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Nike Dunk High “Wu-Tang”
Nike Dunk High “Wu-Tang”
Release Date: 9 November 2024
Nike Air Jordan 4 Fear
Nike Air Jordan 4 Fear
Release Date: 15 November 2024
JumpMan Jack “Dark Mocha”
JumpMan Jack “Dark Mocha”
Release Date: 19 November 2024

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Sneaker Preservation Society 

What inspired you to start preserving vintage sneakers, and how did Sneaker Preservation Society come to life?

I’ve always been fascinated by sneakers since 1987/88 and played tennis and basketball (not well). I’ve always had a small cache of sneakers but my passion really reignited with the 2000 AJ6 Olympic, and has had its ebbs and flows thru 2009. I started building an OG Challenge Court collection and it expanded from there. I try to curate an archive that has personal connection to me; that is my general thesis.  In 2017/18 I started sharing my stories and pairs on my personal Instagram and met Seth (@souliisole) who encouraged me to start a dedicated page. Since 2018 I’ve been building The SPS and here we are today!

What’s the oldest pair of sneakers in your collection, and what makes them special to you?

The oldest pair is the Nike Outbreak. They’re special in the sense that they were Wilson Smith III’s first design project, and knowing Wilson personally brings that pair full circle with why they are a special pair in my archive.

How do you go about sourcing such rare and unique sneakers for your collection?

The vintage circuit is largely sourced internally from other vintage enthusiasts, or from specialized sellers that are able to find lost lots and shuttered mom-and-pop shops. A lot of hidden gems come from Europe and Japan.

What are the most common challenges you face when preserving vintage sneakers?

Sneaker Crack. If you collect vintage and OG examples of models with polyurethane midsoles, you have to accept Sneaker Crack. it’s a beauty in decay. You just have to wrap your head around it. Nothing lasts forever.

Are there any materials or technologies in vintage sneakers that you find difficult to maintain over time?

Polyurethane and the Durabuck Nike used on the Air Challenge LWP. Polyurethane from the 90’s disintegrates and the Challenge LWP, you blow on the Durabuck and the epidermal layer flakes off. 😵‍💫

How do you ensure the sneakers in your collection stay in the best possible condition? Any special techniques?

Store them soles down when you can. It’d you keep them in the box, the gravitational pressure is uneven and not how the shoe was designed, so it will deteriorate faster.

What role do you think sneaker preservation plays in sneaker culture today?

This is a subjective question. “Preservation” means so many different things. Preserve the original item, preserve the sneaker in its original form, preserve the history of the sneaker, preserve the stories around the sneaker, and more.  I think they’re all relevant, however, I think origin and historical events are KEY to maintaining the story of the sneaker.

Have you noticed any recent trends in sneaker collecting that have affected how people view vintage sneakers?

The pandemic forced people into online Retail Therapy.  Vintage-everything is cycling back in. Prices have skyrocketed and inventory is scarce.

Are there any sneaker brands or specific models that you feel are underappreciated by today’s collectors?

Nike Challenge Court 1997-2001, Nike Stret Hockey. And in current times, EQLZ, Anya, Li-Ning, and Serious Players Only.

What advice would you give to new collectors interested in vintage sneakers and preservation?

Develop a thesis to your collection. Make it meaningful to YOU before starting the hunt.

Is there a “grail” sneaker that you’re still hunting for but haven’t been able to acquire yet?

Nike Air Tech Challenge IV LE and Nike Air Trainer Max 91 LE.

What’s your personal favorite pair from your collection, and why does it stand out to you?

1987 Air Trainer High (1). It’s simply the greatest performance sneaker ever created. There’s nothing you can’t do in that shoe, and that includes sports and going to the Farmer’s Market.

Do you collaborate with other collectors or sneaker historians to expand your knowledge or collection?

In 2024, I produced a sneaker event in Beaverton Oregon with @kicksigma, @SnkrTechTalk, @SouliiSole, @instyleshoe1999, and legendary Nike designer @aaron.ac.cooper to try to recapture a lost love for sneakers, their histories, and the stories that surround them.

What are your plans for the future of Sneaker Preservation Society? Are there any exciting upcoming projects you can share?

I made a book in 2023 and endeavor to create a series of coffee table books that capture the essence of real collector’s collections, their stories, and to evoke the nostalgia around sneakers.  Also, my partners and I in the Beaverton Projecf endeavor to keep the event growing and also create digital content for enthusiasts to immerse themselves within.

How do you envision the future of sneaker preservation evolving, especially with advancements in sneaker design and technology?

Storytelling. This is key. Without the stories, there’s no connecting sneakers with anything other than the need to protect your feet. The end all be all of the pinnacle of sneakers is that someone somewhere was problem solving for a need at that given moment. Sneakers don exist for the sake of existing, they serve a purpose and that purpose is the story that connects us with them and propagates to future generations.

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