First of all, could you please introduce yourself?

My name is Reza Farahani. I’m 35 years old. I was born and raised in Tehran, Iran. I moved to the US in 2009 to continue my education. I started sneaker photography and my Instagram account (@indy.sneakers) in May 2015. I lived in Indianapolis for almost 12 years and recently moved to Austin for my wife’s new job. I’m a business analyst for a large healthcare organization.

For how long have you been collecting sneakers - do you remember what your first ever "proper" pair was?

When I was in Iran, I did not have access to a lot of sneakers. I played a lot of soccer (indoor and outdoor) so I started collecting Onitsuka Tiger, Asics and Diadora around 2002. In the US, I started collecting again in 2014 after falling in love with made in US and made in UK New Balances. If I remember correctly, I purchased a pair of miUS 996 “Connoisseur Painters” pack for $150 and then eventually purchased all the models in that pack.

How many pairs do you have? Can you remember all of them?

That’s a tough question! I had to downsize when we moved to Austin. Right now I probably still have over 100 pairs (I probably need to downsize more!). I remember 90% but every now and then when I’m cleaning my closet, I find a pair that I forgot I owned. Actually last week, I found a pair of SneakerNess x Asics Gel Lyte V in my closet that I had completely forgotten about.

You seem to have a great variety of sneakers in your collection, do you have any favourite brands/models? 

My favorite brand since 2014 has been New Balance. My other favorite brands are Asics, Diadora and Saucony. My favorite silhouettes are New Balance 1500 (miUk), New Balance 90V2, Asics Gel Lyte III, Diadora N9000 and of course the classic Adidas Stan Smith. 

What equipment do you use for your Instagram posts? 

My Instagram account has seen a lot of growth in picture quality since the beginning days. When I started my page, I did not know much about photography and editing. I started with Nikon D3100 (with the stock lens), then moved to 35 mm lens (f 1.8). Nowadays, I shoot with Nikon D5500 and the same 35mm 1.8 lens. Occasionally, I use my iPhone as well. The editing is done in Lightroom (and sometimes Photoshop).

What is your favourite picture on your Instagram account?

Another difficult question! my personal favorite is a shot of New Balance 1500BFR because I searched for that pair for almost 4 years and was able to purchase a pair for decent price right before my birthday in June 2019..

I also like my Instagram profile picture because it represents me and my attitude towards sneakers.

However, according to Instagram my most liked picture is a recent shot of my custom 574 (nb1) which I made back in 2019 for Halloween.

If you could only wear one model for the rest of the year, what would it be?

For overall comfort and shape, I’d go with 990V2 with 1500 being a close second.

Have you bought anything recently?

Yes. Recently I’ve purchased a pair of KITH x United Arrows & Son x New Balance 997 (M997KTI) and New Balance 990 CP2.

What's your favourite release of 2021 so far?

My favorite release is New Balance 2002R Protection Pack which ironically I don’t own a pair (any help is appreciated!). I also like Levi’s 992 and Size? 550. I’m glad to see Saucony back with Food Fight.

Do you plan on copping anything anytime soon?

I would like to purchase the KITH anniversary New Balances ( especially 990V3 Daytona). At this point and with all the hype around New Balance, it’s difficult to purchase New Balance’s new releases so I’m trying to focus on older collabs (pre-2014) from New Balance.

Do you have an all-time grail? Either in your collection or just something, you'd wish you'd be able to pick up?

Hopefully one day I’ll grab my ultimate NB grails (1500PIC, M1500CBP and 1500B). I would love to complete Crooked Tongues x New Balance 'Confederation Of Villainy' pack as well.

Diadora N9000 “Casteller”, New Balance 1500BFR, Asics x Alife GLIII Monster pack Kryptonite (F&F) and Saucony Shadow 5000 Burger are my grails that I currently have in my collection.

Make sure to follow Reza on Instagram