Hamilton-based PK Lawton is a creative entrepreneur who got into sneakers early in life. He founded a creative agency called Sister Merci and teaches brand strategy at McMaster University. With a background in indie music, running record labels, and a passion for sneakers and basketball, PK’s diverse interests are reflected in his collection.
Tell us how you got into sneakers:
Living in Winnipeg, MB in the ’90s, I was really into basketball. My first job involved working for my neighbor’s sports memorabilia store, opening hockey cards in search of Eric Lindros rookie cards. I was paid in packs of HOOPS basketball cards. My favorite players were Shawn Kemp and Scottie Pippen, and my love of sneakers started at the same time as my love for basketball.
In the late 90s/early 2000s, I toured in hardcore punk bands, and our uniform consisted of black hoodies and New Balance 574s. I was a big New Balance fan for years!
Throughout the 2010s, I gradually got deeper into the sneaker culture. I worked at many of Canada’s top creative agencies over the years, and sneakers became a significant part of my life.
How long have you been a member?
I’ve been a member since the summer of 2020.
Honestly, the New Balance MiUSA 990v2 “Black w/ Tan” that just came out. It’s a very nice-looking sneaker! I know they just came out, but my most cherished award changes weekly.
What’s the best sneaker you’ve gotten through your SoleSavy membership?
The Union x Air Jordan 4 drop was the first “big drop” after I joined, and I copped the “Off-Noir” colorway. That’s the pair that I always associate with SoleSavy. Great shoe!
What’s your grail?
It’s the Union x Air Jordan 1 “Storm Blue.” I would love to get a used pair though, so I don’t have to think about “depreciating values” and whatnot.
Is there a pair in your collection that always gets slept on?
Joe Freshgoods x New Balance 9060 “Cookie Pink”. A new sneaker and model, but one that doesn’t get enough love.
What’s one thing you’re passionate about outside of sneakers?
As a musician for most of my life, I’ve toured a lot and released many records, so music is an obvious answer. During the pandemic, my other hobby was thrifting CDs, and now I have a banging CD collection.
What’s the best city you’ve visited on tour?
I’ve played everywhere in North America that you could think of, and while it is gonna sound strange to say this, it’s Missoula, MT. Once we were opening for Thee Oh Sees in an abandoned train station and the vibe was crazy because a bunch of local skinheads were at war with a bunch of local skaters and to say that we barely escaped with our lives would be an understatement. Every time we went back there we came back with stories that I will carry with me forever.
Do you have a favorite CD from your years of collecting?
The first Teenage Head album is one of the best punk records of all time, Hamilton’s finest. I found this copy at a thrift store in Burlington. It’s signed by the band, including late-great Gord Lewis and the forever iconic Frankie Venom. I paid $2 for this and it’s priceless to me! For years, my band Ketamines covered “Picture My Face” on the road.
How does your sneaker collection reflect your personality?
My personality, like my sneaker collection, is eccentric and difficult to understand.
How do you decide which sneakers to add to your collection?
I add sneakers to my collection if they are visually distinctive from the rest or if they scratch some primordial aesthetic itch.
What sneakers do you have for sale on COLLECT right now?
I recently decided that I don’t like dunks, so some GR dunks and Jordans that I no longer care about. I also have the recent Kith x New Balance 998 “Orange Toe” up on my profile. Come shoot me an offer!
Are there any shoes you’re hoping to trade for? / What’s on your watch list on COLLECT?
Mainly JJJJound New Balance collabs that I missed out on during the era when I didn’t buy them. Please add HOKA to the COLLECT universe because I will buy all the HOKAs in size 11.5!
What sneaker brand are you most excited about right now?
New Balance and HOKA – mostly because I feel old now. My brain demands fresh sneakers and my feet demand comfort, so who better than these two brands? Both of them walk the line between being cool and uncool at the same time, and as someone who is now deeply uncool, I get that. It’s all a process, and none of it seems overly manufactured.
What’s one thing you would change about sneakers in its current state?
I wouldn’t change a thing xoxo
Come for the sneakers, stay for the community.
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