How Female Sneakerheads Have Changed The Game

Sneakerhead or Hypebeast: Which One Are You?

Culturally, we’re influenced by social media, celebrities, fashion trends, bloggers, and of course influencers. So I ask this question, are you a Sneakerhead or a Hypebeast?  We have individuals who claim to be sneakerheads but they lack the knowledge of the shoe. They are unfamiliar with the history of the sneaker and its meaning. Like yes, they know Michael Jordan but do they know what game inspired the colorway or even the Championship year? Better yet, how many points was scored during the game? What significance it had on MJ’s career?

All they know is that it’s a trending brand and someone’s going to catch their fly. They swarm the stores and buy every new release because of the hype. They love trends, especially the ones on shoes and trending fashion. We call you all Hypebeasts. Not that it’s a bad thing, but save some shit for the collectors. Because see, we are particular. For me, Jordan 1’s are my go-to. No, I don’t own every release but I own the ones that I’ve researched or who designed it. My most recent purchases was designed by women.

If you’re truly a Sneakerhead, you have attended events for the launch of the new sneaker, Sneaker Con, hosted/attended local sneaker store Pop-Up Shops, signed up for raffles, both retail and resellers. You have connections that will ensure you get a pair of a new releases. We are a part of a sneaker community. You’re known to others and supportive of your peers and their creativity.

For me, sneakers are impactful. My sneakers speak for themselves. I tend to make sneaker contact before eye contact. When I’m headed out I proceed to my collection and choose my sneaker first. The outfit comes second. Your sneakers make statements that only other Sneakerheads will understand. I dress sneakers up for social events such as Sunday Brunch and even work. I dress sneakers down to hang out and tour cities while on vacation. Or I may just throw on my beaters and do my thing. 

Beaters are your everyday kicks, well worn with no major value. In fact, at a certain point, these sneakers are your go-to and the most comfortable. One thing about me, you wouldn’t be able to tell they are beaters because I take care of them. Until recently, my beaters were Chuck Taylors. I have almost every color. My current beaters are the CR8 Q20, a Nike Air Max 1, created and designed by a local Houstonian Female Sneaker Designer, Kimmiski.

Related: My True Love Of Nike Air Force Ones

Are Women Taking Over The Sneaker Industry Creatively?

Let’s switch it up a bit, I’m a female Sneakerhead. Most people think of men when it comes to sneakers, however, I’m here to tell you, women are doing the damn thing. For the past few years, female Sneakerheads have changed the perspective of what’s acceptable and what’s not when it comes to your kicks. We’re changing the game completely. We mix our colors and styles depending on a pair of sneakers. Allow me to introduce you to some women I truly admire who are Sneakerheads like myself. 

Melody Eshani

Melody Eshani, Creative Director for Footlocker, dropped a collaboration with Jordan in 2019. The Air Jordan 1 Mid Fearless sold out in two minutes. Now, talk about the power of a woman. She was ahead of the game. She knew hypebeasts and bots would take over her release via the SNKRS app so she released the sneaker a week early on Instagram. Although, I caught L’s on all platforms, the Fearless Mids, is still on my Wish Wish List. Eshani’s brand is streetwear inspired by early hip hop. She sells everything from sweatsuits to bamboo earrings. My favorite piece would have to be the two-fingered ring. She’s a businesswoman making an impact.  Melody’s Instagram is @melodyeshani.

Kimmiski Adams

“The sneaker app Ls get easier to take when so much love comes from the things you create” – Kimmiski

The woman behind my beater sneaker. A local Houstonian Female Sneaker Designer/ Creative Educator by the name of Kimmiski Adams. She joined Nike by You and CNK Daily during the beginning of the Quarantine and created, what has become a Houston classic. There has not been one sneaker event where this sneaker has not been spotted. And she’s always there offering mentorship. Outside of creating dope-ass sneakers, she is an art teacher by day. But not your normal boring art classes. Nope, she collabs with Nike, Reebok, and Finishline to name a few, and inspires her children to live out their dreams through creativity. Go check her out on Instagram  @Kimmiskiart. 

Keia Kodama

Sactown, where you at? Keia, a Fashion Blogger and Habitual Creator, is another female Sneakerhead who inspires me as well through her creative content. Nine times out of ten, she did it first. Inspiration comes in many forms. Although we have similar tastes in kicks, that’s not what caught my eye. Shortly after the shutdown, we all began seeking DYI projects. I happened to scroll by Keia’s Insta and was immediately blown away by her content. Each post included sneakers but with a twist. As of today, I am my Sister’s Keeper and number one fan.

Here are a few pieces I created inspired by Keia: A Nike floral arrangement, rug, 

Acacia

If Fashion was a person, my girl Acacia would be her. The Connecticut-based Fashion Blogger and Wardrobe Stylist is not afraid to break the bank for some kicks but refuses to spend a lot or little to nothing for her lewks. And when I say lewks, she doesn’t miss. Her inspirational looks are from budget-friendly retailers such as SHEIN, Forever21, Rainbow, and Target. I visit Acacia’s page when I’m planning for an outing and need inspiration surrounding my kicks. Her looks are always bold and live. She always seems to help make my light bulb click.

You can find Acacia on Instagram @lefthandglam

Sneakers are a Lifestyle

Being a Sneakerhead is a lifestyle. Sneakers brings excitement, creativity, and brand partnerships. It’s a conversation starter and the beginning of new friendships. Do not break the bank and buy every new release. Jordan releases his drops months ahead of the release date. Budget and save for your investment. We’re not always lucky copping a pair from a retailer which leads us to resell. Plan for it.

Buy your kicks, find your drip, snap some pics and be individually you! In the words of Kimmiski, NEVER FOLD 🤘🏾

Signed,

A Sneakerhead 👟 

RiRi

RiRi is a certified lover of Sneakers, Fashion, and Photography.