Trainer Talk Thursday: Women in Sneaker Culture - Sneakervision

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 following Sneakervision aka Kenya Heard recently and really enjoy her feed, her collection is amazing and her site showcases sneakers and the WNBA while also contributing to a few other outlets! Here’s a Q&A to get to know her better!

What was the 1st pair of kicks that sparked your interest in sneakers?
I would say that in the beginning, it wasn't about the sneakers for me-I was enthralled and engrossed with NBA Superstar Michael Jordan. I thought he was an amazing player and I couldn't miss watching him play with the infamous Chicago Bulls on Sundays. After I was old enough to get a job and buy my own Sneakers...I still didn't buy Jordans, it was Nike Cortez, Air Max, Fila, Didora, K-Swiss, Tretorn, Ellesse, Adidas Stan Smith, Converse-I have rocked it ALL.

How do sneakers fit into your life and aesthetic? Is it part of your career, weekend looks, etc?

 I am naturally active-I use fitness as a way to control my anxiety (no medication). So I go to the gym maybe 4 times a week or Hike the 5 miles around Stone Mountain, I throw on; typically a pair of Nike Air Max Torch 4's or my super OLD Huarache's that I expect to fall apart any time soon. I have worked from home for over a year however when I was commuting to the office, the environment was super casual. I rocked sneakers and jeans every day. Sneakers are a HUGE part of my day to day life. Weekends, just as much-even more. 

What are your top 5 kicks and how has that changed over the years?

My top 5 Kicks 1. The OG Jordan 13’s Playoffs-I copped a pair from the Nike outlet many, many,  many years ago they are still wearable and the leather looks amazing. 2. The OG 88 Jordan 3's-three's are just a DOPE silhouette. Black Cement 3 just makes me GUSH. They have a classy, dressy look, you can wear them with anything. 3. High top Jordan 11's-absolute favorites. The Concords and the Play-Offs are definitely a MUST HAVE in your sneaker collections. They are so squishy and comfortable. 4. I think 8's are underrated. They are a bit cumbersome to get on. But once you have them on foot-they feel like walking on a cloud. 5. I will take any sneaker in a cool grey color. Of course; it's not your typical OG colorway-but Cool Grey looks dope on almost any silhouette.

Do you have a favorite athlete or person for inspiration for looks?

I have a couple of athletes, I think rock DOPE looks-Diamond DeShields is one of my favorites, she just has A LOT of swag. Liz Cambage-she's just so freakin cool. I also love Russell Westbrook-he seems so comfortable in his skin and rocks what he likes. I love how Teyanna Taylor is a beautiful woman but isn't afraid to wear oversized everything with sneakers and she looks amazing!

What are some grails that you're on a quest for still?

I would love to have a pair of OG Retro-Jordan 1's. I don't have a pair of those in my collection. I would love for the OG Playoff 13's to Retro. I need a new pair. I also would love to get a pair of Cool Grey 11's. I was able to cop the Flint 13's-they were high on my priority list to get. 

What are issues or things u dislike about women and sneaker culture? How would u change those things?

 In the women's sneaker culture- I wish Black Women were recognized just as much as other races. I know a lot of dope women that have been collecting for YEARS. New Hype is OK-BUT I see some  Black girls out here with heat and they are very overlooked. I am also pushing for and hoping that sneakers don't have to have a gender-just make it a drop-make it a sneaker. OR if women continue to have specific sneakers, make our colorways and materials, just as DOPE (which is improving). 

As far as the sneaker culture; I think it's getting a little better as far as men respecting women. A guy better not try it with me-I'm deep in the game. But I have heard stories of how men are disrespecting women-over sneakers, that's uncalled for. 

What do u see as the future of sneaker culture and where do you see yourself fitting into that?

Just this year, maybe late last year; I have noticed how hard it is to cop sneakers. It's HARD. Releases are becoming more narrow or tight. Especially with the virus...you have to enter as many raffles as possible, have 2 or friends to help you cop-it's tough out here for sneaker collectors. I wear a men’s size 8/women's size 9.5- (popular size) my size on a reseller app is $1000 or way over retail-for me to pick up. I would love to be more of an ally for my ladies that truly want the sneaker for retail. I am open to helping cop in any way I can. 

Any final things you may want to add or plug?

I love the representation of women, black women on Instagram-it's dope and it's heartwarming. For many, many years, I thought I was the only girl who LOVED sneakers and couldn't stop buying sneakers...LOL! It's amazing to see and know that I am not the only girl who has a sneaker fetish. I have been embraced and welcomed-it's just a dope feeling!