The newest staple on the blog is going to be a weekly interview highlighting someone of my choosing, entitled Kick Spotlight. The very first Kick Spotlight shines on Brian D. Brian was the initial influence into my obsession with sneakers. We had a lot of college courses together, and he always had a fresh pair of kicks on his feet. One day I saw him post a pair on Facebook, and I asked him if he could get a pair for me. He did, and the rest is history...
Profile:
Name: Brian D.
Age: 31
Size: 9.5
Instagram: @sneekerfreek
Twitter: @briandao
Location: Kansas City
What is the first shoe that you remember buying, or that started it all for you?
This sounds very cliché, but I have been into sneakers since a child. I have a picture of my brother and I at ages 8 and 5, him in the Jordan V’s and myself in the Reebok Instapumps. Both of us didn’t know how to dress, but our shoes were clean and our tongues were out. It was always a struggle trying to get my mom to buy a nice pair of shoes, but I can’t remember the first pair I bought myself.
I know the Adidas 35th Anniversary collection is what made me start to seek out shoes just to have and not wear. I was in Chicago searching for the Heinekens when I came across the collection at the Adidas store. Ever since, I have had a real hard time wearing my shoes unless I procured a second pair. Now it’s “one-to-rock-one-to-stock”.
What's your favorite part of the sneaker culture?
I have developed an appreciation for those who are true sneaker heads and branch out to other brands such as Asics and New Balance. I think the demand is really taking off for these brands. They are releasing some really unique colorways and collaborations. On top of that, I enjoy seeing people wear their shoes.
What's your least favorite part of the sneaker culture?
Two things: 1) the unwarranted price hikes in retro shoes, and 2) the 3rd or 4th release of the same shoe.
How many shoes would you say you own?
About 300 deadstock, around 70+ that I have worn.
Panaoramic of Brian's Sneaker "Closet"
What're your top 3 sneakers in your collection?
DMP, Levi x Jordan, Adidas Captain Tsubasa.
What're the top 2 sneakers you wish you had most?
The Heinekens and the Air Mag.
What's the 1 sneaker you'd like to see re-released?
Honestly, I’ve become a bit jaded with the rapid release of shoes. You used to get the feeling that you’ve procured yourself something that only a few others in the city have. It was nice to have that feeling. Nowadays, if I miss a release, I can count on a restock or a cheap reseller.
What's the first thing you look at when you open up a new box of shoes?
I generally know what the shoe is going to look like. I am more eager to get a whiff of the new shoe smell.
What's your favorite material on a shoe?
The ballistic mesh from the Jordan XI. It gives the shoe a rigid look, but it is much more malleable and comfortable than it appears. Anyone who has ever worn an XI knows that cushiony feeling when they pull the tongue to slip on the shoe and the comfort from when you tie the laces. On top of that, it stays white and is less susceptible to stains.
What's your most memorable campout?
There was a point in time where I was in line every week. I used get out of work at 4:00am and would head straight to the store. It would be the same people every week. Even though there wasn’t a sense of urgency (the first people in line were always size 11s) back then I got to know some good people in those lines.
What's the next shoe that you have your eye on?
Laney Vs
Any parting words?
Don’t judge a person by their shoes. I love it when people look at me like I don’t know shoes. In my head I’m thinking, my shoe lineup to mow my lawn has more heat than you.
Brian's Space Jam Collection
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