Just For Kicks
It’s no secret that a majority of Filipinos are very much into, and I mean VERY MUCH into collecting sneakers. May it be shoes with checks, stripes, or jumpmans on them, eye-catching footwear has played a big part in the Filipino fashion culture. But when talking about kicks and the hobby (or sometimes even borderline obsession) with shoes, the Philippines comes to no surprise in being one of the top countries that has the most potent and influential sneaker cultures in South East Asia. Heck, as far as I know, we’re the only country in Asia that has a city dubbed as being a “shoe capital”. But why are we really that much into sneakers?
Is it the looks?
Or maybe the clout?
The history behind the brand?
Is it another form of investment?
Because it’s what’s currently hype?
Or perhaps it’s simply the validation that we get from people every time we have a new pair?
No matter how you look at it, sneaker collecting has been a gateway for a lot of Filipinos to better themselves and to be a part of contributing something meaningful to Filipino fashion culture. Our love for this simple piece of clothing is so potent that it transcends multiple cultures across the globe.
Take Titan for example; they’ve already done multiple collaborations with Nike in designing sneakers that highlight the Filipino culture. Allyn Martin, Nikko Ramos, and the rest of the Titan team realized the dream when they designed not one, but two sneakers for arguably the best who’s ever played the game. LeBron James had his signature kicks redesigned into a unique eye-catching Pinoy themed sneaker.
Who would’ve thought that a simple sneaker retail store from a 3rd world country would rise to be almost as great as Japan’s historic Atmos sneaker boutique. When it comes to influence, Titan is the embodiment of pushing the envelope in proving that the love and passion for something seemingly so simple can bring so much to a country’s culture.
Artists like Juanito Marquez a.k.a. Quiccs had the wonderful opportunity of showing off his Filipino artistry by collaborating with Adidas and Adidas Originals in incorporating his style into limited edition Adidas pieces. From designing toys, to being a designer of apparel, Adidas Originals sneakers, and a signature sneaker for a future hall of famer is an unquestionably iconic way in leaving a mark as a Filipino artist. This was the first time James Harden collaborated with a Pinoy artist, making history with just one shoe.
Business tycoons and art collectors like Big Boy Cheng use sneakers as a gate-way for other people to appreciate the not-so-subtle art of hustling for high-end collectibles. Even International media groups and content creators like B/R Kicks and Seth Fowler bow in awe of Big Boy’s sneaker collection. But make no mistake, his extravagant and over the top collection is just a glimpse into his love for collecting art. His love for sneakers, toys, and for Filipino art is what separates him from other collectors. When you drop by his Secret Fresh Gallery, you’ll know exactly what we mean.
So why are we really that much into sneakers?
Our best guess is that it’s simply a part of who we are. As mundane as it may sound to other people outside of the sneaker collecting community, buying, trading, and collecting shoes has already been ingrained in the identity of the modern Filipino. As long-time members of the sneaker community, it’s so refreshing to see that this simple hobby of collecting shoes has given so many opportunities to Filipinos that goes beyond the aspects of hype, validation, clout, or influence. It’s amazing that a simple piece of clothing can have such a positive impact on a culture.
Sneakers have always had such a positive impact on Filipinos’ lives. The love for kicks has pushed us to find new and creative ways to contribute to the global sneaker culture, international fashion, and the artistic identity of the Filipino community.
At the end of the day, we simply do what we do because we love it.
We do it just for kicks.
