Realkick Collector- Sneakerhead feature of the month

Starting this month I will be featuring sneaker collectors from around the country in this new segment, Realkick Collector. I am truly excited about adding this feature to the blog, because it will showcase different collectors and get their views on the sneaker industry and community. The first feature will be on one of my good friends from twitter, @actionbraxton.  Check out his responses and a few pics from his collection.


1. When did you start your sneaker collection and what got you into sneaker collecting?
I started when I was in college (2001), but stopped. I restarted in 2008.

2. How large is your collection currently?
100 pairs, approx.

3. What is one pair that you don't have, but, wish you did?
Converse Aero Jams. One of my favorite shoes of all time. 

4. What sneaker release are you looking forward to the most for this year or in the near future?
Definitely the Air Yeezy II and the Air Jordan XIV

5. How has the sneaker culture changed since you started collecting? What are your thoughts on the resellers, etc.
One reason I stopped a while back is because of price gouging. Stores would get new releases and jack up the prices to ridiculous heights. Now, with a lot of resellers you see the same thing happening. Sights like Flight Club offer competitive market value prices, but a lot of these private sellers on ebay are just trying to rip people off.  Case in point: the prices they were trying to get for the B-grade Banned Air Jordan 1 retros. I don't deal with them on that level. As far as change, I think it's a lot more mainstream now.  It remains to be seen whether that will have a negative or positive effect on the industry.

6. Anything you want to add?
Don't buy based on hype. Get the kicks that you feel good about; buy what you like and rock them proudly. Also, don't be afraid to give a smaller shoe company a shot. There is a lot of heat out there just waiting to be discovered. Lastly, wear your sneakers! Doesn't make sense to me to spend hundreds of dollars on shoes just to let them collect dust. Like everything in life, they do have an expiration date.

Thank you my dude for your thoughts and sharing some of your kicks with us. Friends, make sure to follow him on twitter, @actionbraxton. Stick with realkickdeals to see who will be the featured collector next month. Peace!!!!