Sole Friends: Ashley Vera.

By: Smoove.

What's your name? Where are you from?

Ashley Vera from Fort Lee, NJ.

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

My love for sneakers started when I was in elementary school. I was really into sports and played basketball from the age of 7, so sneakers were a big part of my life.

What was your first sneaker?

Nike Air Uptempo.

Your favorite sneaker memory?

I remember when I started really getting into sneakers, my dad asked my older sister to take me to the store to pick out any sneaker I wanted to buy. This was my first time picking out a pair of kicks on my own. We walked in the store and looked past all the Jordan’s and went straight for the Nike Uptempo’s. The “AIR” on the side of the shoe really caught my attention at the time.

Your favorite pairs of sneakers?

Air Max 1/95/97, Jordan 1/2/3/4/6/11/12/13/17 and Reebok Questions.

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

I don’t know if I would say I’m a collector because I don’t just cop any and every pair that is released but I definitely have a strong love for kicks.

And, YES I wear all of my sneakers.

What are a pair of grails to you?

I had this pair as a kid and I’m patiently waiting for Jordan Brand to re-release the JORDAN 17. It’s definitely for nostalgia reasons.

A must have for your closet?

A few must have sneakers to cop would have to be Air Forces and Air Max 1/95/97 because they are super classic and comfortable.

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

I really don’t have a sneaker I refuse to buy because I buy what I like. If it looks good on me and I like the meaning behind the sneaker, I’m wear it.

It’s not always about the “Hype”.

Where can we follow you?

Follow me on Instagram (@ashleyvera_), Twitter (@ashleyvera_) and tiktok (@ashleyvera__ - double underscore).