Women in Sneaker Culture: Danielle aka Sneakerfandan
Women in Sneaker Culture are definitely involved & making an impact but not highlighted as much and that needs to change! I first came across Sneakerfandan when I was steadily posting my kicks of the day looks years ago and through I think some hashtags I found her page and was amazed at her knowledge of kicks and even more so the fact she made her own customs! That still is a rarity I have come across in sneaker culture, I only see men highlighted so to see a woman doing these amazing works and being gracious enough to share knowledge or answer questions was supremely rare! Check out my interview with Danielle and the pics of her amazing customs and email her for serious inquiries on pricing!
Danielle reppin’ with her custom Maryland 1s. Photo Credit : Sneakerfandan Instagram
What was the first pair of kicks that started you on your journey to being a sneakerhead?
Sneakerfan Dan: I don't consider myself a "sneaker head;" I've just always been into sneakers. Both of my parents always had the latest sneakers, so they would always grab me a pair when they purchased theirs. The most iconic sneaker of all time for me would have to be the playoff 11s, though. I'll never forget the feeling of wanting that sneaker more than any other pair, the first time I saw them on Jordan's feet.
What were your top five sneakers originally and how has that changed or evolved?
SD: Playoff 11s, Black Cement 3s, Flightposite 3s, Red Carpet LeBron 7s, White/College Blue Air Jordan 17s.
I think those are still in my top 5, but since I started doing customs, I can honestly say that I enjoy wearing my own work a lot more than public releases.
What prompted you to get into painting customs and how did you learn about the paints and techniques? How long does it take for one custom pair and what are the average costs?
SD: I started doing customs a little over three years ago, because I got tired of the craziness that comes with releases, and also because a lot of my collection started to retro and I really enjoy having kicks that I can call my own and I don't like looking like everyone else. I bought some paint, watched a few YouTube videos, found a good base sneaker to start with, and started painting. Turnaround time and pricing for customs are both predicated on the details and style of a requested custom. Nothing takes the same amount of time, effort, creativity, or skill, so prices vary.
What would you like to see improved or changed for women in sneaker culture?
SD: Not really sure. I've been wearing men's size sneakers since I was 12, and I don't like many women's releases, as I don't like the "GS shape" that a lot of them are made in. I would say that some of the women's sneakers have dope color ways, but I can't stand when companies just flat out throw pink and purple on women's releases, as if women don't like other colors.
What are your top five customs you have done for yourself and what is the inspiration behind the color choices?
SD: Top five customs is hard for me lol. I recently did a top 10 and realized I left a lot of them out. That was tough.
What have been some of the best customs you have done for others?
SD: Some of the best pairs I've done for others would have to be the Maryland 2s and 3s, those Bordeaux 1s, a few 2ks, those Top 3 Holographic 1s, the gold Duncan foams, and pairs of safari Air Max 97s and Air Max 1s.
What's next for you and your online presence and possible custom business?
SD: Not sure what's next for me, as the whole customs thing just started off as something to do for myself. I honestly never thought people would ever ask me to paint their sneakers.
Danielle’s Custom Kicks: Holographic 1s, No Clue 1s, Air Max, New Balance, Maryland 1s
Sneakerdandan Photo Credit : Instagram
