Shaylo Reyes, or Shy, as she’s known in the community, is one of the kindest people you’ll ever meet. Born in New York City, and currently living in Charlotte, Shy is very passionate not just about sneakers but about giving back to her communities as well. She shares the best pickups she’s gotten through being a SoleSavy member, what makes a good Women’s release, and more below.
Tell us how you got into sneakers.
I fell in love with sneakers in junior high school. Growing up, my family could not afford any of the fancy sneakers like Nike, or Jordan. I was finally able to work as a summer youth employee and was able to cop my very first pair of sneakers which were the Nike Air Force 1 High Canvas SC “Midnight Navy.” I was super excited about this pair, but when I brought it home, my mom made me return them because they weren’t “girly enough.” I was devastated! She made me return them for a pair of black Eastlands instead. I was very much influenced by the culture I grew up with. Growing up in New York City during the Golden Era of Hip Hop, sneakers WERE the culture. I was immersed in it, and loved it!
How long have you been a member?
I have been a member since June 2020!
What sneaker do you cherish the most in your collection?
The sneakers I cherish the most are the Nike Kyrie 7 x Sneaker Room “Mom” in both colorways. I lost my mom in May of 2020 and so these hold a very close place in my heart.
What’s the best sneaker you’ve gotten through your SoleSavy membership?
Wow, this is difficult because there are way too many, but I think the best one is the Union x Air Jordan 4 “Off Noir” which was an assist by one of my SoleSisters in the group.
What’s your grail?
This one changes as I go back and forth but my current grail is the Union x Air Jordan 4 “Guava.”
Is there a pair in your collection that always gets slept on?
I say this so much that people may get tired of hearing this but, the Air Jordan 1 Retro High OG “Patina.” The more you wear it, the better it gets.
What’s one thing you’re passionate about outside of sneakers?
I’m truly passionate about being a Physician Assistant. I’m passionate about the community I serve, which are the underinsured, and underserved. I come from this community so they are important to me. I can go on about it but I won’t.
How does your sneaker collection reflect your personality?
I like sneakers that catch people’s eyes. I’m outgoing, and so my collection reflects that. I love to dress sneakers up, as well as dress them down. I love loud colors, and occasionally muted tones. I love comfort, and I love to support people on their sneaker journey, so I love to collect sneakers that are customized by the Women, Black, and Latinx communities or by sneaker customizers that are not known by many.
How do you decide which sneakers to add to your collection?
I think it all depends on how I feel about them. Do they add to my vibe? Do they go with my personality? Do they stand out? Although, I do cop everyday sneakers as much as the “hype” ones.
What sneakers do you have for sale on COLLECT right now?
For sale, I have a pair of Nike Foamposite Denim and Reebok Question Lows. I have Aleali May x Air Jordans I’m looking to trade as well!
What’s on your watch list on COLLECT?
On my watch list currently are the Union x Air Jordan 4 Guava, Nike SB Dunk Low “Ben and Jerry,” Air Jordan 1 “Biohacks” and, Union x Nike Dunk Low “Passport” to name a few.
What sneaker brand are you most excited about right now?
I’m actually looking to see what New Balance and Jordan have in store for us in 2023, especially with the Women’s releases.
What makes for a good Women’s release in your opinion?
A good Women’s release is a sneaker designed by women and catered to women. The Air Jordan 1 “Starfish” was a great example. They took the idea from handbags which I thought was pretty cool. Melody Ehsani and her designs always add a touch of femininity to the otherwise masculinity of certain models. A sneaker that represents women in different aspects. Women as mothers, women as businesspeople, and entrepreneurs. That’s what makes a good release.
What’s one thing you would change about sneakers in its current state?
I wish we could go back to just being able to walk into our favorite store and just purchase a sneaker we really want. I also wish that the sneakers were priced lower.
Come for the sneakers, stay for the community.
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