In Conversation with Joe: Luxury Footwear Collector 

05/04/24 

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What was your initial interest in footwear?
 

Personally, it's my staple of a good outfit. I always want to be comfortable, so trainers can be the way to go. Sometimes other shoes like brogues can be narrow and quite flat. I used to buy and sell footwear, so I saw a lot of different styles of shoes, and I was drawn to the unique styles and limited edition pieces.

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How has you passion for footwear evolved over time and what were the influences that caused it to evolve?
 

At first for me I was mainly just brand orientated, but now it’s down to comfort. It’s a different attitude towards brands, I like to buy more ethically made footwear now. I used to just buy stuff for the sake of it, but now I buy because I need. My hiking shoes have just fallen apart so I’m gunna invest in some Solomon’s cause they’re the comfiest trail shoes you can buy. They’re meant to be quite a sustainable brand too. 

 

What’s your top 3 items in your collection and why?
 

• Nike Shox TL Viotech 

• Solomon Labs 

• Nike 98’s 

• Vans Revenge Storm

• Concepts x Air Max 1’s SP ‘Heavy’
   

For all of them, the colour and the model, the way they enhance outfits, I like when footwear has colour aspects like complimentary colours and are versatile. I really appreciate colourfulness in footwear, and interesting aspects like different material textures, textiles or embellishments.

 

How important is the health of your foot when purchasing footwear, how much do you know about it?
 

I don’t really know what to look for, I just try it on and see how it feels. I did once buy some Balenciaga SSS and wore them for a year cause of the style, but they were so heavy and uncomfortable, I ended up selling them a year later. Not worth it, if I walked to uni and back, at the end of the day I’d end up with cramp in my calves. They were a limited edition colour way so I ended up with a £200 profit.
 

Do you buy mainly second hand or from brands? If brands, what draws you to a brand?

I usually buy depending on whether I buy the shoe, so I just look at where I can source them, I have no real preference about where they’re from, as long as the condition is good. I take care of my shoes so they’re the main focus rather than the brand. 

 

How do you find out about footwear pieces?

Different websites, different facebooks groups (which is where I sold)- on Facebook I got notifications about upcoming drops. I could look on different websites like GOAT which tells you about upcoming drops, the date, how many drops there’ll be etc. Also the highstreet, window shopping etc. I can be drawn to footwear that I see on other people and appreciate.

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Do you have a process before you make a purchase?

I just do research, then I buy. I don’t make lists of moodboards anymore, I simply wait until I need to make a purchase and then I make research.

 

Would you prioritise well-being over style, if the well-being included aspects like postural improvement or mental health support?

It has to be a balance, for me versatility of look is most important firstly, then anything after that would be a bonus. It can’t be a crime against fashion! 

 

 What materials do you know about that’re sustainable as a consumer?
Currently none. There isn’t very much news or media coverage talking about this at the moment, and especially not in the past. I don’t know many footwear companies trying to be sustainable, I know a bit more about ethics. 

 

How much would you be willing to experiment with sustainable footwear innovation, given that some of it is new?
 

It wouldn’t be a problem for me for example, if some sustainable materials like bioleather were less durable or water resistant than non-sustainable footwear. I look after my footwear, and also I would keep my non-sustainable shoes for when I need them.
 

Do you have any plans for the future to look into more sustainable footwear options?

Yeah! Then again, sometimes I can’t tell if it’s greenwashing anyway, which is greenwashing. I wish genuinely sustainable companies would be more communicative about it on social media. I’ve never seen any advertisements for sustainable footwear anywhere. I feel like maybe my algorithm blocks me from coming across sustainable brands, because I’m interested in other mainstream brands. 

 

 What’s your most luxury footwear?

The most expensive pair I sold were Jordan 1’s which I sold for £1500, I bought them for £180 though! I bought my first car with that!

The most expensive pair I own and wear cost £500, and they’re Gucci.