Eric is a 41-year-old Cuban Korean American from South Florida. He’s married with three kids that are starting to appreciate sneaker culture. He works at a local church that serves its community, and he loves all things food, technology, and of course, sneakers.
How long have you been collecting sneakers?
In the 5th grade, I got a pair of the Air Jordan 6 “Maroon.” After that, the only thing I wanted for gifts was sneakers. I stopped collecting when I became a broke college student, then started collecting again almost 20 years later in February of 2018.
How many pairs do you currently have in your closet?
When I joined SoleSavy, I had 115 pairs of sneakers. Let’s just say that with the help and skills I’ve learned from SoleSavy, the friends I made in this community, assists, and COLLECT, I’ve more than tripled my collection.
How long have you been a member?
I joined in December 2020 after watching a WearTesters video with DP (SoleSavy CEO) as the guest.
What is the oldest sneaker in your collection?
My oldest pair is the 2006 Nike SB Dunk “Lunar Eclipse West.” I actually bought it through COLLECT and have been putting it in my rotation recently.
What’s the sneaker that got you hooked?
The sneaker that got me back in the game was the Air Jordan 3 “JTH Super Bowl.” I was watching the 2018 Super Bowl halftime show and couldn’t stop staring at the shoes on Justin Timberlake’s feet. I immediately searched for it online and was surprised at how much it was selling for. It had been almost 20 years since I purchased a Jordan, and didn’t know that reselling sneakers was a thing. I didn’t want to pay that much, so I bought a pair of Spizikes on sale instead, but it wasn’t the same. Since then, I fell in love with sneakers again. I got my first SNKRS W on the JTH NRG, and 14 months later, I finally got the grail that got me back to being a sneakerhead!
What’s your best steal or retail cop?
I walked into a Nike Outlet one day and got a pair of Air Jordan 1 High Zoom “Racer Blue” for $115! That’s my favorite steal. But I’ve been fortunate to have gotten the OG Travis Scott x Air Jordan 1s High for retail!
What’s “the one that got away” for you?
My wife’s SNKRS account got Early Access for the Off-White x Air Jordan 5s, and she didn’t realize it until the next day. ☠️
What are five sneakers every person should have?
I think everyone needs a crispy pair of white Air Force 1 Lows, an Air Jordan 1 High in an OG colorway, a Jordan 3 with some elephant print, a Nike SB Dunk of some sort, and a pair of Yeezy 350 v2s.
What’s a sneaker in your collection that always gets looks/compliments when you wear them?
The Sean Wotherspoon x Nike Air Max 1/97 is always a head-turner!
What’s the most you’ve done for a pair of shoes?
I once drove 7 hours round trip to enter a raffle for the A Ma Maniére x Air Jordan 1s. …and I didn’t win. 🤣
Best sneaker trade?
I traded Salehe Bembury x Crocs Cucumber Clogs for Nike x Fear of God 1 Sails. No regrets!
What pairs do you have for sale or trade on COLLECT right now?
I have no more space in my house for sneakers, so I promised my wife that if I got a new pair, I have to let go of another pair. I have the Patta x Nike Air Max 1 “White” up for trade, among others. Come and send me an offer!
What pairs are you currently watching / what will be your next pick-up?
I would love to complete the Union x Air Jordan 4 pack by getting some Taupe Haze 4s. I’m also on the lookout for Parra x Nike SB Dunks.
How do you think the sneaker game has changed since you started collecting?
I’m grateful that resale has dropped tremendously, and pairs seem easier to cop. With SoleSavy and all the tools and support the community gives, copping for retail is not always the goal anymore – for many GRs, the goal is to get them for no tax and free shipping! 😂
What is your biggest frustration with sneakers as a whole right now?
It’s almost 2023! Brands need to optimize their apps and websites so that they don’t crash and do a better job maximizing success for real consumers. No one is doing it perfectly, but for First Come, First Serve drops, everyone needs to note how the Whitaker Group does their drops. That would make the fight against bots a whole lot better for sneakerheads.
Brand rapid-fire – What are your favorite Nike, adidas, Jordan, and New Balance models?
Nike – Fear of God 1
Adidas – 350 V2 CMPCT
Jordan – Jordan 3
New Balance – 997S
Come for the sneakers, stay for the community.
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