InterViewed...

Recently, I had a nice discussion with my lil' sis Rae. Since neither of us are new to this sneaker addiction that has since became wide spread, the topic at hand was Being a SneakerHead in 2011.....


Piff - What types/brand of sneakers do you find yourself copping the most?

Rae - Once upon a time I would cop almost every JB release, foams, trainers, runners. But lately, I've been heavy with the Nike Toki, Converse collabos, Adidas, and Vans (vault). I still love J's but I'm only copping those that I feel are true gems.


Piff - Ok, with that being said, how has your sneaker buying changed in the past year?

Rae - I kind of answered B in A but just to elaborate....my recent purchases really show my growth as a person. I don't really like to wear big, bulky sneakers anymore. I opt for more slimmer, classic silhouettes. I'm a lot more versatile in my old age.


Piff - I don't know about you being old "lmao" but versatility is a good thing. Everybody's a SneakerHead now. What's your feelings on the rise in the number of people that are seriously into sneakers?

Rae - I think the whole sneakerhead phenomenon is a bunch of bullshit. There are many people who genuinely have a deep love for footwear, but then there are those that think because they copped every JB release in 2010 that they're a sneakerhead. There is also an elitist attitude by self- proclaimed sneakerheads. They feel like if a person doesn't share their taste in sneakers then they're not "true". Some people love Asics, while others love New Balance. Not everyone thinks Jordans are the greatest shoes on Earth. Some just can't appreciate the diversity that others possess.



Piff - I guess the rapid increase of shoe buyers meant more local & chain Sneaker retailers getting in on the craze. Only thing is...it kinda' weeded out the sneaker Boutiques. Was it all just a novelty or do Sneaker Boutiques really matter anymore?

Rae - Sneaker boutiques matter for those that appreciate the atmosphere. What I mean by that is, appreciating a staff that is pretty knowledgeable about streetwear, exclusive sneakers and such. Places like Ubiq, Commonwealth, Premium Goods, Undefeated, etc. provide some products that can only be found in-store. Honestly though, you can pretty much get anything on a shoe forum marketplace.


Piff - Yeah, I went into a local DTLR the other day & asked the manager about the "Entourage" Lebron 8s that are set to drop in 2 weeks. She was clueless until I mentioned the blue & yellow colorway even thou she already had her 8 pairs in the store. smh. Anyway, Remember the time when Nike SB had people lining up for almost every release?. Will Nike SB ever return to it's glory days?

Rae - Ummm....no. As much as it pains me to admit that but glory days are just that...days gone by. That's why all the great SB's go for a grip, because there will never be any more SB's like them. Same goes for anything else that was once great.


Piff - Yeah, I feel you. I miss some of the SB Dunks I've sold. But everybody still buys Jordans...right? What's your opinion on the state of Jordan Brand?


Rae - Jordan Brand... what can I say? It's kind of like the Chicago Bulls dynasty. Those who were around for it can reflect on how amazing they were to watch. Those who weren't now think LeBron James is as good as it gets. JB will always be successful when it comes to revenue but I believe that those of us who were growing up in the 80s and early 90s will always yearn for the days when Jordans didn't release on Saturdays. "Biggie" I want that ol' thing back "Biggie"




Piff - Good answer. lol Ok, If you could do a collaboration on ANY shoe....& make one pair specifically for yourself, what shoe would it be?

Rae - That's tough...only one? If I have to choose, probably the Nike Air Trainer 1. I absolutely love that shoe! That joint should be available on Nikeid. I'd be broke!


Piff - Finally, What's your must have sneaker purchase for the year 2011?

Rae - Must-have? You already know...the one that started it all for me in 7th grade....Concord 11!

Piff - Oh yeah....Concords are on top of my list too. Well, thanx for taking the time-out to do this for me, lil' sis. Luv U & bring that ass back to the DMV soon. lol