Sole Friends: Aisha.

Please introduce yourself, what is your name & where are you from?

My name is Aisha, some call me Lu for my middle name, and I’m born and raised Brooklyn, ALL DAY!

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

I always had an androgynous energy, I loved Barbie’s but I loved roughing around with the boys. As I got older it was the same. My guy friends who are like brother’s to me had such dope style and kicks. I think being around them I just naturally found the love for sneakers.

What was your first sneaker?

Damn, I’m about to tell my age lol. Light up L.A Gears lol. Truthfully I would rock a pair now.

Your favorite pair? (or top 3)

My top 3 are my Airmax 95 OG Neons, Patent Bred Jordan 1’s High and a new pair of Hoka U Mafate Three2 in pink.

Your favorite sneaker memory.

Probably… now. From the pandemic to this year. I took a chance to revisit my love because I honestly felt like Covid should have woke us all up to do what we love. So I opened my IG page to simply share my love of sneakers. I found not only a large community but a large female led community. I’m from an older generation and it makes me so happy to see where the ladies are taking streetwear and kicks!

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

Collector, no. Curator, yes. I have a good amount. I would say 50. But I wear all of mines. I’ve got sneakers I’m my collection, brand new from thrifting, all the way up to my $1200 Diors. They all get the same love and all get dragged through NYC.

What's your favorite brand of sneaker and why?

I grew up having Nike and Jordan forced down my throat lol. I will always have a weird loyalty to them. But after foot surgery last year, I’ve been more into “Dad shoes” New Balance, Salomon, Asics and Hoka are now more my go-tos.

What are a pair of grails to you? (Could be a pair in your closet or in general)

Hmmm. I have Bred Jordan 4’s… like. How can you fuck up any fit with Bred Jordan 4’s. They literally dress themselves lol.

Your favorite sneaker campaign?

Tulie Yaito for Adidas and Aleali May always for any of her Jordan’s

A must have for your closet? (A recommendation)

There is a new Asics out with a gel, almost Crystal looking bottom. Kinda obsessed.

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

Never have, never can, and never will a Sketcher. And I won’t judge anyone who does. It was just never for me.

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

Well, I met the current Creative Director of Hoka’s new lifestyle initiative and chopped it up a little with him. They have great plans for the future and I would love to be a part of that.

Most you’ve ever spent on sneakers?

One sneaker, those Diors from 12 bills. But, I don’t do resale. Like, fuck that. Either I get them retail or it’s not the show for me lol.

A sneaker you regret sleeping on?

The pink Aleali May Jordan 6. I had an eternal struggle of get of the train to hit on the SNKRS App or be late for work. I stayed on the train and guess what? I don’t even work their anymore!