Sneakerplaats interview with @solemate86

1. Who (are you?), What (do you for a living?), Where (do you live?)

Hi, my name is Markus and I’m 35 years old.

I live near the beautiful city of Heidelberg in Germany, together with my wife and my little daughter. My job is to work in an advertising agency as a senior art director.

2. When did your love for sneakers start and why do you love sneakers so much?

My interest in sneakers started quite early. I think I was about 10 years old when it really caught me. At that time, basketball sneakers were really in fashion.

I was very interested in the sport at that time and it was always exciting to see which player was wearing which shoe. Fila, Rebook and Nike were the three top brands for me.

A few years later, I was more into the runner models. For example the Air Max 97 – the famous Silver Bullet and all the other dope colorways.

Why do I love sneakers so much? That’s a really good question that I’ve honestly never really thought about. I think I love the sneakerhead community on the one hand, but also the variety of models and colorways.

For me, the shoe has always been the centrepiece of the whole outfit you wear. Another big role for me is of course hunting for the old models, it’s an awesome feeling when you finally get the sneaker after a long search and can finally wear it.

3. Do you remember your first pair of sneakers? Which pair was it?

The first pair of sneakers I can really remember was Allen Iverson’s “The Answer” by Rebok in 1997. I absolutely had to have this shoe back then and was overjoyed when they was finally on my feet. Of course I rocked them till they were totally damaged.

4. What’s your favorite brand and model?

Definitely Nike. I’m in love with the Air Max 1. I like everything about this shoe. Of course, I don’t like every Air Max 1 that has come out so far.

It’s more the older models from 2003 to 2011 that I’m hunting down for my collection. The shape and materials were just amazing. This is what I often miss on today’s releases.

Maybe it also plays a role for me that the older releases are not that easy to get, which of course makes the hunt a lot more interesting. For example, find a Ben Dury Hold Tight today that doesn’t have any cracks in the 3M mudguard – … not so easy.

5. How many sneakers do you have in your collection?

Currently my collection consists of 32 pairs.

Doesn’t sound much but it was hard work to find all the old pairs I was looking for and there are still some pairs missing that I’m trying to find.

6. What’s your favorite pair from your collection?

Definitely the Air Max 1 Flamingo (Pink Pack). In my opinion one of the best colorways ever that has been executed on an Air Max 1.

7. Which pair(s) are still on your wish list?

On the list are White Hazelnuts, Studio ID pairs, Chlorophylls, 99 Mini Swoosh and Pink Coolers.

8. Do you have a favorite sneakerstore or -shop?

As I‘m more into the older pairs I only have the chance to cop them from private to private so I don’t really have a favorite store or shop.

9. Which brand and / or model would you never wear in your life? And why is that?

Definitely this Balenciaga Dad sneaker thing haha … but no hate to people who are into this – everyone has their own taste.

10. Which sneaker in your collection was the hardest to find/get?

It was the Air Max 1 Alabaster Dragon and the Snowflake. I really searched a long time for this pack and as this also was a WMNS only release, I needed to find them in a WMNS US 12.

Luckily I could manage to cop both of the pairs during the last year, it was unbelievable!

11. What advice would you like to give to new sneakerheads?

Don’t pay crazy prices for pairs that you want in your collection! Invest more time and be patient and you will find your pair for a fair price!

12. What has been your biggest steal ever?

It was the Air Max 1 Hazelnut that I managed to cop for € 40,- in a top condition.

13. How much time a day / a week do you spend on “sneakers”?

Definitely too much :-)) I think at least about 3 hours a day? Of course I always try to find a good balance between sneakertime and familytime.

14. How do your loved ones feel about your sneaker lifestyle?

When I started to build up my collection, I was constantly asked after each new pair if I really needed so many shoes. I think by now they’ve got used to it – at least I hope so haha.

15. Where can people follow you on your socials?

My Instagram name is @solemate86, I hope we can connect there 🙂