Firstname: Alun (aka llywarch)

Age: OLD

Location: Cymru/Wales

 

 

1/ What was you first pair of sneakers? Any nice story to tell about them?

 

My first pair of trainers would have been a white leather pair of Brooks for Christmas 1971 (or where they Tesco’s own?).

The first pairs I can remember having interest in where black leather pairs of Gola (with yellow stripe/lines), Patrick’s (all black):

and then Adidas (Kicks or similar). I can remember cleaning them and polishing them after every time I wore them. I used to study them, stare at the lines, the stitching and how they where built. I’d hold them up to a side view. The side view was best!

It wasn’t long before Adidas became my firm favourites, I can remember always insisting on Adidas from then on. It has probably always been Adidas ever since, even though I do own others.

Growing up in the 70’s, Nike was a new brand, which was mostly worn by the middle-class kids from the ‘posh’ end of town. Wearing Nike in my estate would be grounds for a good kicking! Adidas, and Puma to a lesser extent, were the footwear of choice. Anything else was regarded as “naff”.

 

 

2/ How would you generally describe your relation with sneakers? Would you consider yourself as “addicted”?

 

Addicted? Yes.

I’m always wearing trainers. Don’t like wearing shoes, they don’t give me the same satisfaction. Sitting here in my living room, I’ve a couple of pair next to the fire place (CT Londons and Solebox Berlins at the mo) just so I can look at them. I’ve always a couple of pairs in view, even though her indoors would prefer me to put them away, but she understands my needs… lol!

 

 

3/ According to you, what are the ingredients for a good shoe?

 

A good shape, that has to be aesthetically pleasing. The quality and build is also important and finally, not too many colours.

 

 

4/ How do you feel towards the so-called “sneaker-scene”? How did your feeling evolve over the years?

 

The clothing and music that seem to be part of the “scene” doesn’t always excite me. It’s probably more to do with my age and background than anything else…… actually, age mainly!

I think the “scene” has become a lot more mainstream over the years, which isn’t all bad.

I’ve noticed a lot more people tend to be into it for not necessarily the ‘love’ of trainers. More of a status thing. All in all though, most changes have been forward looking and positive.

Like myself I think the “scene” has become a lot more embracing of different influences. I’ve certainly become more open minded.

If you’d have asked me 10 years ago if I’d wear Nike, I’d probably have laughed at you. I now own several pairs. If you’d have asked me if I’d wear non-trefoil adi, I’d have taken offense to you… lol! I now think some of the best Adidas trainers are from the 90’s.

A big influence on me over the past decade has been Crookedtongues, its forum and all the people I have met on there.

Discovering there where other like minded trainer geeks out there and not only in the UK, was comforting. It did also confirmed to me that wherever we’re from, we really are all the same.

 

 

5/ What is the sneaker brand you’re giving most interest in at the moment & why?

 

Adidas’ new-hybrid models are keeping me very interested at the moment. A certain Mr Law in the USA is working wonders with re-interpreting old adidas. The ObyO range is also keeping me interested. Again some great re-interpretations.

As to non Adidas, I’m seeing a slow tricle of quality re-issues from Reebok, Nike looks like they’re bringing out a great ‘woven’ range in 2010, also not a brand, as such, but I’m always interested and excited to see new collabs with Solebox, so keep up the good work Hikmet et al!

 

 

6/ Which shoe that you’ve bought was the hardest to get & how did it occur?

 

I’m a bit lazy when it comes to tracking down pairs. I have a few that I would love to own, but I never spending lots of time tracking pairs down.

I believe in a lot of luck…. and a lot of kindness and good will from friends lol!!

 

 

7/ What is your current sneakers top 5 (shoes you either already have or would wish to)?

 

Asics Gel Lyte III Solebox (uk9 anybody?)

Adidas Greeley Mid

Adidas Tokio Lo

Adidas London CT

Adidas SS80 CT

 

 

8/ Putting sneakers aside, what are your main interests/passions? How do you spend your time? Anything you’d like to make us discover?

 

Anything you’d like to make us discover?

Clothing, music, images, history, languages and blogging are my other passions, which I’ve managed to combine into these:

apllywarch.blogspot.com/

llywarch.blogspot.com/

 

 

Thanks Al!