I developed an early passion for sneakers. Growing up around skateboarding and BMX, footwear was never just an accessory. Sneakers had to be functional, durable, and at the same time look good. In those sports, what you wore mattered, not only for performance but also for identity.
Back then, there were far fewer models than today, and the athlete behind a shoe played a huge role. We all wanted to wear what our idols wore. I remember models like the Vans TNT, the Nike SB Dunk, or the Nike 6.0, some of the first pairs I ever asked my mother to buy for me. Those sneakers represented more than style, they were part of a culture I wanted to belong to.
Eventually, I realized that skateboarding and BMX were not for me. I was not good enough to pursue them seriously, and I slowly stepped away. But the aesthetic stayed with me. So did my love for sneakers. Over time, that interest evolved into constantly looking for new silhouettes, as well as older pairs that still fit my personal style.
In recent years, the sneaker market changed dramatically. Prices went through the roof, sneakers became mainstream, and access became more difficult. Resell culture took over, and many pairs felt unreachable. Fortunately, the market now seems more balanced. While some sneakers remain rare or expensive on the resell market, many models are once again accessible at reasonable prices and easy to find.
My approach to sneakers is simple. Whenever a new pair comes in, another one goes out. I try not to accumulate. I also believe that sneakers, just like clothing, are meant to be worn. Shoes should live on the street, not sit untouched in boxes. And when a pair is no longer used, giving it a second life or donating it feels like the right thing to do.
This category is where I want to share upcoming sneaker releases that feel relevant, as well as alternative options that often go unnoticed and can be found at more accessible prices. Sneakers that make sense, not just hype, but pairs that work with real outfits and real lives.
Sneakers have moved far beyond sports and subcultures. Today, they are an essential part of how men dress, express themselves, and move through the world.