Jay Guidos is a SoleSavy member and brand ambassador hailing from Garden Grove, California. Jay is always beaming with positive energy and it shows in his passion for sneakers, and work as a mental health professional at Horace Mann Elementary. Jay is also responsible for starting #FIREFIRDAYS, a weekly tradition that has been in the SoleSavy community for some time.
Tell us how you got into sneakers.
My brothers. It was our way of connecting and dealing with the struggles growing up. But particularly, it was when I bought my brother a pair for his high school graduation as a reward for his hard work. The rest is history.
How long have you been a member?
The second ‘savy anniversary is coming up in March and I couldn’t be happier as a brand ambassador and a member.
What sneaker do you cherish the most in your collection?
It’s my Air Jordan 11 “Cool Grey.” Dedicated to my late grandmother whose initials were CG and who had beautiful grey hair. I got them gifted through a SoleSavy contest and the first pair of sneakers I got after she passed.
What’s the best sneaker you’ve gotten through your SoleSavy membership?
Travis Scott x Air Jordan 4s. #FIREFRIDAYS took off in the community, and 50+ members grew inspired by the backstory and my work with children in the mental health field. It was completely unexpected, humbling, and EXACTLY what this place is about! Shoutout to the #TEST-2 channel for gifting me that pair!
How did #FIREFRIDAYS come about?
My experiences as a child taught me about how IMPORTANT a consistent, positive, and caring adult can be for someone. I have dedicated my work in service of building students’ social and emotional learning skills in the mental health field, and I wanted to find a way to bridge my passion for helping students with my love for sneakers. Every Friday at my school site, I take some time to talk with kids about the importance of being kind, responsible, and respectful people in our world all while cleaning their sneakers or the “fire” on their feet. Every kid no matter what’s on their feet should feel proud and confident in themselves to do whatever they dream of doing. #FIREFRIDAYS was something I created at my site, not only to reinforce positive student behavior or academic growth in the classroom but as a way to build positive lasting relationships with students.
What’s your grail?
I’m an OG guy so I’d say the Air Jordan 1 in either the “Chicago” or the “Bred” colorway.
If you had to pick one of the two?
I’m gonna have to go with the “Bred” because it was my first Air Jordan 1, and it started my love for the silhouette. I traded a pair of adidas Yeezy 350v2 “Zebra” for them straight up. Grails shouldn’t be limited to those sneakers you can’t get your hands on, and they can be a sneaker in your collection that just has a particular story or a special place in your rotation.
Is there a pair in your collection that always gets slept on?
The Air Jordan 1 Retro “Metallic Red.” This whole “Metallic” pack is slept on, but this colorway is my absolute favorite.
How does your sneaker collection reflect your personality?
I’m very personable and sentimental. The sneakers in my collection usually have a backstory or something that speaks to me as a person.
How do you decide which sneakers to add to your collection?
They got to mean something to me. Whether it’s a collab or a general release, it has to speak or resonate with who I am.
What sneakers do you have for sale on COLLECT right now?
I have a few Air Jordan 1 Highs listed right now. All of them are worn, but that’s because I wear everything in the collection. Pollens, Bordeauxs, and most recently the Mocha 1s. Offer up!
Are there any shoes you’re hoping to trade for? / What’s on your watch list on COLLECT?
I love me some OG colorways in the Air Jordan 1s or 4s that I don’t have. Fire Red 4s in particular, Nike Kobe 6 “Grinch”, Nike x Patta Air Max 1 “Monarch” and the “Far Out /Heavy” colorways of the CNCPTS Air Max 1 are on my list right now.
What sneaker brand are you most excited about right now?
I just added a couple of New Balances to the collection and I can say I’m very impressed with the run they’ve been having. I’m excited to see what comes out next.
What’s one thing you would change about sneakers in its current state? Although I’m enjoying where things are headed, I always tell people to forget about what a sneaker has in terms of resale, and trade value and just wear their kicks for pure enjoyment.
Come for the sneakers, stay for the community.
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