Ryan is a SoleSavy member and Brand Ambassador from Louisville, Kentucky. He enjoys making something from nothing, whether it’s carpentry, creating art, photography, or putting together a dope outfit on a budget. He’s a self-proclaimed ‘regular guy who just loves sneakers’.
How long have you been collecting sneakers?
I started to diversify my sneaker selection right after high school. They were cheap and easy-to-get sneakers, like Chucks and Vans. Near the end of 2019, I decided to start seriously collecting and buying “expensive” sneakers that I’ve always wanted.
How many pairs do you currently have in your closet?
I would say I have somewhere around 125 pairs at the moment. I’ve let go of a ton of Yeezy’s over the past year. I went through a Yeezy phase, but it was short-lived.
How long have you been a member?
I joined SoleSavy in November 2020 after watching Chris from Weartesters interview DP on his YouTube channel.
What is the oldest sneaker in your collection?
My oldest pair that would be considered “cool” would be a pair of Dunks from 2007. The soles hardened because I used to wear them to mow the lawn. I’ve since removed the soles so I can replace them with a donor pair. I have Chucks that are much older though.
What’s the sneaker that got you hooked?
The sneaker that got me hooked was the Jordan 6 ‘Infrared’. I wasn’t able to get a pair back then, so once I started collecting I knew that was a pair I had to have. They are a top Jordan of all time for a lot of people, and rightfully so!
What’s your best steal or retail cop?
The biggest steal and the pair that I’m most proud of purchasing was a pair of Raptor 4s. I got them for $15! They were pretty beat, but I was able to restore them to a very wearable and beautiful state.
What’s “the one that got away” for you?
Oneness had a charity raffle for the Union Air Jordan 4 ‘Off Noir’. I purchased 5 tickets from them thinking I had no chance in hell to win. The money was going to a good cause, so what the hell, right? I ended up getting an email with an invoice included saying that I won a pair! I was so so pumped! Probably the most excited I’ve ever been for a sneaker. I paid the invoice and some time later received them in the mail. When I opened the box I was devastated to see that it was a size 5! I wear a size 11… It turns out I filled out 1 of my tickets as a size 5 by mistake. So yeah… That was a huge letdown!
What are five sneakers every person should have?
The number 1 sneaker that everyone should have is a Jordan 1! Next, I would say any New Balance collab, because they are absolutely killing it right now. Jordan 3s because they are comfortable and so freaking stylish. A pair of Dunks so you can fit in with the cool kids. Lastly, Chuck Taylors because they are timeless and can be worn with anything.
What’s a sneaker in your collection that always gets looks/compliments when you wear them?
I get the most looks and compliments from the Social Status x Nike Free Lunch Dunks. I have a mismatched pair, one strawberry, and one chocolate. Another member and I decided that if got one colorway and he got the other, we would swap and create a “what the” look. Very fun and cool experience.
What’s the most you’ve done for a pair of shoes?
I haven’t done anything crazy. The most I’ve done is drive a couple of hours to secure a pair. I have collected donations from members in my Slack Community to hook up unexpecting people with pairs from their grail list. It requires a ton of work, but I’m lucky enough to have awesome members like @BradYe and @Carlos to help with the leg work.
Best sneaker trade?
I ended up trading those Size 5 Union 4 Off Noir for a pair of Off-White x Air Jordan 5 ‘Sail’ in my size. You may remember a sad story about those Union 4s.
What pairs do you have for sale or trade on COLLECT right now?
I have a ton of pairs on COLLECT ranging from below retail steals to grails like the Travis Scott x Air Jordan 6 ‘British Khaki’.
What pairs are you currently watching?
A pair that I absolutely need that I’ve been watching is the Jordan 1 85 ‘Georgetown’. You will be mine one day!
How do you think the sneaker game has changed since you started collecting?
When I started collecting I was looking for Jordans that were on sale like the ‘Bloodline’ 1s and the Jordan 6 ‘Reflections of a Champion’. We had 2 years where nothing was on sale and everything was selling out. It looks like we are finally at a place where you can sit back and wait for some pairs to go on sale. I just purchased a pair of the ‘Crepe’ Air Max 1s this morning. I’m so happy to see things go full circle.
What is currently your biggest frustration with sneakers as a whole?
All these releases are getting so good and it’s hard to pass on all of them! In all seriousness, I would say it’s the quality of materials used on these builds on Nike specifically. Prices are going up and quality is going down.
Brand rapid-fire – What are your favorite Nike, adidas, Jordan, and New Balance models?
My favorite Nike is the Air Trainer. They are all so good. adidas Forum, I would like more strapless versions. Jordan 1, easy. I have 30-plus pairs. 2002Rs, the Protection Pack specifically. Man, those are beautiful!
Come for the sneakers, stay for the community.
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