What’s a sneakerhead?!
Written by Serena Lewis
Sneakerhead, what does that even mean? Who is or “can be” a sneakerhead? When did this culture begin? How many pairs of sneakers do you have to own to be considered a sneakerhead? I have my own opinion on all of the above but in true millennial fashion, I consulted google as well. Urban dictionary had the most relatable definition for me, one who is in love with but not limited to Jordans, Forces, Dunks, Maxes, etc. and willing to camp out and face lines that wind around blocks for a pair of once in a lifetime exclusives. Urban dictionary’s examples continued to resonate with me, especially this one, “ marks calendar for release dates.” Now this is definitely me. I literally just marked my calendar for the drop of the Air Jordan 1 Low Madder Root and enlisted my fellow sneakerhead bestie to help me secure them. I usually don't fool with lows, but these are fire! Look them up, you won't be disappointed, especially if you are looking for something “pretty” to add to your collection.
In my opinion, being a sneakerhead is not just simply owning a ton of sneakers but a way of life and a culture of its own, a dedication to the collection and appreciation of the dopest kicks. I personally will be fully committed to getting my hands on a pair of sneakers I feel my collection cannot be without. Honestly, the only two other things I have ever been more committed to are my education and my relationship. Generally the sneakerhead title is self-proclaimed but in my case people kept referring to me as one and it stuck with me. Growing up I always wanted the exact sneaker I had in mind when school shopping and it would literally drive my Dad nuts. Mainly because he never understood why I needed so many pairs or why I had to have the exact shade of Adidas shell toes or the latest kicks from Jordan. Although he was completely over me often lol, he would still stand in line with me for the new sneakers, mainly Jordans that I just had to have. I think the part that got him to always support the purchase was because I could tell him the origins of the sneaker and my Dad has always loved a good presentation. If someone cannot tell you anything about the sneakers they just purchased, they are not a sneakerhead. Don’t be fooled! They likely just really liked the sneakers, they’re hype and just purchase whatever everyone else is or they purchase to resell, which is a whole other topic I won’t even get into.
But I digress, to be a sneakerhead you have to know the beginnings of sneaker culture. Most attribute the beginning of the sneakerhead culture back to the 1970’s and 80’s with the drop of Air Jordan in 1985 and the rise of Hip-Hop artists really showing off their “swag” including the hottest, new sneakers. The sneakerhead world was male dominated for a long period of time. But now, us women have taken a seat at the table and are fully engulfed into the sneaker world. You’ll catch up rocking the hottest kicks and appreciating a dope pair of sneakers just as much or more than men. Growing up, the fact that I wore sneakers daily made me a tomboy but today those same sneakers can be considered high fashion when worn properly.
I was interested to know how many pairs of sneakers you should own to be fashionable. Apparently it's only seven! Yep, seven, one for each day of the week. At the risk of sounding dramatic, how in the world is that correct! There is absolutely no way I could do it but again that’s just me. I honestly do not know how many pairs of sneakers I own at this point. I have about 40 pairs in my apartment, more in storage and a rack of sneakers are still in my old room at my Dad’s house in New York. I guess being fashionable and a sneakerhead is not always synonymous. In my mind they usually are but I have seen people wear the most fire kicks with the completely wrong outfit.
The part of being a sneakerhead that I don’t like are the social assumptions. We can get viewed as a fad or phase when this is a lifestyle and one, in my opinion, that others shouldn’t judge. We all have our vices and at least mine isn’t hurting anyone. I don’t think I’ll ever understand people counting my coins in regards to how much or how often I’ll spend on sneakers. I guess they just don’t get it because it’s not their “thing,” well it’s mine, so chill. I personally wouldn’t include sneakerhead in my identity as I don’t link my identity to materialistic things. However, if someone did, let them rock! The nostalgia associated with certain sneakers brings me so much joy and is important to many.
One of my favorite pairs of sneakers is a remake of Iverson’s The Question (shoutout to the Answer!) that were created in collaboration with Reebok and designer Melody Eshani. These were remade for women by women which I felt spoke volumes as Allen Iverson trail blazed within the NBA and attributed much of his success and strength to the women in his family. The fact that a pair of sneakers can empower an entire gender to write their own story and fight for what matters to them, is powerful, meaningful and necessary. To me sneakers aren’t just something I wear, they are something I embody. The way you feel when wearing your favorite sneakers is priceless. Being a sneakerhead isn’t a phase or some childish and expensive habit, we are a community and I am beyond happy to be a part of it!
