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The True Sneaker fans

Sneakerheads, like most collectors, are passionate and dedicated to their subject. Many are very knowledgeable about the origins and history of sneakers.

Local

Legends

The True Sneaker fans

Sneakerheads, like most collectors, are passionate and dedicated to their subject. Many are very knowledgeable about the origins and history of sneakers.

Collector:

Ronnell Sanders

AGE: 46

OCCUPATION: Accounts Receivable

CITY: Oakland, Ca

What’s your favorite shoe brand?

Nike

When/what year did you fall in love with sneaker collecting?

The Nike retro movement made Ronnell fall in love with sneaker collecting around the year 2007. Also, seeking out shoes that retro’d as an adult.

What’s your favorite sneaker from the 80’s/90’s/2000’s?

80’s Bally Siesta
90’s Adidas Superstar Black/White
2000 Jordan 6 Infrared
* Troops & FILA runner ups

What sneaker trend do you wish would die?

None

If you could only wear one sneaker type for the rest of your life what would it be and why?

Jordan 6 “Infrared” based on style and comfort.

Collector:

Rick Orbeta

AGE: 45

OCCUPATION: Fitness Trainer

CITY: Oakland, Ca

What’s your favorite shoe brand?

Nike and Adidas

When/what year did you fall in love with sneaker collecting?

Sometime in high school like Junior year, 1993.

What’s your favorite sneaker from the 80’s/90’s/2000’s?

The first pair of Nike’s I had were the Nike Air Flight 89 high. Then, in high school in the mid-90s, I was all over the place. Adidas Skyhook, Adidas Lavers, Reebok Pumps, Reebok Blacktop, Air Max Flights mids, and Vans. It wasn’t until in the early 2000’s that I started to get into Air Jordan’s. It’s mostly from a financial standpoint. My favorite pair of Air Jordon’s are the Jordan 1’s. Any kind of Jordan 1 will do, they’re super comfortable to me.

What sneaker trend do you wish would die?

The Nike Dunk hype should be put to rest ASAP! So, we can all go back to copping them at regular prices.

If you could only wear one sneaker type for the rest of your life what would it be and why?

Air Jordan 1 for sure, they’re timeless and very comfy.

Collector:

Hazel Sterling

AGE: 32

OCCUPATION: Educator & Entrepreneur

CITY: San Ramon, Ca

What’s your favorite shoe brand?

I feel like my favorite shoe brand is constantly changing with time and the evolution of my style. With that being said, I really love the ADIDAS brand for various reasons. I adore how there’s a variance in their styles, designs, ‘purposes’. I especially enjoy how they don’t mind interfusing or collaborating with artists, musicians, actors, and fashion ‘houses’. They also celebrate different cultures and genres of music especially Hip-Hop which is right up my alley…and also an inspiration to my fashion direction.

When/what year did you fall in love with sneaker collecting?

My love for sneakers and it’s culture started quite ‘early’. Maybe around elementary/middle school. I feel like I’ve been inspired by numerous members in my family and their take on fashion, interior design, cars, antiques, vintage goods, etc. I always noticed how they had fun expressing themselves creatively and how dope they were in executing their vision. My parents were fly in how they dressed (still are *haha*), my grandmother was a vast collector of antiques and kept EVERYTHING so I learned to appreciate vintage handbags, jewelry, furniture, you name it. My uncle was the sneaker head for sure, though. He always was laced and not even with the general Jordan/Nike drip (no shade) but you could catch him in Saucony, Adidas, whatever! With him, I copped my first Ice Cream kicks by Pharrell….def a hype moment in time for me. The rest is history.

What’s your favorite sneaker from the 80’s/90’s/2000’s?

Y’all know I can’t name just one. There are some kicks that I think are timeless that fall onto these time brackets: definitely Chuck Taylors, Nike Blzers, Stan Smiths (I know they came out decades earlier but their peak popularity was in the 80s…so ima attach them then). I love Vans too, Half Cabs are dope. The iconic Jordan 1s. 90s – the Fila Grant Hills and Penny Hardaways, nearly every AirMax That dropped esp. the Air Max Plus, and 2000s – Yeezy’s of course, Pharrell’s Ice Creams and Human Made and Vapor Max’s are a fave. Surely there are more but alas.

What sneaker trend do you wish would die?

Probably sneaker heels .. lmao. And some of the “dad”/orthopedic looking shoes…those are completely out to me.

If you could only wear one sneaker type for the rest of your life what would it be and why?

Hmmmm, I must sayyyy, maybe Chucks (Converse). They’re so versatile in what they offer and the designs are lit…collabs are innovative too and break outside of the box. You can dress them up or down and for various occasions

Collector:

Leah Whatley

AGE: 40

OCCUPATION: Social Work Supervisor

CITY: Suisun City, Ca

What’s your favorite shoe brand?

Nike

When/what year did you fall in love with sneaker collecting?

1993 was the year Leah fell in love with sneaker collecting in the 8th grade. The Nike Air CB 94For b-ball only

What’s your favorite sneaker from the 80’s/90’s/2000’s?

80’s- Jordan 3
90’s- Jordan 13’s Playoffs
2000- Kyrie 2’s

What sneaker trend do you wish would die?

People who don’t appreciate sneaker culture but buy sneakers because it’s trendy. Reselling Nike Dunk Sky High

If you could only wear one sneaker type for the rest of your life what would it be and why?

Nike Air Vapormax due to their versatility, they are comfortable, fashionable and part of the Air Max family.

ColLectors

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Legends

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Legends

Collector:

Ronnell Sanders

Collector:

Rick Orbeta

Collector:

Hazel Sterling

Collector:

Leah Whatley

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