This week we are joined by Adrian Figueroa. A family man from Tucson, AZ working in IT that loves his family above all else. When Adrian is not busy dropping heat in our community #wdywt channels, he’s dabbling in vinyl, soccer (football for the cultured), photography, road trips, and Disneyland. Adrian gets into his love of sneakers, and what’s been keeping him in the game.
How long have you been collecting sneakers?
Since 2006
How many pairs do you currently have in your closet?
Currently trying to keep it right under 200
How long have you been a SoleSavy member?
I joined at the end of Jan 2021.
What is the oldest sneaker in your collection?
Jedi SB Dunks from ’04. The shoe I’ve kept for the longest are my Boca SB Dunks that I bought in ’06-’07 for my HS graduation.
What’s the sneaker that got you hooked?
Send Help SB Dunks that I got for my birthday in ’06 (shoutout to Mom).
What’s your biggest steal or retail cop?
Within the last few years, probably Retail Ws on the high and the low Mocha Travis Scott’s. But looking at some SB Dunk prices now, all the old Dunks that I bought at retail back in the day.
What’s “the one that got away” for you?
Plenty of the old silver and pink box SB Dunks. Having a minimum wage job and seeing $300 shoes was crazy back then.
What are five sneakers every person should have?
Bred 1s, Infrared AM90s, a fun pair of Dunks, some kind of Vans Authentics, and of course, a pair of grey 990s.
What’s a sneaker in your collection that always gets looks/compliments when you wear them?
The Wotherspoon AM1/97s get at least a couple of the “oh, those are fun” from randoms every time. From sneaker people, the MF DOOM SB Dunks for sure.
What’s the most you’ve paid for a pair of shoes?
Probably my Tom Sachs Overshoe to Mars Yard 2.0 conversion. Great work by @govrn_ and worth every penny to get one of my grails.
Do you prefer quantity or quality in your collection, and why?
Of course quality, but even quality starts to stack up after a while. Every quarter or so I try to offload some stuff that’s not getting enough love.
What pairs do you have for sale or trade right now?
About to list my Origin Story 1s on COLLECT now that I have some VibeRemakeLab Chicagos *stirs pot*
We’ve been seeing a lot of chatter about the VibeRemakeLabs, and you were one of the first people to bring attention to them in the community. What do you think of them and how do you feel about the ‘fake/custom’ discourse surrounding them?
What pairs are you currently watching / what will be your next pick-up?
Like everyone, the Lost and Found Chicagos. Mostly for the wife and kid though. Then, the AMM 4s drop around my mom’s birthday so I gotta bless her with those for sure.
How do you think the sneaker game has changed since you started collecting?
A lot more people are interested and in the know. Super casual, people that couldn’t care less about shoes knowing what Dunks are is still wild to me. It’s cool to see because it’s another commonality between people to nerd out about.
What is your biggest frustration with sneakers as a whole right now?
For most people that aren’t a reseller, availability of product. Yea, it’s cool having things that not everyone has but if it’s something you’ve been waiting to get for a whole year and you take that L, it stings. But big entities make money from the resale market too so I don’t think resale will ever die out completely.
Brand rapid-fire – What is your favorite Nike, adidas, Jordan, New Balance model?
Dunk, Ultraboost, AJ1, 990 (is it cheating to like v1-5?)
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!