MEET THE COLLECTOR: JACOB OF ATMOS DC
Meet Jacob, a manager at our DC location and a collector of 12 years. Not only does he have some heat, but he wears all his kicks.
TALK ABOUT YOUR FAVORITE BEATERS? WHY ARE THEY SO SPECIAL TO YOU?
They'd have to be the Air Jordan 1 'Shattered Backboard.' I got them as a Christmas gift shortly after they came out before the resell price was anywhere near 4 digits, and they were glued to my feet for 4 years straight afterward. The thoughtfulness of the gift, combined with everything I went through with them on my feet, puts these at the top of my list. I experienced a lot of personal growth maturing into adulthood, and these shoes were on my feet to witness it firsthand… or foot. One of the most special things about sneakers is the feeling they create; you don't get to experience those if you never wear them.
HAVE YOU EVER HAD A "STRAIGHT TO FEET" MOMENT?
I never wanted to be the first person to wear any shoe growing up. I always liked to wait until everybody's got a few wears in and then start to cycle mine into the rotation, wether it's a few months or a couple years later. The last shoe I decided had to go straight on my feet were the Air Jordan 1 85 Highs 'Georgetown' because of the connection to DC, but before that, I can't name one I was super excited to wear.
DO YOU SAVE SHOES FOR SPECIAL OCCASIONS?
Not really. I'm very spontaneous when deciding when to wear a shoe for the first time. Shoes are the last thing I put on. I never really have it planned out when I wake up. I get dressed, and if I think some shoes compliment my outfit, I'll wear them no matter how dirty or clean they are.
MANY OF THOSE SHOES ARE OLDER RELEASES. DO YOU HAVE ANY INTERESTING STORIES ABOUT WHEN YOU GOT THESE PAIRS?
One of the most unbelievable stories is being gifted my Money Cat SBs. I had a friend who could no longer wear sneakers due to foot problems, and because he knew I had no problem wearing my shoes, he gave me his for free. Growing up and really identifying with Nike SB and 6.0 it was like a full-circle moment for me to be able to have a coveted pair in my collection that was still wearable.
TALK ABOUT THE NIKE AIR BAKIN; WHAT DOES THIS SNEAKER MEAN TO YOU?
I love the Nike Air Bakin and, more specifically, the Varsity Royal color. I got this color in 2008 when I was still in middle school, while my sister got the Red/Yellow and the Black/Black. When I got them, I did everything and wore them until they were unwearable. They had been my favorite shoe from then on, and I always wanted another pair. Fast forward to 2021, I had been looking for about a year for a wearable pair in my size, and when I found one, I purchased them expeditiously. I quickly found out the wear and tear on them was not the same after some separated during a pick-up basketball game. I'm still hunting for more pairs in my size, including the OG… I'm gonna try to wear those too.
HAVE PEOPLE TRIED TO BUY YOUR BEATERS OFF OF YOUR FEET?
Somebody tried to buy my shattered backboards off of my feet outside of the club. I told him to take a closer look and ask did he really want them. He saw the condition and quickly changed his mind. In general, a good life lesson is don't wear your cleanest shoes to the club. You will be disappointed.
HOW DO YOU FEEL ABOUT THE CONCEPT OF PRE-DISTRESSED SNEAKERS?
I usually like them! I have a couple pairs that I wear on the occasion that I love. My latest has been the Ishod Wair Magnus Walker SB Dunk High. I'm not super detail-oriented in my opinion of products. I'd rather judge products as a whole, but this sneaker was one where the details sold me. Once I like a sneaker, I can appreciate the elements whether it be pre-distressing or something else.
HOW OFTEN DO YOU CLEAN YOUR SNEAKERS, AND WHAT PRODUCTS TO YOU USE?
To be honest, I'm the type of person who'll take a Lysol wipe to some leather or rubber. Every once in a while, I'll buy some sneaker wipes or a cleaning kit, but until a brand sends me a care package, I'm cleaning them old-fashioned. This isn't part of the question, although I am not a proponent of wearing heavily beat-up white-on-white Air Force 1s. You should wear one shoe a few times and donate or hand down.
IS THERE ANYTHING ELSE YOU WANT TO ADD?
One thing I feel is important is recognizing that shoes are just shoes at the end of the day. Being able to buy them and wear them as you please is a privilege. If you're able to, find a cause you feel strongly about and try to make a positive impact.