Collin Goh - Aforarcade Co-Founder Interview

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

I was drawn to sneakers at a very young age when I started playing basketball competitively. I look forward to changing to a new pair of basketball shoes for every new year of basketball competitions.

My first pair of Jordan 11 was released when I was in secondary, and it was the first pair I was obsessed with. Subsequently, I (instead of my dad) bought Jordan 12, 13, and 14 for each year of my four years of secondary school.

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

AND1 mixtapes and probably the only time a small niche basketball brand rivaled big brands like Nike and Adidas resonate with me.

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

Fresh. I used to feel a lot more excited, but recently I think there have just been too many new and good designs that it's kind of numbing. So now I have to really control and only pick up pieces that add value to my collection and wardrobe.

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

I am a fan of Steven Smith (model of various New Balance and Yeezy), Christian Tresser (Air Max '97 Silver Bullet and Salomon ACS Pro designer), and Eiichiro Homma (North Face Purple Label and Nanamica designer).

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

Actually, it already exists but is not for sale to the public (yet?) - Paraboot x The North Face Purple Label.

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

Pairs in my current rotation are the ALD x New Balance 550s, Nike Dunks, Salomon ACS Pro Adv, Hoka Tor Ultra Low, Jjjjound x Reebok NPC II, Adidas Adimatic, and Nike Terminator OG.

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

My grail is the Air Jordan 1 High OG 'Chicago' of any year; actually, even the 2022 'Lost and Found.'

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

I wear caps a bit too much for the good of my hair.

Where can people find you on social media?  

Instagram: @collingoh

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