Trainer Talk Thursday: Women in Sneaker Culture- Rosie Lee
I wanted to shine a spotlight on some of the amazing women in sneaker culture that I have been able to connect with online. I started following Rosie on Twitter through a hip-hop thread and bonded first over music and then via kicks and now via Instagram as well! I enjoy her TL and her personality shines through her music selections, collection, and her cat! She’s been very supportive, always sharing some amazing info and fun to chat 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?
My first pair I bought were a pair of Nike Waffle Diablos in the early 80s with a light blue swoosh. That kick started my love affair.
How do sneakers fit into your life and aesthetic? Is it part of your career, weekend looks, etc?
Everyone who knows me well knows that I am a sneakerhead. My style has always been sporty and I like to feel comfortable. I wear them every day, even in the Summer when it’s boiling hot and my feet are melting. I went to the NIKE global headquarters in Portland a few years ago for work as they were one of my clients. I was totally freaking out at their display of the history of Air Jordans and spent way too much in their staff store.
What are your top 5 kicks and how has that changed over the years?
In no particular order (this was a hard list because I have had so many favourites)
- Nike Air Max 90. I’ve had a few pairs over the years. My latest Volt pair is my favourite colourway because they have neon on them. I’m a huge fan of white with neon, especially for Summer.
- Adidas Stan Smith. I have a couple of limited edition pairs that people always comment on. I bought the red Valentine pair because I was going to wear them at my wedding but I couldn’t wait, so I guess I will need to find another pair of sneaks to wear - haha.
- Jeremy Scott X Adidas Originals JS License Plate ‘South Beach Miami’. I love them because they remind me of Neopolitan ice cream and 80s fashion. I was super happy to find a pair in women’s sizes.
- Nike Dunk Sky Hi. At one point I had 4 pairs I wore throughout the week on rotation. I like them for the extra height they gave me. Sadly my podiatrist told me I had to stop wearing them so much because they were mashing up my toes as I was wearing them nearly every day.
- The last pair are my Air & Grace khaki camo hi-tops because they feature two of my fave things – neon orange & camouflage. They were a birthday present from my fiancé which makes them extra special. I haven’t even worn them out yet 'cos of the pandemic, they're far too nice to just wear for a trip to the supermarket. They shall be revealed to the world eventually!
The last few years I have been buying less sports brand sneakers. I do like to keep a lookout for the latest drops but I can’t justify dropping so much money on one pair of sneakers. My heart breaks when resellers hike the prices up so much. I saw a pair of men’s Jordan 1 black and pink in a reseller shop that were x5 times more than what they actually cost and that made me feel sick.
Do you have a favorite athlete or person for inspiration for looks?
Missy Elliott. I love absolutely everything about her, especially her fondness for loud prints and bright colours. She is an originator, trailblazer and pioneer. I have so much respect for her.
What are some grails that you’re on a quest for still?
When I was in Italy a few years ago I saw a pair of camouflage Atlantic Stars and I’m still annoyed with myself that I didn’t buy them at the time
My wedding sneakers. I have just under a year to find them!
I love Air Jordan 1 mids so will keep an eye out for a colourway that I like
What are the issues or things you dislike about women and sneaker culture? How would you change those things?
I’ve always been annoyed that we don’t get more cool colourways and styles like men’s sneakers. I’m not a big fan of pastels and don’t want to wear pastel pink, peach, lilac or baby blue sneaks – give me the strong, bright colours any day.
I really dislike the luxury fashion brands that have jumped onto sneaker culture in the last few years. They may have the designer name but their designs are FUGLY and cost an absolute fortune.
I’m not a fan of the pre-distressed look either. I want mine to be box-fresh and look crisp, especially if they’re white or predominantly white. I don’t want to buy new sneakers that already look like someone’s worn them on the underground all day and had people step all over them.
I want to see more female sneakerheads get visibility in what is predominately a male scene. If I spot a female with cool sneakers on I will usually always end up chatting to them.
What do you see as the future of sneaker culture and where do you see yourself fitting into that?
I would like to see more sustainable materials being used. Adidas has made a great start with their Primeblue and Primegreen ranges. NIKE also has their Space Hippie sustainable collection. There are also other sustainable sneaker brands but so far I’m not keen on any of the styles that I have seen. I want sustainable street styles that look cool so when that happens, sign me up!
I am planning to buy some of Air & Grace’s vegan range which launches later this year.
Any final things you may want to add or plug?
To all my fellow sneakerheads around the world, please consider donating a pair or two that you don’t wear anymore to homeless charities. Let’s share the sneaker love.
