Sole Friends: Brotha D.

Whats your name, where are you from?

My name is Darryl, AKA Brotha D. I’m from Pleasantville, NJ.

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

Growing up in the 90s, watching Michael Jordan, Penny, Grant Hill, Kobe, etc play, I just wanted to wear what they wore, they inspired me and I just had to have the shoes they had on.

What was your first sneaker?

Grant Hill II (GHII)

Your favorite pair?

Air Jordan XIII (13) “He Got Game”

Your favorite sneaker memory.

Camping out for 7 days for the Kobe 4 “Finals Home”

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

I am a collector and I also wear my shoes.

What's your favorite brand of sneaker and why?

Nike is my favorite hands down, it’s the top brand, home of my favorite athletes, stands ten toes down on its positions on social justice issues, and acknowledges their history good and bad.

What are a pair of grails to you?

The Nike Hyperdunk 08 “Snakepool” is my grail, I do own it, it is in my closet.

Your favorite sneaker campaign?

Nike’s Fun Police and Nike’s Kobe Ankle Insurance are some of my favorites. Number 1 is probably the Kobe System commercials for the Kobe 8.

A must have for your closet?

Jordan 3, Air Force 1, and at least one pair of Kobe.

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

Anta Brand shoes, just haven’t seen anything that they have release that I am a fan of.

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

I would recommend that they maybe let fans of some particular shoes that have deep knowledge of the line have a hand or chance to design and go thru a process. Like for instance, Kobe fans, they know Kobe, are fans of Kobe, know a lot of bout his line, the performance aspect of his shoes, the materials, and ways to improve the shoes.. it would be dope to let them be involved and maybe do their own colorway.

Most you’ve ever spent on sneakers?

$700 on the Zoom Kobe I (1) “Rice Raiders” PE.. less than 24 pairs exist.