WHAT ARE THOSE?! ๐ Capitol Hill store celebrates sneaker culture
0From an invention primarily designed for sports to the feet of celebrities and pro athletes around the world, sneakers have become more than just footwear.
โIt's a lot more than a shoe," Parris Johnson, owner of Sole Mates said. "It's like a time capsule if you will."
They can be just as much a fashion statement, collectible item, or even a piece of art. And many will pay a big price just to get their hands on one-of-a-kind kicks.
The Northwest has a big history when it comes to celebrating sneaker culture. In the mid-โ90s, Nike rethought its branding for the Air Jordan 10, the second Air Jordan sneaker. They landed on a theme that would become the Air Jordan 10 City Series. Seattle, home of the Super Sonics at the time, were a featured city in the biggest sneaker launch of 1994 to 1995. The Air Jordan 10 โSeattleโ represents an era of richness for the now-defunct Seattle franchise.
โSeattle really is a big influence on music, we have a big influence on movies, and we have big influence on sneakers and fashion,โ Johnson said.
Sole Mates is a shop located in the heart of Capitol Hill, where you can buy, sell, and trade sneakers. But also is a place where you can just visit to checkout unique kicks and have great conversations with other sneakerheads. Johnson has been collecting sneakers for decades, and the sneaker culture is a big part of his life.
โSome of the best friends that I have, I meet from sneakers lines,โ Johnson said. โWhen a shoe drops, you remember where were you were at when it came out.โ
Without question, you will find a fellow enthusiasts when it comes to sneakers at Sole Mates.
Sole Mates is open Monday to Saturday from noon-7:00 p.m., and Sundays by appointment only.
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