Sole Friends: Air Mike.

what was it about sneakers that got you in the game?

Growing up in The Bronx, my dad always got my family the latest Jordans every Saturday. He always made sure all of us got a pair to match together. Growing up in NYC, sneaker culture has always been big. It’s a huge part of my childhood and reminds me of community.

What was your first sneaker?

The first sneaker I can remember that got me into sneakers was the Jordan 7 “Olympics” in 2004. I remember my dad telling me not to wear them during recess so they won’t get dirty. I knew that these were special. I didn’t want to mess them up.

Your favorite pair? (or top 3)

Royal Blue 1s. Blue is my favorite color and Jordan 1 is my favorite sneaker.

What's your favorite sneaker memory?

In December 2009, I remember when the 11/12 CDP (Bred 11s & Taxi 12s) were coming out.

On the morning of the release, my dad and I went to every sneaker store and I wasn’t able to cop. I was so tight because that's the only thing I wanted for Christmas.

On Christmas day, my dad surprised me with a pair and I was so hyped and surprised. He some how always made it happen and this was WAY before the resell game. He was able to get it retail from a Foot Locker later that day.

Do you consider yourself a collector of sneakers? & Do you wear your sneakers?

I definitely consider myself a sneaker collector.

I’ve been collecting and into sneakers since 8th grade (I've been a size 9 since I was 14 which is my current size).

I wear most of my sneakers but some I haven’t worn yet. I like to wait to have the best fit I can before just throwing on a pair of kicks.

Whats your favorite brand of sneaker and why?

Definitely Jordan Brand.

Jordan is so nostalgic for me. It brings me back to my childhood and how influential Michael Jordan was in our culture.

What are a pair of grails to you?

As “hypebeast” as it sounds, I would say the Air Jordan 1 x Off White “Chicago”.

When you think of a classic Jordan, you always think of the Chicago 1. Virgil Abloh has definitely been one of the most influential people in fashion and sneaker culture. Virgil is one of the most influential for me because of his courage to always be different from what we were always used to seeing.

From holes in hats, product labeling, and patterns. To be able to match those two icons to create this iconic sneaker, it truly embodies where the culture started to where it meets our present time.

What is a shoe that you REFUSE to buy, why?

FILA - because that's wild lol. I just can’t get into it at all.

If you got the chance to sit in a meeting w/ a sneaker brand, what would you ask/recommend/ask/say?

No brand in particular but I would just say in general, to engage with micro-influencers more. There’s a huge influence in micro-influencers much more than macro than people know.

Also, branching out on a specific “look” for people who are repping their brands. A lot of these brands are looking for a specific group of people who have ethnically and physically fit attributes that appeal to a number of consumers.

It should be more expansive and inclusive, rather than exclusive.

Most you’ve ever spent on sneakers?

Air Jordan 1 x Off White “Chicago” during the p(b)andemic and $4.5k.