came about to liking them?
Sophomore year of high school (2012). I started dating my boyfriend Ron that year and he got me into them. He’s well known and respected in the Seattle sneaker community.
What is your favorite pair of sneakers?
Chicago 1s are my favorite because when they first dropped in 1985, it was a game changer. It’s a classic and iconic silhouette with a lot of versatility.
What do your sneakers mean to you?
Sneakers allow me to express myself. It’s like being in a community that shares the same love for the sneaker culture.
When did you first get into sneakers? Could you tell me a memory from that time of how you came about to liking them?
I first got into sneakers in the 7th grade. My sister’s boyfriend gifted me a pair of Nike SB Dunks and I fell for the unique designs.
What is your favorite pair of sneakers?
My favorite pair of sneakers is the Nike Air Max 90.
What is your favorite pair of sneakers?
SHOP THEIR STYLE
Each pair I own speaks volumes; whether it’s showcasing a idiosyncratic design or the exhibition of the marvelous engineering behind the technology of the shoe. With this in mind, I am a firm believer of rocking all the shoes I purchase versus just keeping them dead stock. The shoes I choose to wear around on a day-to-day basis are used as an outlet to express my mood, plan for the day, or my personality.
Interview Series:
Sneaker Heads
