Sole Friends: Tianna. `

Meet our Sole Friend, Tianna. (@oriqinalbella_)

Brooklyn, New York.

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

My older sister actually introduced me to the sneaker world.

She is literally one of the first female sneakerheads that I actually knew. Her and my male cousins would literally line up and camp out for all the Jordans and I used to admire her “tomboy aesthetic”.

What was your first sneaker?

My first pair of sneakers, hmmmmm. Honestly it might have been a pair of Jordans. Whatever sneakers my older sister got I had them too. I remember feening for the Olympic 7s when they dropped back in 2004.

Your favorite pair? (or top 3)

My favorite pair of sneakers of ALL time would have to be the Jordan 2. I love everything about that sneaker.

The silhouette, the materials used to make them. 2s were definitely a game changer and I dont care if it's a high or low.

TOP 5 Dead or Alive:

Air Jordan 2

Air Jordan 1

Air Jordan 4

Air Bakin (honorable mention)

New Balance 990 (honorable mention)

Your favorite sneaker memory?

I have a few favorite moments, Sneakers have been such an important part of my upbringing and how confident I am.

I was featured on SNKRS APP for the Drop Off on Air Max Day 2021.

I was featured on SNKRS APP as a Visionary in my community in 2022.

I was featured in a Sneaker Series called Sneaker Fiends.

These moments further prove that I’m following the right path.

Sneakers will always have a special place in my heart.

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

I say this all the time. WEAR YOUR KICKS!!!!

I’m a sneaker lover all the way. I buy what I love, I don’t follow the hype.

In 2022, I went crazy with the purchases. Buying 3-5 pairs of sneakers a month. This year, I plan to be more intentional with my purchases.

My purchases for this year are looking like three calm pairs. I'm manifesting free sneakers for this year and all of the years to come.

What is a pair of grails to you?

A holy grail for me would have to be Black Cement Air Jordan 3.

A must have for your closet?

I would say some must-haves or staple pieces for anyone's closet whether it's male or female would have to be All White AF1, Stan Smiths Green Back, New Balance 990 Grey/Navy/Black, Air Jordan 1 mid/low/hi which is your preference.

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

FILA DISRUPTORS, BURN EVERY PAIR!

Most you’ve ever spent on sneakers?

My pandemic purchase, lol!

Aleali May's collab, Air Jordan 6. I paid $395.36.

I don’t pay over retail for any sneakers.

Luxury of working in retail and networking with the right people.