Chris Collins is a SoleSavy member based in Oklahoma City whose been a sneakerhead since he got his first pair of Nikes. He has a passion for adrenaline be it from skydiving, bungee jumping, or getting sneaker Ws. Chris is an avid fan of the Oklahoma State Cowboys, the Green Bay Packers, and is a self-proclaimed nerd of all things space and sci-fi.
Tell us how you got into sneakers.
I have always as long as I can remember, loved sneakers. From my first pair of Nikes my grandparents bought for me as a kiddo, much to my parent’s disapproval, due to the price, to when I first locked eyes on a pair of Jordans! For the majority of my life, it was a situational or money issue keeping me from them, which fueled me to start collecting in the last few years now that I am more established in my “older” age.
How long have you been a member?
Two years in July, although it feels much longer and shorter at the same time!
What’s the best sneaker you’ve gotten through your SoleSavy membership?
I have picked up so many pairs in my time here, but the ones I cherish most are my A Ma Maniére collaborations. I have the Air Jordan 1, and 2, both assisted by members. I got the Air Jordan 4 thanks to the amazing SoleSavy team guiding us through the drop. I am still on the hunt for the Air Jordan 3 in a size 12.5W/11M if anyone is feeling generous! Learning the story behind the designs from my fellow community members has been truly amazing, and I have promised to honor that while having them! P.S. I have some lobsters too!
What sneaker do you cherish the most in your collection?
I love almost all of my shoes for one reason or another, but my Travis Scott x fragment design x Air Jordan 1 Lows are the reason I finally joined, struck out hard, and then ultimately ended up with a pair due to some connections!
What’s your grail?
The shoe that has been on my mind since grade school is the Air Jordan 5 “Metallic Silver.” A friend of mine growing up got a pair when they first dropped in 1990, and I have needed them since. I finally pulled the trigger on a DS pair from 2000 and they sit atop my newly put-together shoe wall (still working on it so be kind please)!
Is there a pair in your collection that always gets slept on?
I have worn the hell out of my Air Jordan 1 Centre Court “White!” To me, they are what Air Force 1s are to people much younger than me. Or, my 2017 Nike SB Ishod Wair “Perfect Pink” that I restored, but they tend to get quite a bit of love when I wear them. Most people have just never seen or heard of them.
What’s one thing you’re passionate about outside of sneakers?
Family, and making those that have supported me proud of the person I have and will become! Some are harder to please than others, and I mess up more than I would like to admit. Honorable mentions: My pups, and my friends. My wife may argue that it is work, but that is just something that is natural to me and affords me frivolous things like sneakers!
How does your sneaker collection reflect your personality?
In the last three-plus years, I have gone from not owning or knowing if I could “pull off a pair of Jordans” and being afraid of wearing them in public, to becoming all of my friends’ “shoe guy!” I like to think they reflect my personality and style. “A little out there at times, but willing to try something different, and once you look at it a little closer, you can appreciate it!”
How do you decide which sneakers to add to your collection?
I am not too proud to admit that the “Hype Train” has made many stops in my head, but usually, if I like the design, colorway, and, story, I get it, and rock it!
What sneakers do you have for sale on COLLECT right now?
I am still in a very selfish collection phase of this addiction, So I don’t really move off of much. I do have a few pairs for sale on COLLECT like the CLOT x Air Jordan 2 Delta “Flint,” and the Nike Air More Uptempo ‘96 “Thank You, Wilson.”
What’s on your COLLECT watch list?
As I mentioned, I NEED the A Ma Maniére x Air Jordan 3s! I have a mile-long wishlist, but those are at the very tip-top right now. Also, I tend to wear all of my stuff, so trades are hard to come by with used kicks!
What sneaker brand are you most excited about right now?
Call me old school, but the Nike Swoosh or Jumpman on something still does it for me! This would’ve been a harder question a year ago, but since adidas has been on the struggle bus with their morals, it’s a no-brainer!
What’s one thing you would change about sneakers in its current state?
The accessibility! I know what makes them limited or hyped is what makes us want them, but at times it feels like a sick reality we are stuck in a reality tv show for social experimentation. Also, the rush of hitting a drop is a hell of a drug, so maybe someone should look into bottling that! lol
Come for the sneakers, stay for the community.
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