is an expert collector

i've been collecting sneakers for as long as i could wear them and now i'm lucky enough to run my own sneaker boutique in oxford, uk called ryouki. we've been trading for five years but i've been trading sneakers since i was about 15.

if i like a shoe i'll buy it, and i buy a shoe to wear, not to stash away in the loft collecting dust. the last box count was around the 250 mark but i've lost count of the amount that have been on my feet, some worn to death, others sold, lost, traded or given away. there's lot of regrets when it comes to shoes i had but no longer own but thats all part of collecting.. an occupational hazard if you like. its been tricky choosing my favourites for collectors quest as every shoe has its own attributes, but all the sneakers featured have a special place in my heart for one reason or another. whether it be the colourway, the silhouette, use of materials, the time of the release, the memories it may hold or even the simple fact that it was a bargain. i also have a love for white on black colourways, dont know why, just something i've picked up along the way. i'm not driven by hype, how limited a shoe is and have no loyalty to any particular brand or style but if i had to call my top five sneaker silhouettes it'd be the vans half cab and the chukka, nike air huarache light, asics gel-lyte III and the gt-II working in the industry definitely helps feed my habit but there's nothing more satisfying that hunting down a hard to find release and having it arrive on your doorstep a few days later. i cant see myself ever losing interest in collecting sneakers but as i've got older my tastes have definitely changed, my purchases are more thought out now and what turns me to a shoe has certainly changed from five years ago. its pleasing to know that ive got a ten year old son who's heir to my collection and he's there to take over the mantle as and when its time for me to hang up my shoes. a kind of mini-me if you like... which means im safe in the knowledge my collection will go to a good home as he loves his kicks as much as i do... if not more!!

my kids and my work... and i like a drink.

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