Callahan Zacks (@callahanzacks) is a creative and SoleSavy Ambassador living in Los Angeles. She works in the entertainment industry and is always looking for different ways to express her vision through her writing, social media, and style. On weekends you can find her at music festivals, comedy shows, or taking care of her many plants at home.
How long have you been collecting sneakers?
Technically for life! My parents actually had my first pair of baby Nikes bronzed for me and still have them to this day. And as far as seriously collecting, I really started while I was in college so about 8 or 9 years ago.
How many pairs do you currently have in your closet?
In the 70s right now, but the collection is always growing, thanks to the SoleSavy community.
How long have you been a member?
Since January 2021, almost two years
What is the oldest sneaker in your collection?
I have a pair of black suede Nike Blazer Mids I bought for myself in high school with the money I made from my summer job, I’m guessing in 2011. At that age, it always felt extra special being able to buy myself a nice pair with my own money.
What’s the sneaker that got you hooked?
In middle school, I loved my Converse Chucks. I vividly remember going to the outlet with my mom and picking out different colors and prints that I felt were me. That’s probably one of the earliest memories I have of realizing how sneakers could make you feel.
What’s your biggest steal or retail cop?
Getting that exclusive access notification for the Off-White 50 dunks! SNKRS was nice to me when it mattered, and I ended up with Lot 2 for retail. There’s no way I would have been able to reasonably bring myself to pay the prices they go for resale, even though they are definitely one of my favorite pairs in my collection now.
What’s “the one that got away” for you?
It’s more of a general answer than the “one” specifically, but I regularly think about every single Nike By You pair I designed on the site back when they were always available to customize. We didn’t know how good we had it then – hindsight is 20/20!
What are five sneakers every person should have?
I’m looking at this question as if I were telling someone how to have a well-rounded collection:
- Jordan 1s in either a Bred or Royal colorway (although, if I’m being honest, both)
- Cali girl here, so I have to mention Vans Old Skool’s
- Dunk Lows
- Air Max 90s
- Tie between either Yeezy 700s or New Balance 2002Rs depending on the level of comfort and dad sneaker-ness you want to achieve.
What’s a sneaker in your collection that always gets looks/compliments when you wear them?
Thanks to a tip from the Women’s Community director Anna, I picked up a pair of the Commes des Garçons Nike Air Carnivores on sale, and those without a doubt get good looks every time. They’re super clean and sort of futuristic looking, and I love when people notice them because I get to showcase a silhouette you don’t see as often.
What’s the most you’ve paid for a pair of shoes?
I am principled about not paying high resale prices, so overall, I have not spent a ton on an individual pair. The most were $300 retail plus shipping for the Yeezy Waverunners sold to me by another SoleSavy women’s community member. I had wanted them for years, and my SoleSis came through!
Do you prefer quantity or quality in your collection, and why?
Definitely quality. Both in the materials of the shoe and the thought behind them. I appreciate it if I could wear a shoe to the office with a business casual look, then turn around and wear the same shoe with a streetwear look and have both feel right. As an example, the A Ma Maniere 3s hit that balance I look for beautifully.
What pairs do you have for sale or trade right now?
I don’t have anything up right now since I’ve been cutting back on buying so far this year since I know there’s a lot in Q4 I want. But WHEN (not if) I magically hit on multiple raffles for the Reimagined Chicago 1s, every pair will go right back to our community via COLLECT!
What pairs are you currently watching / what will be your next pick-up?
I’m Jewish, originally from New Jersey, and went to college in New York, so I absolutely HAVE to get a pair of those sesame seed bagel Dunks that are coming up!
How do you think the sneaker game has changed since you started collecting?
I definitely see women getting more meaningful recognition in this space that has not always been given. It’s not perfect, and we have plenty more to do, but more women having their voices heard as both creatives and consumers make me hopeful we will continue seeing positive change.
What is your biggest frustration with sneakers as a whole right now?
Lately, I am bothered by the (mostly online) trend that widely released shoes has become synonymous with being basic. Take the Panda Dunks for example – I love that we have a shoe that people can actually get, but others bash the colorway now that the market is more saturated. Yes, you see them a lot, but I think it’s cool that more people can buy the sneakers they want! Real style is not about having access to something other people can’t get; it’s about putting your spin on it. Let’s not gatekeep so much.
Brand rapid-fire – What is your favorite Nike, adidas, Jordan, New Balance model?
Nike: tie between the Air Max 90 and the Dunk low
Adidas: Forums
Jordan: I have the most 1s, but picking the 4
New Balance: specifically the distressed version 2002Rs ”
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!