OG is a term that gets thrown around far too loosely these days, but that’s exactly what kind of collector Tito Lee is. A healthcare recruiter located in Louisiana, Tito’s collection runs deep, and his love of sneakers dates back to the mid-80s. He’s a constant presence in our #wdywt channels, and he’s always bringing the heat.
Tell us how you got into sneakers.
I got into it when my older brother had a black pair of Patrick Ewings. I still remember the 3D-style basketball hangtag on them. From there, just like everyone else, Michael Jordan was a huge influence. I got my first pair in the early ’90s and they were the Air Jordan 5 “Metallic.”
How long have you been a member?
March 2023 will be my 2 year anniversary!
What sneaker do you cherish the most in your collection?
The sneaker that I cherish most would be my Kobe 6 Protro “Grinch.” They were a gift from my wife, and mother on Father’s Day. I’m a huge Kobe Bryant fan.
What are your other favorite Kobe sneakers?
Aside from the Kobe 6 Protro, the adidas Crazy 8, aka KB-8, is another fantastic model.
What’s the best sneaker you’ve gotten through your SoleSavy membership?
The best sneaker that I have gotten through SoleSavy, would be my A Ma Maniére x Air Jordan 3. I got these through a trade after being in the group for only a month. Shoutout to Jose for helping facilitate this transaction.
What’s your grail?
The Union x Air Jordan 1s in either color or the Off White x Air Jordan 4 “Sail.”
Is there a pair in your collection that always gets slept on?
The Jordan 1 “Yin Yang Black” doesn’t get the love it deserved in my opinion. I managed to grab a pair for $140, which is an absolute steal.
What’s one thing you’re passionate about outside of sneakers?
Outside of sneakers, does anything else exist? Lol! Seriously though, I am passionate about gaming. You can add me on PS5 at slowdowntito and XBOX at slowdowntito318.
What are you playing most these days?
I’m a huge sports fan, I’ve been playing MLB the Show and NBA 2K23. Also, my go-to shooter is COD Modern Warfare 2.
Is there a sleeper team that would give the new-look Phoenix suns a run for their money?
I’ll have to be a “homer” and say the New Orleans Pelicans. If we can stay healthy with our starting 5, and with the bench depth that we have, we can continue to make some noise in the West.
How does your sneaker collection reflect your personality?
My collection gives me the nostalgia of my childhood when Air Jordan 3s, 4s, 5s, and 6s only had “Nike Air” on the back tab. Right now, I will not purchase any of these silhouettes, unless “Nike Air” is present.
How do you decide which sneakers to add to your collection?
If it’s an OG, it’s an automatic cop. For anything else, I would have to like the story behind the release or be a dope colorway that I don’t currently have.
What sneakers do you have for trade on COLLECT right now?
I’m always going through my collection, right now I have Nike SB Dunk “Dodgers,” Air Jordan 1 “Biohack,” and Nike Air Presto “University Red” all for trade.
Send Tito an offer on COLLECT!
Are there any shoes you’re hoping to trade for? What’s on your watch list on COLLECT?
The two sneakers that have continuously evaded me are the Parra Abstract Dunks and the Concepts Orange Lobster Dunks. With all the raffle losses, failed trades, and aftermarket value being so high, I’ve almost given up on trying to obtain them. If anybody has a pair and would like to trade for a DS pair of SB Dodger Dunks, hit my line.
What sneaker brand are you most excited about right now?
Of course Nike and Jordan Brand, but I’ve been paying attention to the wave that New Balance has going currently. I plan to eventually cop my first pair of NB’s this year. I also got into SB dunks last year, and I’m excited about their upcoming releases this year.
What’s one thing you would change about sneakers in its current state?
I’m old school and it would have to be the mindset that a sneaker is a “brick” because it doesn’t have high resell value. I wish more so-called sneakerheads would cop what they like, regardless of what hype is behind it, and not look for justification from others.
Come for the sneakers, stay for the community.
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