If you have a passion for collecting rare or exclusive footwear, you're probably all too familiar with catching yourself developing some strong emotional ties for certain pairs from your collection.
In the monthly Kickin' the Door Blog series, we welcome fellow Rotterdam-based sneaker aficionados and footwear connoisseurs to share the Top 3 sneakers from their collection and let us in on the stories that make them so special.
CINDY JOE
Working as a visual merchandiser during the day, our guest for the 17th episode of Kickin' the Door, Cindy Joe, definitely has a proven eye for aesthetics. While she makes sure that retail spaces always look spot-on, so do her sneakers of choice. And when she's not busy with arranging windows or concepting layouts, the creative all-rounder is probably either behind the decks spinnin some records, hitting up her favorite restaurants or going on trips.
We are curious - What are Cindy's Top 3 sneakers from her collection and more importantly, what are the stories behind them?
#3
ASICS GEL-KAYANO 5 360 x AWAKE NY
(Released in 2019)
#2
NIKE AIR ZOOM SPIRIDON CAGE 2 x STÜSSY
(Released in 2020)
I was lucky to get these through one of my good friends, so big shoutout and lots of love to her! Once again, the legendary streetwear brand Stüssy teamed up with Nike for yet another collaborative release. What I like most about this pair is that it somehow has a retro look to it. I like the beige color and the mix of mesh and textile. The mini swoosh on the toebox and the Stüssy logo right on the toe are super nice details These were my go-to summer kicks! Well I’m actually still wearing them even in the rain. And because of the Air Bubble in the heel, they are also super comfy! The only downside is that they are notoriously hard to clean, so you better be careful!
#1
NIKE LDV WAFFLE DAYBREAK x SACAI
(Released in 2019)
I still remember the very first time I spotted these online during Paris Fashion Week 2019. I immediately declared “I NEED THESE!” The unique outcome of the collab between the Japanese brand Sacai and Nike really stood out for me. From the colorway, the different textures, the double swooshes, laces, midsoles, toe panels, tongues and heel branding - I just love this pair! Most people actually hated the heel on these but for me this was one of the parts that I really liked about the shoe. It reminds me of the traditional Japanese wooden slippers “Geta”. Unfortunately, I had to buy this pair for resell but at least I got lucky enough to find them for a good price. After I got them, they went straight on feet and I got to rock them with Woei in Jakarta when we were there for the Parasite sneaker event. Ahh, good ol' memories!
HONORABLE MENTION
NIKE AIR JORDAN 4 "BRED"
(Released in 2008)
When my love for sneakers began, the Air Jordan 4 was my favorite silhouette out of all Jordans. Back then, I bought these online at RMK-store. I got the countdown pack because I liked the special two-pair box with a picture of Michael Jordan wearing his iconic “23” jersey on the packaging. Another cool detail is the fact that both sneakers of the pack (the AJ4 and the AJ19) add up to 23 - again, his jersey number. I have worn this pair so many times and I'm a firm beliver that this OG colorway is simply the best. As you can see, this pair has been through a lot and I most certainly won't be getting rid of them any time soon!
"After I got them, they went straight on feet and I got to rock them with Woei in Jakarta when we were there for the Parasite sneaker event.
Ahh, good ol' memories!"
CLICK HERE FOR THE PREVIOUS KICKIN THE DOOR WITH CAFE-OWNER AND ADIDAS HEAD TOMISLAV PRESTALO!
