The Shoe Game
How did I become my own definition of a sneakerhead? I've always loved my tennis shoes. My BF would cringe at me calling them tennis shoes. An east coast vs. west coast difference, I suppose. It was a tradition to go back-to-school shopping in August. Earlier years around the age of nine or ten it wasn’t so pleasant. My mother still chose pastel hues and outfits that barely fit my scrawny body. At the very least, she would yield to my protest against ruffles and tights. My mother enjoyed dressing me like a little girl although I clearly felt I had moved past that.
I was becoming a teen and wanted to express and explore my own ideas of fashion far away from wearing Oxfords and Buster Browns. By the time I entered middle school (mind you this was the late 80’s in LA), I knew exactly what I wanted and where I wanted to shop. My mission was to reflect the look of my hood and not the look of Saved by the Bell actors.
It was 1990 and by this time I was ready to Express Myself! I replaced all of my Guns N Roses and Bon Jovi wall posters with NWA and Ice T posters out of Word Up magazine. My first pair of sneakers purchased without my mother’s influence were black and white Nike Cortez. I not only felt fly as hell, but more importantly for the first time, I felt like myself. I paired my Cortez with black cross cord slacks, short sleeve pull-over poly blouse, and bamboo earrings (eventually, two pairs). Back then, tennis shoes were extremely important to us. Clothing was always chosen after establishing the foundation. Shit, those single pair of shoes may be all your parent(s) could afford. So it was essential to get the right ones that would pair with jeans and tees all year round. And so we did.
I continued my love for tennis shoes by checking for the latest trends, not necessarily Jordans. I appreciated finding shoes that were unique. I searched beyond the Slauson Swap Meet and Footlocker. I checked for the little shop spots throughout LA’s garment district. Sometimes, the “Candy Lady” would have a few pairs of shoes to sell. Diadora, Ellese, Troops, DKNY. Soon, I was captivated by Vans. My favorite pair of Vans were the “Rasta” version customized with rasta laces I bought from the local rasta dude in Leimert Park. For me, living in LA made me feel like I had the best of both worlds. A world in which gangsta, Rasta, skater, and Hollywood type styles collided in perfect harmony.
I do not know every Jordan shoe release date and I really don’t care to know. I am more attracted to exploring the many varieties and influences that have shaped and reshaped tennis shoes.
As a matter of fact, I did not buy my first pair of Jordans until 2017. I discovered something that resonated with me and my taste today. Michael Jordan’s daughter, Jasmine Jordan breathed new shoe-life into my 40 year-old self! I loved her feminine design but also the fact that finally there was a young black woman designing Jordan shoes. Dope!
Do you remember choosing your first pairs as you became your own stylist? Do you remember falling in love with a pair of sneakers that changed your entire shoe game?
Shoes: White High Top Converse Customized Floral Tongue by Eon
Dress: Grey Tank by Missufe
Top: Pink Plaid Button Up Shirt by Lilicherry
Jacket: JUDYBRIDAL Oversized Ripped Boyfriend Jean Jacket
What I’m Listening To: Wake Up (feat. Nate Dogg & NUNE)
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