I am a sneakerhead episode 159 - @Mrjes73
Hello Epsilon family. My name is Jim Souza. I'm one of the older guys in the community. I'm starting to stare the big 5-0 in the eyes. I live about 45 min south of Boston, MA. Along the coast of Massachusetts. Born, raised and still here- at times begrudgingly but it's home. I'm full blooded Portuguese born in the US. I'm a husband to an incredible wife (25 years strong) and father to two incredible kids. I've been a sneaker lover for four decades now. I prefer sneaker lover because to me I see shoes as an art.
My first love of shoes started right around 1982 when I was given my choice for my first "expensive" shoe. Prior I had been the wearer of whatever Thom McAnn or Fayva had on shelves. My first choice? The forever classic red, white and blue Nike Cortez. Amongst a wall of who knows how many other shoes that was the one that I could not leave without. And so it began...
My favorite brand is undoubtedly New Balance. I still have a deep love of Nike's very deep catalog, but as Nike as grown I've seen them care less about those who supported them before they were the monster they are.
For some years now New Balance has won me over with their truly impeccable quality, comfort and design. I will argue blue in the face how Nike at their best still isn't New Balance at their worse. I like to think of NB as a shoe for refined tastes. My wife agrees as she calls Nike my "kid" shoes.
New Balance is a gentlemen's shoe that I have invested in heavily. You can drink cold beer or a have nice aged vino... much like you can wear Nike or New Balance. That's how I view it.
What are your top three sneakers you own at the moment?
This is always a very rough one for me. It's like choosing a child. Now this may seem sort of contradictory to my take above, but I still do have a love for Nike. I just don't necessarily agree with Nike and their business model these days.
However I'd say that my Nike Jordan 1 Banned X would be one of my tops. It's hardly based on hype or secondary value. It's based most of all on the Banned colorway being the first Jordan I owned in 1985. Sure the quality is amazing (one of Nike's finest moments) and being able to buy at retail is another part of the allure of this one. I still would love this shoe regardless for the memories.
Next up... and a shoe that is as basic as it gets is the New Balance 998 Grey "Bringback". I've said in the past in talks, and still standby it today, that if I had to own one shoe for the rest of my life... this would be that shoe. A new fresh pair every couple of years and I'm without a doubt happy.
Lastly I'm probably going to say the Concepts Green Lobster. I wasn't able to land a purple pair from the same year. The release of that one slipped my hands and I couldn't make it out to release due to being short handed at work. Previously I had owned the blue pair (not the red) but in a great purge around 2012 I sold them to a friend who missed out. I had worn them so during that purge and sort personal time-out from the sneaker world, I decided to let him enjoy them (which btw still looked damn near deadstock). Concepts is the home team and I've had some great times in the past camping, spending, supporting and making friends with people in the Concepts family. From the tiny spot in the back of Tannery to Boston's Newbury St. They will forever be Boston's best.
What do you plan on buying next?
In the near future I'd say I'll be aiming for the Nike Dunk High Goldenrod. I have to say though my aim is ready to lock on the rumored Levi's x NB 992. That one will be a must have for me.
If you could change one thing in the sneaker community, what would it be and why?
I'd love to just change the whole new thinking of sneakers as a commodity. I think it's tainted sneakers as whole. I'd love to see people love shoes for what they are. For the art in a shoe. The designs. The materials. The history of sneakers. It's so tainted and watered down. I truly believe that if we took away the social media aspect that a large portion of those who call themselves "sneakerheads" would just disappear. Sneakers have become a status symbol or fashion "must" for many people who truly only are attention or clout seeking. And it's all because sneakers are viewed as a commodity. No one would care for a Salehe NB 2002r anymore than they care for a FILA fitness low if there wasn't a monetary and clout value attached. Let's bring back the love for love.
Thank you Oli and Epsilon family for your ear. I'm humbled to take part
Make sure to follow Jim on Instagram: