Behind the Kicks: Ms. Solemate

This week I had the pleasure to chat it up with Ms. Solemate. Hailing from the fresh windy city of the Chi, Ms. Solemate has been in the sneaker community for quite some time. A very genuine and articulate female that lives and breathes this culture. She has an extensive collection of fresh kicks and tons of knowledge about sneakers. Enjoy what she told us.

Thanks a million for being able to chat with us. We know you have a lot going on but thank you for giving us a minute of your time.

No problem, thank you for allowing me to participate in this series.

How long have you been into sneakers? It looks like you been into sneakers for a long time the way you let others know about older releases.

I would have to say since I was 9 years old. My first love was seeing the Concords for the first time. They were so gorgeous and I wanted them so bad! It was the patent leather that really caught my attention. I had never seen a shoe like that before.

What is your earliest memory of having a pair of kicks that you felt so fly and so proud to rock them?

I remember the pair and it was when I was so young; I must have been around 7 or 8.  It would have to be a pair of LA Gears. My mom got them for me because of my good grades. They had a sort of pink lace material on them which looked beautiful. They also had pink flowers on the sides which made them look really girly.  They also had dual laces and I got so many compliments on them.  They were beautiful! hahaha

When did you start collecting sneakers?

I would have to say it was back in 2005. The first pair of kicks that started me collecting was the Jordunk. I wanted to look for an “everyday” pair of kicks in the first place and I saw them on PYS (PickYourShoes.com). I love that it look like a cement 4 and it could be worn everywhere and it looked so good on with everything

What is one thing that you make your style unique when it comes to sneakers?

I love different color of laces on kicks. I love switching them up and giving them a whole different look. I noticed a lot of people going back to that nowadays as well. I noticed a lot of people on Instagram wear them loose, personalize laces, add lace locks, or just don’ t wear laces in their shoes at all.

If you would have to choose a pair of sneakers you have a deep connection with or a great story with them, what pair would that be?

It would have to be my Carmine 6s. I remember living in Chicago and going shopping with someone very close to me. We would talk about everything and it was also great to get someones input and opinions about kicks. I had a hard time deciding between the Carmine 6s and the Hare 7s. The deal breaker was when they told me that the Carmines would look better on me. I took a second look and the color look so good on them. I’ll always remember that pair and remember how great that day was.

What is a pair of sneakers you had some trouble getting a hold of?

It would have to be my Nike SB MF DOOMs. I loved that pair so much but it was so rare to see them on sale. I finally saw them on sale from someone online and I quickly jumped to get them. The process went smooth to that point and I was really looking forward getting them before my vacation and my birthday. Sadly there was a huge ordeal with shipping and they were sent to a totally different address. We went back and forth and it sucked this was my first time ever buying from someone online. I finally received them about month later but it was a huge headache.

What pair of sneakers would you like to add to your collection?

I would love to get two pairs actually. One would have to the Nike SB Tiffanys. I fell in love with them since day one. I haven’t seen one pop up in my size recently, but when they have popped up, the price is really high. I would also love to get a pair of the Nike Air Max 1 “History of Air”. Those two I would love to add soon to my collection.

How has being in the sneaker culture changed your life?

I been fortunate to meet a lot of people that share my same love and passion for sneakers. I met some great people online and on Instagram that have such a passion for kicks. I also have met a lot more friends I could connect with and relate to on other things I am into as well.

What are some final words you have out there for all our readers and fellow sneaker aficionados.

I would have to say major props to all the female sneaker heads out there. Keep doing big things, keep collecting, and stay passionate about the culture.  I think it’s very important for us to build together, especially as women. I also want to say to leave the petty things aside and not let any of that get to us.  Last thing, buy and wear what pleases YOU!  They’re your kicks, your feet, YOUR STYLE!  Let your kicks show your personality.

Follow her on Twitter @Ms_Solemate

Instagram @Ms_Solemate