The most valuable aspect of the sneaker community is the fact that sneaker lovers like myself can interact with and talk to other enthusiasts. Last week I had the great pleasure of speaking with a DU student about how he developed his fondness for sneakers and sneaker culture.
Henry England was kind enough to talk with me about his life and his sneaker preferences. Henry grew up in London and from a young age, he told me he took a fondness to basketball. His love for the sport introduced him to different types of sneakers that he saw from teammates and professionals.
He says, “Basketball and sneakers have always come hand in hand and the two cultures coinciding led me to fall in love with the sneaker culture.”
For me, I fell in love with sneakers the same way. It is also interesting to hear about his perspective on how basketball has influenced the sneaker landscape today here in the U.S and abroad in places like London.
What sneakers do you currently have on your feet?
Is there a story about how you acquired these shoes?
I bought them at Flight Club during my first ever visit to NYC. I had always wanted to visit the iconic store and being able to do so as well as purchase sneakers that I wanted is something I will never forget.
Would you consider yourself a sneaker fan or someone who likes buying exclusive sneakers?
Yes, I’m always on the look-out for what’s new and coming out. I try to be different in what I wear in terms of sneakers and most of my extra money ends up going towards it.
How many pairs of sneakers do you have?
About 25. I only brought 10-15 pairs out to the US but have added about 5 pairs since I moved here in 2018.
Do you have a grail sneaker or shoe that you have always wanted? Or a sneaker that you’ve always admired from afar?
If I had to choose one shoe that I’ve always looked at and admired but that is outside of my affordability, it would probably be the Louis Vuitton Jaspers by Kanye West. However, even though it’s a more recent shoe, right now I really like the Air Jordan 1 x Travis Scott.
What are the hottest sneakers/trends in streetwear that you have noticed in 2019?
Wearing ugly dad shoes is one I’ve seen a lot -and too much of- such as the Balenciaga Triple S. Other than that – I’d say I’ve seen a lot of Yeezy 350s and Alexander McQueen Sneakers with the thick soles.
If you have an opinion about sneakers, fashion, or anything relating to that at DU and want to voice your opinion ,you can reach out to me via my email, titanjoiner@gmail.com, to talk. I hope you enjoyed Henry’s perspective!
