[ SoJones ] When you started was it more about just wearing what was stylish & trendy or did you start collecting immediately?

[ Shoe Collector: Got_Kickz ] Its always been about fashion. What was in and what was hot. I didn't consider myself a collector till years down the line. I just always purchased sneakers whenever I could.



[ SoJones ] Whether it be athletes or music artists, Were there any celebrity influences at the time that you followed when it came to sneaker wear?

[ Shoe Collector: Got_Kickz ] I'd definitely say Run DMC way back in the day. The shell toe Adidas was crazy. I've only owned 1 pair my entire life but I remember standing in front of my block with a t-shirt on, a pair of Lee jeans and a pair of White shell toe Adidas with the black stripes and white fat laces. This was way before my collecting stage. As far as athlete's go of course Micheal Jordan was a big influence. So was Magic Johnson and Larry Bird when it came to the Converse Weapons. But there are a few forgotten heroes when it comes to sneaker culture. They are actually actors! Will Smith as the Fresh Prince is obvious. But what about Tony Danza from Who's The Boss? Every episode he had on a crispy pair of black Air Jordan V's. And both Ron and Dwayne from A Different World. The Nikes that they wore on that show were serious!



[ SoJones ] If you can remember, what was the first pair of sneakers you ever bought in your current collection?

[ Shoe Collector: Got_Kickz ] The first pair of sneakers that I bought that are still in my current collection are my Air Jordan VII Bordeaux. They were on sale at Foot Locker for $79.99. It was the craziest shoe I had ever purchased because of all of the colors on it. I bought them to rock on Easter Sunday when I went to hang out with my friends from the block.



[ SoJones ] Do you remember who you purchased them from?

[ Shoe Collector: Got_Kickz ] Foot Locker.

[ SoJones ] A lot of people are aware that there's some kicks in your collection that no store can supply or what not. Name a few of these in your collection and how you got them.

[ Shoe Collector: Got_Kickz ] Well, some of my player samples may be what you are referring to. I get these shoes thru connects that I cannot reveal. But they are not purchased in stores. For instance, I have a pair of Amare Stodamire CB MAX and a pair of Vince Carter Air Force 1's. Everyone knows that VC wears shocks....lol



[ SoJones ] Would you ever consider selling or trading any of those exclusives? I know those Amare Stodamire CB Maxes would look nice with my Phoenix Suns track jacket. And even if not, I can trade those in and make a mortgage payment or something *laughs* I know sneaker heads will pay over a grand for those.

[ Shoe Collector: Got_Kickz ] It really all depends on the offer. I might trade for a more exclusive shoe but I've seen your collection. I have everything you have twice.



[ SoJones ] I'm saying though... I got me a nice lil' Beyonce girl and she's going to upgrade me she said. I told her I'd upgrade her later; Just gotta finish off the down payments.

Moving on though, A lot of sneaker heads get stuck on buying one kind of shoe specifically. Did you ever find yourself like this or did you buy everything from the start?

[ Shoe Collector: Got_Kickz ] I bought a little of everything from the start.

[ SoJones ] If there were one pair of shoes you could add to your collection, what would it be?

[ Shoe Collector: Got_Kickz ] I would love to have a pair of Kobe Bryant PE Air Jordan VII's. That is one of the best player samples I've ever seen.



[ SoJones ] Now, lets get into this sneaker show talk. A lot of people have been waiting to hear your response to why you did not go to the Sole Collector event in Las Vegas, NV. Is there any bad feelings towards SC?

[ Shoe Collector: Got_Kickz ] No bad feelings towards SC here. It is what it is. People who actually won categories were invited to Vegas. I never won a category at any of the SC events. Therefore I was not invited as a competitor.



[ SoJones ] In the past you attended several of their events, which we caught rumor of having people showing shoes that were not threes. Did you see any of this? A few competitors reported this same concern to us.

[ Shoe Collector: Got_Kickz ] Well there is nothing you can really do about that. SC allows you to display any size shoe you want. If it's on your table I guess they consider it yours. I have only displayed shoes that belong to me and are my size. I wear sz 13-14. How would I look displaying a size 9?



[ SoJones ] Also, it's rumored that someone won a contest and had fakes up for show? This was a bit more far fetched and just on-line rumorage we found, but did you hear or see of this?

[ Shoe Collector: Got_Kickz ] I heard something of that nature happened in Vegas but I wasn't there so I can't really comment on that.



[ SoJones ] You passed the Las Vegas, Sole Collector event and attended the FunkMaster Flex "International Sneaker Battle". Word has it that Rob Heppler and Mike the CEO really wanted you out there. What got you interested in that show?

[ Shoe Collector: Got_Kickz ] Mainly the promotion. I heard it all over the radio and the saw fliers at my local sneaker shop. I went to the competition in Edison just to check it out. I saw what was out there and said to myself I need to do this. I spoke to Mike and he told me my presence was definitely necessary. So I went to the CT battle and the rest is history.