Sole Friends: Natalia Roa

Meet our Sole Friend, Natalia. (@solely.nati)

New Jersey.

Hi, my name is Natalia Roa and I’m a sneaker shop owner in Jersey. I’m a first generation Colombian-American, and I’m originally from California.

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

What got me into sneakers was the different colors and silhouettes. I’ve always been about self-expression, and sneakers give me that outlet to express myself through fashion.

Your favorite pair?

My favorite pair of kicks would be the JBalvin Air Jordan 1s.

Your favorite sneaker memory.

When my little sister gave a pair of New Balance 550s for my birthday.

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

I do consider myself a sneaker collector, and I do wear all my shoes. I need to show them kicks off!

What's your most frequently worn sneaker?

My most worn sneaker would be the Pine Green Air Jordan 1s, they’re considered my beater at this point lol.

What are a pair of grails to you?

My grails at the moment would be the Guava Union 4s. The colors are beautiful and vibrant, I need them!

Your favorite sneaker campaign?

My favorite sneaker campaign would have to be the recent Jordan 12 x Eastside collab.

The sneakers representation is about overcoming adversity. The mud splatter on the shoe is supposed to represent being “in the mud”.

As a Latina woman business owner, I relate to that, very much so.

A must have for your closet?

A must-have for your closet has to be cargo pants because they go with any sneaker, in my opinion.