Trainer Talk Thursday: Women in Sneaker Culture - Sneakervibesonly
I wanted to shine a spotlight on some of the amazing women in sneaker culture that I have been able to connect with on Instagram. I started recently following Sneakervibesonly aka Janyne, the first post was her first reel showcasing her latest pick-ups and it was an instant connection for me with her amazing style! I enjoy her feed, as a fellow Scorpio her personality definitely shines through her collection, and she’s been very supportive on her stories not only to me but so many others that I now follow and connect with! Here’s a Q&A to get to know her better!
What was the 1st pair of kicks that sparked your interest in sneakers?
Adidas Superstars were my go-to in middle school. I would say they really sparked my interest in sneakers because I was really into clean white kicks and they went well with my school uniforms (I was in private school) lol.
How do sneakers fit into your life and aesthetic? Is it part of your career, weekend looks, etc.?
Sneakers for me, have become a part of my everyday life. I have always enjoyed shopping for and styling sneakers, but now that I have a “sneaker page” on Instagram, I find myself connecting more with so many amazing people in the sneaker community to talk about sneakers/sneaker culture, and my friends have started to ask for my advice on sneakers they should get or the latest release info, which is so much fun for me! My current job allows me to wear sneakers, which has kind of spoiled me because I don’t know if I could go back to working jobs that don’t allow it lol. Weekends are definitely my time to be creative in my looks and UNDS my new kicks! Quarantine has limited my outings, but I still try to wear sneakers as much as possible!
What are your top 5 kicks and how has that changed over the years?
1. Bred Jordan 11's are my all-time favorite sneakers. The first time I saw them I just fell in love. I think initially it was because my favorite colors are red, black, and white, and then it grew into just loving the silhouette and overall fit. That has been pretty consistent for me over the years.
2.Toro Bravo Jordan 4's would be my second choice. I do not know how I missed their release in 2013, but it seemed like I would see them everywhere until I finally got them on resell. Now that I have them, they are in hiding, because I am trying to preserve them, I guess. I just love the look of them.
3. Nike Air Force 1's will always be a classic for me. I remember getting them customized (e.g., rhinestones, airbrush, etc.) in high school and wearing matching ones with my friends back then. Now, I feel like a fresh pair of “Forces” or even the different colorways will give any outfit a classic vibe.
4. New Balance 327 “Neo Flames” are my newfound favorite. They are so comfortable and are my first pair of New Balances. I love having colorful shoes, because it gives me a variety of options to style my looks, and these kicks give me those options
5. Adidas Superstar again, because that’s where it all started for me. I don’t wear them as much as I used to, but they are original and take me back to happy times.
Do you have a favorite athlete or person for inspiration for looks?
Tracy McGrady is my all-time favorite athlete. I just remember growing up loving T-Mac for his basketball game and his overall swag lol. I don’t really have a person in mind who inspires my looks, but so many of my sneaker sisters have dope styles that I admire! I really just buy what I like and put it together!
What are some grails that you are on a quest for still?
The Melody Ehsani (ME) “Fearless” Jordan 1 Mid's are my top grail. I am so sad I took an L when they released because it was right before my birthday, I love ME, and the shoe is just so dope! Another grail for me would be the Heiress (Maroon) Velvet Jordan 11’s. This is another shoe I am sad I missed out on and have just not gotten around to paying the resell price on them!
What are the issues or things you dislike about women and sneaker culture? How would You change those things?
Honestly, I just wish that people gave more women in the sneaker community their recognition. There are so many dope and amazing women doing remarkable things, that are tied to sneaker culture. That is why I try to support women-owned businesses and platforms as much as possible. Also, on September 1, 2020, I started my sneaker page on IG @sneakervibesonly as a space to show my love for sneakers and empower other female sneaker enthusiasts. There is a whole community of women out there that I did not know about until I connected with them on social media. Although I may not be considered an “Influencer” or have thousands of followers, I will continue to use my space as a place to uplift and empower other women especially, so they can be recognized for being so dope!
What do you see as the future of sneaker culture and where do you see yourself fitting into that?
I do see sneaker culture constantly growing, as many people are starting to speak up and out about their views on sneaker culture, people are connecting more on social media, and some companies are beginning to showcase more diversity in their advertisements. I would love for @sneakervibesonly as a brand, to grow within the sneaker community and be known as a safe and positive space for sharing the love for sneaker culture overall.
Any final things you may want to add or plug?
I just really appreciate this opportunity to share a little bit about me. I do have some things coming soon related to my IG page @sneakervibesonly, so I hope that people will follow and support, and I’ll be sure to return the love! Thank you so much!
