Trainer Talk Thursday: Women in Sneaker Culture- Key2ursole

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 Key2ursole aka Key, the first post I think was her showcasing the Women’s AF1 Vintage Wine. The Force is Female,” was an instant connection for me with the caption and selections! I definitely love her posts with her amazing storytelling captions, great style and unique vibe, and energy! 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've always liked sneakers since I was a kid, However, the sneaker that really did it for me, was the 2009 Space Jam 11.

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

Sneakers are a big part of my life. Even when I was working a job where I had to wear black shoes, my manager at the time always let me rock lol. Now I work my own schedule so I get to wear whatever I want. I also worked at jimmy jazz at a point so of course, I wore sneakers all the time. I wear sneakers everywhere unless I'm in the mood to put on some heels.

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

My top 5 hasn't really changed but As I stated, The sneaker that did it for me was the Space jam 11. I was/still am obsessed with that shoe. I actually got those days after the release. That was the time you can still get sneakers for retail days after and find your size. The next shoe is the playoff 8s. In 2007, that was my 1st pair of 8s. I wanted the Aqua 8s that came out before those so bad and my sister got them and I didn't. I cried so hard lol, but when I redeemed myself and got the playoffs, I fell in love. Another shoe would be the Black Cement 3s. Those shoes are everything. That's the shoe that made Jordan stay with Nike. It's so iconic. My first pair was in 2011 and I got them early for about $160. I couldn't do this list without a Jordan 1. The Jordan 1 Bred is my favorite 1 of all time. I remember in 2013 there was a little struggle and I wasn't sure if I would get my pair. I was at my grandmother’s house, and my brother came in he had my pair in his hand. It wasn't free & I had to pay him lol, but I was so happy. The last shoe is The Vans Sk8-Hi "Nintendo Collab" I'm a huge fan of Vans, but these are sentimental to me after losing my Grandma in 2020. She was 104, but when she was in her 80s she used to play the game "duck hunt" so for that reason there will always be special to me. I have doubles of each pair mentioned besides the Vans & 1s.

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

I feel like most women in sneakers have a sports background of some sort, but I don't lol. I know the greats of course, but I don't have a favorite athlete. As an inspiration, I don't have a go-to. I feel I've always known how to put fits together. I actually won "Most original" In high school because I was known for my sneakers and how I dressed. My style goes from Tomboy/Girly/Alternative/Emo. However, I do love Teyana Taylor!

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

Some grails that are still on my list are the Doernbecher 4s, Black toe Jordan 1s, Ginger 16s (but those need a new release ASAP)

What are issues or things you dislike about women and sneaker culture? How would You change those things?
There are a lot of issues women are still overcoming to be respected in this culture. One being, people assuming that we don't know anything about the culture and it seems like people take us as a joke. Another being women of color specifically black women who don't get the recognition and aren't put in positions to be a voice of women in sneakers. In general, women have some of the best collections I've ever seen and we need to be respected more. If I was able to change those things, I would give women who have smaller accounts a chance to be seen and heard. It seems if you don't have 10k followers or more, people look past you. It's a lot of women who can be great look && face for these brands.

What do you see as the future of sneaker culture?

Sadly, I'm not sure. I would like to think everything that's going on is a phase lol, but everything seems so money motivated and about clout chasing. I honestly don't believe that people have the passion for sneakers as much anymore. Resell is pretty much the new retail, and at this point, I can't keep up lol. But I do think women as a whole will be more front and center & calling a lot of the shots!

Talk about starting your YouTube channel what made u want to start it and what can we expect from you the rest of the year with content?

So this goes back to my grandmother. After she passed I literally needed to find a hobby to stay sane with everything going on in the world as far as Covid/Pandemic went. That was my main reason for starting it. I didn't realize until after I posted how many people were going to support me. It was very exciting, but I got a reality check quickly. It's not easy lol. I constantly find myself struggling with content because, to be honest, people only want to see early reviews. I don't always have early review money Lmao so I'm not as consistent as I should be to grow as fast as other YouTubers. However, For this year I decided to stick with sneaker views, stories, some sneaker&fit videos, but incorporating Mental health with sneakers, As a person who struggles with it, I want to shed some light on it from my perspective. I think social media is a blessing and a curse, especially in sneaker culture. It can take a toll on one’s mental health and I want to be a voice to let others know I see them, and I understand,

Talk about your Instagram picture aesthetic & story/captions. Do you work with one photographer or multiple ones to create the great sole angles you present?

One of the things I enjoy about posting is I love to go back and tell stories I have with releases from years back. I think I bring in two audiences when I do so. People who have been collecting for a long time, and people who are new to collecting. OGs get to reminisce with me about the easier times copping, and new collectors can appreciate my point of view of sneaker culture and see some shoes that they haven't seen before. This can let them know it's okay to have versatility, buy what you like, and not everything has to be hyped. I actually take my own sneaker pictures on my phone. I just stand my phone up and put a timer on. My family/friends usually take my full body pictures though.

Anything you want to plug for upcoming things?

Nothing upcoming as of yet, but subscribe to my Youtube channel for in-depth sneaker content :)