Sole Friends: Marion.

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

Hey my names Marion and I'm from NYC. And when I say NYC I mean all boroughs.

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

It's a tale as old as time. My single mother not being able to afford the newest kicks for me and my twin sis. The moment I started working and making my own money I lived in Soho. Roaming from transit to smaller shops on side blocks like Daves Quality Meats to Micheal K became a daily ritual after work. There was only my space at the time and if you didn't have Eastbay you didn't know what was dropping.

What was your first sneaker?

My fist sneaker was a Jordan ten in 1995 bought my aunt in the hair salon from a ...... "reseller" When he pulled them out the bag I knew I had to have them. The writing on the bottom was baby blue and black with the leather upper so white. That feeling was overwhelming.

Your favorite pair? (or top 3)

Im a Jordan one-bred lover. I know it's become a cliche pair with the popularity of sneakers but for me that pair is the only pair that I'm copping over and over again.

Jordan one Chicagos is next. Og pair. The reimagined are cool but I think they will always remain DS. My grateful deads (yellow colorway) are definitely a top three shoe. They are so reminiscent of an older pair of dunks. Pairs that I couldn't cop because of sizing.

Your favorite sneaker memory.

Honestly, my daughter is a collector. She knowing different names of kicks and finding her own style makes me smile. Also, it was those trips to Soho. Going into those stores every day after work and building a rapport with the workers. Seeing what new kicks that were not there the day before. Building my first collection. People genuinely loved kicks without the hype behind it.

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

I am a collector. I hate the term sneaker head.

I wear every sneaker. I beat them to death.I really wear wear my kicks. I don't keep them to just look at them. I have my vinyl toy collection for that, lol.

What's your favorite brand of sneaker and why?

I wear mostly Nikes. My older collection had a lot more variety. I just copped my first pair of new balance and I loved them.

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

And I repeat. Give me a Jordan one bred any day!!!!

Your favorite sneaker campaign?

That Adidas campaign with Grandmas Couch was so touching. A Ma Maniere always have amazing campaigns for their drops..