For the Love

On December 23rd, 2012, thousands of customers rushed to sneaker stores around the U.S., in pursuit of the new Jordan 11 Concords. Even from the day before, people waited in line for the 8am release. On the 23rd, I was relaxing at home, when my roommate texted me saying, "I got my Concords! 'Camped out here since yesterday." Although I also have a love for sneakers, I didn't buy the Concords because of the mass hype around them. For me, sneakers mean a lot more than just getting the newest pair. Sneakers have a more personal meaning. Once a kid who grew up playing basketball, sneakers connect me to my days spent on the blacktop. Though I wanted the new 11s, I resisted the temptation to buy them, because I hate looking like everyone else. There was once a time when Jordans and other shoes were more exclusive - left out of the mainstream. Now it seems like everyone is wearing the same shoe. Unlike many others who just buy shoes because of the hype around them, I buy shoes that are not as popular and have more significance. My most recent purchases are the Jordan 14 "Last Shots," and the Jordan 10 "Chicago." I bought these shoes not only because they are less mainstream, but also because of the histories behind them. The 14's are special because they were worn by Mike on his most famous game-winning shot against the Utah Jazz, in the 1998 NBA Finals. I bought the 10's because the bottom of the sole lists all of Jordan's accomplishments in the NBA from 1985 to 1994. So before you buy your next pair of Jordans, at least know the history or the significance of the shoe.