American Sneaker Photographer: Ric Mestré

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What was the moment you first got drawn to sneakers, and which pair of sneakers triggered your passion?

It would have to be when I switched from Catholic school to public school. I didn't have to wear a uniform anymore, but you couldn't be seen wearing any old pair of shoes. You had to come correct to class or someone was going to make fun of you!

The passion for sneakers started when MJ starred in the iconic concord XI commercial back in 1995, where he took off in the hangar and dunk the ball on a hoop! That was ridiculously high and he stared into the camera like "Man, how do I get down now!?"

What’s one moment or trend in the history of sneaker culture that resonates with you?

Would have to be the Yeezy Red October "shock drop" that happened on Twitter. No one knew when they were going to release, but as fate would have it on one random Sunday afternoon, Nike decided to surprise everyone and drop a link for purchase.

I ran to the bedroom to get my card and luckily copped it. I sold them for a large sum of money back then, but I sort of regret it now!

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Please describe how it feels to you when you get and wear a new pair of kicks?

The thrill of buying a new pair of shoes always gives me the greatest feeling. Wearing them? Man, nothing like it!! I especially love when I've got my camera with me and can find a setting that works to snap a couple of on foot photos.

What are some of your favorite creators/designers or brands and why?

I'm really feeling Joe Freshgood and Salehe Bembury's work with New Balance lately, haven't been fortunate to snag anything from those two designers but they're definitely putting out some solid work. Frank Cooker who most recently worked for Jordan Brand gave us some really great colors and stories behind a lot of the 1's we saw drop back a while back. Can't wait to see where he lands, I'm all for it.

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What is one sneaker collaboration that doesn’t exist, but you wish/think should exist?

We speak of the GOAT often. It would be groundbreaking if Nike and Jordan Brand collaborated on something that included - Lebron, Kobe, and Jordan in one shoe.

What are some of the current pairs of sneakers in your rotation?

Concord, Cool Grey and Bred XI's ... A few different color ways of 1's. Air Max 90 Bacon, Kobe's 1 and 5 ' Undefeated ... Can't forget the Grinches! Air Griffey Max and a special PE that I was gifted. Can't show ya'll just yet but it's truly AMAZING!

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What is your ultimate holy grail sneaker that you have not managed to acquire so far?

I'll never be able to own them because of the price tag, but the Jordan/Kobe 3 & 8 pack is the one that would effectively retire me from the game.

Other than kicks, what are some of your daily essentials or treasured items?

Cure Hydration that I add to my water is vital. My most treasured items? They're not items, they're my world. My 3 childrens - my son Jaelin 15 years old, and both of my daughters: Alessya 12 years old and Natalya 8 years old.

Where people can find you on social media?

Instagram: @Uninstructedvision

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