Confessions of a Curly Sneakerhead

Nike | Air Max 90 | Black / Volt / Total Crimson / Pink Blast

I'm a sneakerhead.

But you knew that already, right?

If you've been following me for a while on Instagram or Snapchat (maneobjective), then you know the love runs deep, and that I'm in Foot Locker and Finish Line almost as often as I'm in Sally's and Target.

Well, if ya don't know - now ya know.

It's totally non-PC to say this now (because #outdatedgendernorms), but I grew up a lil' rough around the edges - a "tomboy" is what we called it back in my day (gosh I sound old, lol). I hated skirts, dresses, flowers, and pink - pretty much anything associated with super femininity. Although I later grew to appreciate a good mani/pedi, mascara, and a decent skirt, there were some things I never quite "grew out" of.

And sneakers was one of them.

My penchant for comfy kicks dates back to my middle school years, when I first became hyper-aware of what is now known as the #shoegame. I was hip to all the newest releases, but couldn't get them myself. My parents weren't balling outta control enough to buy me $100 sneakers every other month, so I took what I could get in the way of Reeboks, Converse, and back then - Nautica 😂

High school is where I was introduced to my first pair of Jordans - by way of a total stranger while school shoe shopping with my mom. I remember the story like it was yesterday. I was on my way to 10th grade when the all-white Jordan V sneakers first dropped in 2000. At that time, my parents couldn't afford to drop $100+ for a pair of shoes on me, so I typically saved my money to match what my parents could give me, to get what I wanted.

I now own the Vs as an adult, thanks to Samuel. 

But this particular year, I didn't have enough money for 'em - so I passed them by and started looking at a pair of Chucks that were more in my price range. Unbeknownst to me, an older gentleman approached my mom and started asking about me - what kind of kid I was, what my grades looked like, etc. She told him I was an A student, and a hard worker that seldom got in trouble. The next thing I knew, the gentleman was at the counter telling the Footlocker employee to bring me the Jordan V in my size, and for me to pick out another pair. My mother and I both told the man it wasn't necessary - one pair, let alone two. But he insisted; and didn't want anything in return. He just wanted to be a blessing and reward someone who he felt deserved it. 

I'll never forget that story, or the lesson it taught me about giving and being a blessing to others without expecting.

From that moment on, I worked weekend and summer jobs, stacking my money to go toward the shoes I wanted, with some financial help from my parents who were able to meet me halfway. My favorite pairs in high school were the Blackout Nike Hyperflights and Ginger Jordan XVIs. Back then, I didn't know jack about preserving shoes - I sure do miss those sneakers. They were so dope.

Fast forward to my adult years, and I'm pretty much committed to sneakers as a way of life. I wear them to the gym, to church, on dates, at work (back when I worked in an office) - you name it, I've probably done it.

Nike x Concepts | SB Dunk | Stained Glass / Holy Grail

I'm a firm believer in comfort over corns, and high tops over heels. I don't go full hypebeast and cop whatever the latest sneaker is for the sake of owning it. 

Every single pair I own, I love. 

I have a soft spot for high tops, but for the right mid or low, I'm in. I've got a decent stash of retro Jordans, a growing Air Max collection, and a random assortment of Adidas, Converse, Reebok, Nike, and Vans.

I love grey in all shades (it's my most populous wardrobe color), crazy bright colorways, and unique textures - even though there's always a need for a demure shade or two. I don't concern myself with what other folks consider hot or not - I rock what I like - no matter if it's a pair of Nikes from the clearance rack, or the latest Jordan release.

Jordan | Retro IV | Oreo

I say all of this to say - welcome to the newest category on The Mane Objective - Sneakers and Life. Here is where you'll be able to find all my sneakerhead musings, tips, reviews, and more. If you've got questions, or things you'd like to know about sneakers - drop 'em in the comments below. I'm always up for new blog posts about the collection that comes second only to my product stash! 😂

Enjoy!

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