Welcome to the inaugural edition of the SoleSavy Collections. A new series highlighting COLLECT profiles and conversations with SoleSavy members, tastemakers, sneakerheads, and more. Who better to kick off this series than one of our very own Brand Ambassadors – sneaker photographer extraordinaire Andy Dutton. Andy has been a SoleSavy member for over two years and has grown his collection considerably since.
How long have you been collecting sneakers?
Five years or so, I can’t remember exactly when I started.
How many pairs do you currently have in your closet?
I haven’t counted in a bit, but I think it’s around 90-100 at the moment.
What is the oldest sneaker in your collection?
2011 Jordan 11 Concord. My favorite Jordan 11 ever, 23 on the back, low-cut patent leather, absolutely beautiful.
What’s the sneaker that got you hooked?
Since I was a kid, I have always loved sneakers but never had the knowledge or means to get them. The pair that hooked me, though were the 2013 Laney Jordan 5s. I really liked the 2000 pair. I first saw them back in high school and really wanted them, but again, didn’t know how to get them. So when I started collecting shoes, that was the pair I went after.
What’s your biggest steal or retail cop?
So many great retail cops because of SoleSavy, but the one that sticks out is when another member assisted me with a pair of the Parra x Nike SB Dunks. I remember being super bummed when I didn’t hit on SNKRS, but then I got a message saying they hit for me. I was so hyped!
What are five sneakers every person should have?
In no particular order: Any OG Jordan 4, Air Max 1, Vans Old Skool, NB 990V3, Jordan 1 High. Find these on the COLLECT app.
Best sneaker trade?
Travis Scott x Fragment Jordan 1 Highs for the Off-White 4s.
Is there anything you’re looking to sell or trade currently?
I’m actually looking to trade off my True Blue AJ3s, and the A Ma Maniere Air Jordan 1s. They’re currently up on COLLECT.
What pairs are you currently watching in the COLLECT app/ what will be your next pick-up?
I’m on the hunt for a good used pair of Clay Green Jordan 1 Highs, but also looking forward to the release of the “Lost and Found” Chicago AJ1s.
How do you think the sneaker game has changed since you started collecting?
More people seem to be “sneakerheads.” Social media and trends have brought people into the sneaker game that weren’t there before, and with that, resell prices for pretty basic pairs have gone up. There also seem to be more people interested in buying shoes to sell them instead of wearing them. That said, you adapt and figure out ways to get the pairs you are after. SoleSavy has been amazing for that, from the release guides, buy/sell/trade with COLLECT, and of course, the community helping each other out.
What’s a sneaker in your collection that always gets looks/compliments when you wear them?
Any time I wear The Guava Union Jordan 4, people look. They look different from any Jordan 4, and the colors are always an attention grabber.
What is your biggest frustration with sneakers as a whole right now?
The overdoing of collaborations. It seems like every year, there are more collaborations with the same groups. The more pairs a company collaborates on, it just seems to dilute what they have done in the past, and they don’t feel as special anymore.
Do you prefer quantity or quality in your collection, and why?
I’ve been trying to slim down the collection. Recently as new pairs have come in, I am sending pairs out that I’m not feeling much anymore, so I’m in the process of keeping quality pairs instead of just trying to grow the number in my collection.
What’s “the one that got away” for you?
I remember when the Jordan 1 Union dropped, and I had no idea what I was doing then, and didn’t cop on the first drop. Missed the restock as well, and it hurt lol.
About SoleSavy and COLLECT
SoleSavy is a community consisting of thousands of passionate members. With our tools and information, you’ll gain the edge you need to cop sneakers at retail. Whether you’re a newcomer, OG sneakerhead, or anywhere in between, there is a place for you in SoleSavy.
Our latest product is our marketplace app, COLLECT. Currently, in open beta for members, COLLECT is being built in real-time with our members. SoleSavy doesn’t take any transaction fees for buying, selling, and trading. Member wants and feedback are being solicited to help build the end-to-end sneaker app of their dreams.
Join SoleSavy for the sneakers, stay for the community!