The Shapeshifters - Kicks N Mixtapes
As this feature is all about Dj's and their love for sneaks, what was your first pair?...Was it love at first sight?
Wow - my earliest memory of sneakers was a pair of Whizz Kids!! A lesser known brand here in the UK and I'm pretty sure only sold in supermarkets - they could have even been Tesco's own brand (we were not rich!). Anyway, I was 5ish and thought they were the nuts!! I can still see them today, emerald green with white trim and they were runner style, think Asics Tiger except a lot smaller and cheaper!!
Back in your school days, did you ever get jealous of other kids because of their kicks?
My earliest sneaker envy would have been Adidas Century in '83. I was thirteen and heavily into the b-boy scene. They were nearly a shell toe but not as dope but you couldn't get them in the UK at the time and the Century were close enough. You could also custom them easily - Adicolor before it exsisted!!
Are you a box-fresh collector or do you love to wear your favourites? What is your current top pick?.
I will wear a pair ragged from the box if they're right!! I go through phases and rotate, red and white Munchen, yellow and blue Dragons, - white and red Shells - which, incidentally, I think look better with age. I've even been known to tinker with ZX250s (royal blue and yellow) but right now I'm heavily back into my emerald and yellow Super Sambas and occasionally red and blue Puma Suede. Oh - I also have a pair of limited edition New Balance 574s that my good friend Frankie Knuckles gave me as a present when I last visited him in Chicago. They're blood red leather and earmarked for those special occasions!!
Are you loyal to a brand or colourway? Why?
I've kind of answered that above I think. I very rarely stray away from the classic styles as I feel they have never been surpassed but mostly I'm loyal to Adidas but can be tempted by Puma and occasionally flirt with Nike. I get easily seduced by the bright and bold colourways - some of them I actively hunt out. But, for me though, there is nothing better than a royal blue & yellow stripe - unless it's my very worn in white and red Shells!! Damn, see what you started I had it all worked out before this interview!! Gonna go and check!!
Do you have a favourite city when it comes to picking up new kicks?
A cliche I know but NYC is always a favorite along with Tokyo and London. There are some great places to shop in my hometown and it helps when the brands send you bits for your photo shoots too. Some of my best have come direct from you know who!!
SoleHeaven.com Presents Kicks N Mixtapes Vol.9 - The Shapeshifters by SoleHeaven
