Meet the #atmoscollectorsclub: Parra SB Dunk Winners
For this edition of Meet The Collector, we had a chance to chop it up with a few winners of our recent #atmoscollectorsclub for the Nike SB Low ‘Parra’. We rapped about the current state of the sneaker game, their opinions on #atmoscollectorsclub, what styles they are currently feeling, and got a look at their current rotation.
Peep below:
SB MITCH
HOW LONG HAVE YOU BEEN COLLECTING SNEAKERS AND WHAT INITIALLY STARTED YOUR LOVE FOR COLLECTING/SNEAKERS?
I've been collecting pretty consistently since around 2004-05. Actually, at one point, I had over 75 pairs in my collection. I try to keep that number between 12-15 nowadays.
I distinctly remember walking into a local skate shop back in the summer of 2004 and immediately being drawn to the Daniel Shimizu Nike Dunk High Pro SB. Every detail about the shoe caught my attention - the silhouette, the colorway, and especially the skull and crossbones on the tongue tag. What sold me on not only this pair, but the entire Nike SB catalog, was how amped the dude working there was about Nike finally investing into their skateboarding line and, seemingly, having a lot of fun with it.
WHAT ASPECTS OF THE GAME CHANGED FROM THEN TO NOW?
To me, the biggest thing that has changed is how people incorporate sneakers into their outfits. I'm an "if it isn't dirty, I'm wearing it" kind of person, so it was pretty amusing seeing folks put so much time and effort into outfits that revolve around what sneakers they've got on foot.
BESIDES THE PARRAS, WHAT WAS THE LAST PAIR OF SNEAKERS THAT YOU PURCHASED?
The last pair I grabbed was the Game Royal "Kentucky" Nike Dunk Highs. I had neglected to get a pair of highs for so long, so the simplicity of the colorway and the shade of blue made them an absolute must.
TO WIN THIS ROUND OF #ATMOSCOLLECTORSCLUB, YOU HAD TO BE A FAN OF PARRA AND OWN A FEW ITEMS FROM THE BRAND - WHAT DO YOU LIKE ABOUT THE BRAND - AND WHY ARE YOU A COLLECTOR?
My favorite artist has always been Dutch impressionist Piet Mondrian. When Nike started collaborating with Piet Parra back in the mid-2000s, I immediately noticed his similar minimalist and abstract art style. It seemed like a modern version of Mondrian's works. Once you add that Parra was adding his creativity to Air Maxes and other silhouettes, I was hooked. The dude is TALENTED.
WHAT SNEAKERS ARE CURRENTLY IN YOUR ROTATION?
Lately, I've been wearing the Viotech Nike Dunk Low SP retro from 2019 and the "Dusty Peach" Nike SB Dunk Low. I also busted out my Elephant Air Max 1s to wear at my wedding reception!
WHAT STYLES ARE YOU CURRENTLY FEELING ON OUR SITE AND WHY?
I always check to see what you currently have in from Pleasures. I love that brand, mainly because they constantly reference metal and punk rock in their designs.
Marlon Herrera
HOW LONG HAVE YOU BEEN IN THE SNEAKER GAME AND WHAT INITIALLY STARTED YOUR LOVE FOR COLLECTING/SNEAKERS?
I have been collecting sneakers for about 12 years. I have always found sneakers cool, but my love for them started with a pair of indoor Ronaldinho Tiempo's my mom had bought me in the early 2000's. It stemmed from my passion for soccer which later transitioned to my love for skateboarding and wearing DC's all the time.
WHAT ASPECTS OF THE GAME CHANGED FROM THEN TO NOW?
I think the genuine love for sneakers is still there for most people but a big change has been "Hype culture" it changed the way people look at sneakers and why they buy them.
DO YOU FIND IT FAIR THAT VIA #ATMOSCOLLECTORSCLUB, REAL OGS AND TRUE COLLECTORS HAVE A BETTER CHANCE TO GET THEIR GRAILS AS OPPOSED TO OTHERS?
Yes, I do; it gives a chance for REAL people to interact as opposed to an online raffle/release that nowadays gets botted out.
TO WIN THIS ROUND OF #ATMOSCOLLECTORSCLUB, YOU HAD TO BE A FAN OF PARRA AND OWN A FEW ITEMS FROM THE BRAND - WHAT DO YOU LIKE ABOUT THE BRAND AND WHY ARE YOU A COLLECTOR?
I love abstract art, usually pieces that make you take a second look because of how wild they can be. Piet Parra carried his style over to his shoes and clothing, making them stand out with their wonky lines and vibrant colors.
SB DUNKS OR REGULAR NIKE DUNKS? WHY?
Nike SB Dunks all the way! There is no better team than Nike SB at bringing real creators and storytellers to make shoes. I love how wild Nike SB's can be with crazy colors, the mash of materials, and usually an awesome story tied with a shoe. One of my favorite collaborations that they did this year was with Instant Skateboards. I struck out on getting the pair, but I loved the story of Hachiko the Akita that was used as inspiration for the shoe.
WHAT IS SOME ADVICE TO YOU HAVE FOR SOMEONE JUST GETTING INTO THE SNEAKER GAME?
To be patient. If you miss out on a release, just move on to the next one. Wear things you love and not be pressured to wear stuff you see on social media or things other people say are "cool" just be you.
Jamie
HOW LONG HAVE YOU BEEN COLLECTING SNEAKERS? (HOW LONG HAVE YOU BEEN IN THE SNEAKER GAME AND WHAT INITIALLY STARTED YOUR LOVE FOR COLLECTING/SNEAKERS?
I've been collecting shoes since I was a teenager. Growing up in the Lower East Side definitely promoted my love of hip hop and sneaker culture. My love of sneakers started when I saw someone wearing a pair of Send Help SB's. I'd never seen a shoe like that, and I became obsessed immediately. I have that same pair tattooed on my arm!
WHAT ASPECTS OF THE GAME CHANGED FROM THEN TO NOW?
People have more access to the culture now, and with the internet being such a wide platform, it's like the Wild Wild West these days when it comes to catching a release. So you've got to be on point.
BESIDES THE PARRAS, WHAT WAS THE LAST PAIR OF SNEAKERS THAT YOU PURCHASED?
Besides the (absolutely beautiful) Parra SB's, I most recently purchased the FTC SB's, the P-Rod's, Lebron South Beach 8's, and Yeezy Waverunners.
DO YOU FIND IT FAIR THAT VIA #ATMOSCOLLECTORSCLUB, REAL OGS AND TRUE COLLECTORS HAVE A BETTER CHANCE TO GET THEIR GRAILS AS OPPOSED TO OTHERS?
The #atmoscreatorsclub tag is very, very fair. It gives people who love the shoes the opportunity to buy them at retail and wear them. People (like myself) genuinely love the culture and that satisfying feeling of catching one of your grails. atmos has definitely evened the playing field, and other folks should follow suit!
SB DUNKS OR REGULAR NIKE DUNKS? WHY? OR WHAT IS IT ABOUT THE NIKE DUNK THAT RESONATES WITH YOU MOST?
SB dunks over regular dunks any day. The materials are better quality, the feel is more comfortable and cushioned, and the designs are always more intricate and meaningful. The Dunk is special because it's basically a blank slate, and the expressions/collaborations from artists, entertainers, skate shops, and all sorts of entities make the Nike Dunk the People's Shoe.
WHAT SNEAKERS ARE CURRENTLY IN YOUR ROTATION?
P-Rods, Street Hawkers, Sentos(FTC), South Beach 8's, Griffey Max 1(Jackie Robinson) a couple of pairs of 1's and some Yeezys. I like to rotate often, so the roster changes constantly.
WHAT IS SOME ADVICE TO YOU HAVE FOR SOMEONE JUST GETTING INTO THE SNEAKER GAME?
The best advice I'd give to someone entering the sneaker game right now is to BREATHE. There's a lot of energy around shoes right now, and it can feel overwhelming and even hopeless at times… but breathe. Take your time, learn the Game, appreciate every win and WEAR YOUR PAIRS!
Tyler Tremblay
HOW LONG HAVE YOU BEEN COLLECTING SNEAKERS? (HOW LONG HAVE YOU BEEN IN THE SNEAKER GAME?)
I have been collecting for close to 10 years now, starting back in high school.
WHAT INITIALLY STARTED YOUR LOVE FOR COLLECTING/SNEAKERS?
I initially fell in love with sneakers when I was younger and made trips to footlocker at the local mall. I wasn’t able to get many at the time but once I started working and making money I started collecting sneakers. Originally, it was different air maxes that were “the must haves” for me.
BESIDES THE PARRAS, WHAT WAS THE LAST PAIR OF SNEAKERS THAT YOU PURCHASED?
The last pair I picked up were the A Ma Maniére Jordan 3s and they are amazing!
DO YOU FIND IT FAIR THAT VIA #ATMOSCOLLECTORSCLUB, REAL OGS AND TRUE COLLECTORS HAVE A BETTER CHANCE TO GET THEIR GRAILS AS OPPOSED TO OTHERS?
Absolutely, at the moment I think it’s the best raffle release method. This way at least even if you don’t win you can see you had a real shot at winning and you get to see everyone else’s awesome entries.
SB DUNKS OR REGULAR NIKE DUNKS? WHY? OR WHAT IS IT ABOUT THE NIKE DUNK THAT RESONATES WITH YOU MOST?
SBs 100%. They almost always have the most out there and creative designs. Nothing is cooler than seeing a great shop or brand get to put their own spin on the silhouette.
WHAT SNEAKERS ARE CURRENTLY IN YOUR ROTATION?
SB Parra’s (thanks to y’all again), SW air max 1/97s, yeezy boost 350 V2 blue tints, and the TS 270 cactus trails!
WHAT IS SOME ADVICE TO YOU HAVE FOR SOMEONE JUST GETTING INTO THE SNEAKER GAME?
Advice I would give to anyone getting into the sneaker game would be to first and foremost buy what you like. Don’t let someone else’s opinion sway you into liking or not liking a pair of shoes. If you like a pair that seems out of your comfort zone, go for it. Second, get a Twitter account and turn notifications on for some of the awesome shops and sneaker accounts out there to make sure you don’t miss a thing that drops! #atmoscollectorsclub
Sean O’Carroll
@Socarroll1017
HOW LONG HAVE YOU BEEN COLLECTING SNEAKERS? (HOW LONG HAVE YOU BEEN IN THE SNEAKER GAME?)
I really started to get into collecting sneakers in 2017. A friend introduced me to the SNKRS app because he wanted my help to get the Kyrie 3 Mamba Mentality. Unfortunately, we didn’t secure the W, but it did ignite my interest in beginning a sneaker collection for myself. My first SNKRS win would come soon after, with the Stash Air Zoom Spiridon.
WHAT INITIALLY STARTED YOUR LOVE FOR COLLECTING/SNEAKERS?
Growing up, I was surrounded by friends who would get the latest retro Jordans and other hot releases at the time. For the most part, I wore general release Nike runners. I had always appreciated the sneakers my friends wore, but I didn’t feel the need to ask my mother to buy them. Fashionable sneakers were not a priority in my family’s view. Not until 2010, when I was in college, I saved up money to buy my own pair of sneakers. I went to the Nike Outlet and saw sneakers with the Jumpman logo and instantly wanted them. At this time, I had no clue there was a difference between retro Jordans and Jordan brand trainers. I just knew it was the logo I grew up watching around me. I had finally obtained my first pair of Jordans.
WHAT ASPECTS OF THE GAME CHANGED FROM THEN TO NOW?
With the ongoing pandemic, I feel there has been a lot more interest in sneakers as an opportunity for a primary or supplemental source of income. The ability to purchase highly sought out releases at your fingertips has made obtaining these sneakers difficult as the demand has grown exponentially. General releases that would have been sitting on store shelves a few years ago are now being bought up and resold at a markup.
DO YOU FIND IT FAIR THAT VIA #ATMOSCOLLECTORSCLUB, REAL OGS AND TRUE COLLECTORS HAVE A BETTER CHANCE TO GET THEIR GRAILS AS OPPOSED TO OTHERS?
From my personal experience, it was definitely a fun new approach in doing a release. There was such attention to detail to ensure winners were true fans. It wasn’t just some lottery. I truly felt for once I had a legitimate chance to purchase sneakers. It wasn’t up to luck.
SB DUNKS OR REGULAR NIKE DUNKS? WHY? OR WHAT IS IT ABOUT THE NIKE DUNK THAT RESONATES WITH YOU MOST?
Living in New York, I had always been near several museums which I would often visit. I always had an appreciation for abstract art. From Hilma af Klint to Jackson Pollock, I was always drawn to this style. Piet Parra really catches my attention with his post-pop art and how he implements his craft into his clothing brand. Personally, I prefer SB Dunks over Regular Dunks. I feel SB Dunks resonate with me because my older brother was into skateboarding. He would take me to our local skate shops - New York Pipe Dreams and Blades. Skate culture was how my brother and I bonded.
WHAT SNEAKERS ARE CURRENTLY IN YOUR ROTATION?
Currently, my rotation consists of the Yeezy Slide Resin, Yeezy Foam Runner MX Cream Clay, SB Dunk Stingwater, Space Hippie 02 Volt, Asics Gel Lyte III Otoro, New Balance RC-1300 Elephant, and the Lebron 18 Atmos Blossom.
WHAT IS SOME ADVICE TO YOU HAVE FOR SOMEONE JUST GETTING INTO THE SNEAKER GAME?
My advice to someone who is just getting started in the sneaker game is to not beat yourself up after taking an L. There are always new and exciting releases on the horizon. Always try to go for what you really like and appreciate, do not get sucked up into the hype thinking every release is a must cop.