I am a sneakerhead episode 205 - @jonas.a.sandqvist
First up, could you please introduce yourself?
Hi everyone, my name is Jonas Ånmo Sandqvist, 42 years old and an addict. Addicted to buying and collecting sneakers that is.
Born and raised in Malmö, Sweden where I live with my wife Hanna and two kids, Gabriel, 13 and Isabelle, 8 years old. We also have a dog and a fish (I need to mention the pets not to get yelled at by my daughter)
For how long have you been a sneakerhead?
Not sure when it started really, but I have been loving sneakers since my teens being a hiphop kid (sounds like a cliché, I know).
But, I guess I started collecting sneakers more seriously when I started working in a sport retail store back in ’01, managing the shoe departement. I have actually been on my way out of the game more than once, selling a majority of my collection, but it has always dragged me back in…
Do you remember what your first pair of sneakers that you really cared about was?
My first core sneaker memory was when borrowing my moms new Adidas Torsion in 5th grade and got a lot of comments and stares in school. From then I was hooked… but a pair I really care about? The only pair in my collection I won’t get rid off is a pair of ”Oreo” 6s. Not a specifically hyped pair but they have a sentimental value for me, connected to my amazing wife (she will be happy about that comment )
Are there any brands in particular that you enjoy, and why is that?
I used to be a Nike and Jordanhead, but sold of 90% of my Jordans 6-7 years ago and nowadays I focus more on retro runners. Asics is my absolute favorite brand with New Balance and Mizuno, a new-found love, as close seconds.
Do you usually buy sneakers in physical stores or online?
Usually online. Living in Malmö the selection of sneaker stores is sparse, but if I buy in-store it would normally be from Hiatus, Tres Bien or Meadow. Also bought some pairs from Second Place when they have their pop-up stores open.
Have you bought anything in 2023 so far?
It’s been a busy first half of 2023, with 9 pairs bought.
3 pairs of Asics Gel-Lyte 3 ”Color Toe”
Ceizer X Mizuno Contender ”Garde la Pêche”
Hikmet X Mizuno Contender ”Snowdrop”
Sean Wotherspoon X Asics Gel-Lyte 3
Concepts X Gel-Lyte 3 ”Otoro”
Joe Freshgoods x New Balance 9060 ”Inside Voices"
and a pair of Mizuno Wave Rider 10.
What is your favourite pair in your collection?
It changes a couple times every year… right now I’m loving the Ceizer Mizunos ”Garde La Pêche”. Great materials, amazing colorway and loving the Contender silhouette. I also have soft spot for the Atmos x Sneaker Freaker GL3 ”Alley Cats” (just a great shoe).
Do you already know what your next purchase will be?
Actually just bought my latest pair a couple hours ago, so that would make it 10 pairs bought so far in 2023. Bought the Mita x Mizuno Wave Rider 1 ”No Borders”. I never really plan what I will buy next. If I see a great pair, regardless of general release or hype, I will try to buy it. I love buying nice general releases which has jokingly given me the nickname ”GR” amongst my closest sneaker friends
If you could only wear one pair for the rest of 2023, which would it be and why?
Wow, hard question. The boring answer would be a pair of comfy Hokas, but I really love the Wave Rider 10s from Mizuno. Only own one pair, but will definitely buy more pairs. Great silhouette, extremely comfortable and perfect with the whole 2000 runner trend going on.
Finally I just want to give a shoutout to my fellow m.a.m.i.s out there (Middle Aged Men In Sneakers) - Jonas, Crippe, Jimmy, Boman and Michael.
Make sure to follow Jonas on Instagram: