Filipino Sneakerhead and Hoop Junkie: Ken Edward

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

As a kid, I've always been a big basketball fan. I started noticing the shoes while watching Dwyane Wade with the Miami Heat. It was back in '05 or '06 when he got his signature shoe with Converse. They were bulky as hell, but as a Heat/Wade fan, they were everything to me.

My love for basketball was what definitely drew me into the sneaker world. As a kid, it was the Converse Wade 1, but as I grew older, the Kyrie 1 got me hooked on my passion for sneakers.

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

I'm torn between two. First is the infamous "Chunky Dad Shoe" trend; Kanye started with the Yeezy 700 Waverunners, and then there's the "Dapper look." I don't even know what to call it, but influencers like Daniel Simmons or Tim Dessaint have made me appreciate shoes like Doc Martens, Loafers, and Birkenstock Clogs because of it. I'm still a streetwear guy down to my core, but that type of look is something I'm not opposed to, as well.

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

We don't define ourselves by what we wear, but it's a way of expressing ourselves. So, when I get a fresh pair of sneakers, I get all excited and giddy. It might seem over the top to some people, but as a sneakerhead, that's how it feels. We geek out over shoes, and that's who we are.

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

‍Kanye is definitely up there. I may not be a big fan of the Yeezy brand as a whole, but for what he has done for the culture in general. You can't knock that. Peter Moore is also someone that I highly respect. He was ahead of his time and was the person responsible for sneakers like the Nike Dunk and the Jordan 1.

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

This might be a weird take, but I would love to see an Aime Leon Dore and John Mayer collaboration. I'm a big fan of both, and it would be interesting to see what they came up with.

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

I recently got the Jordan 1 Taxi, but I've been heavily on New Balance. I got two pairs of the Aime Leon Dore collaborations and the 2002R Rain Cloud. I still got my Foam Runner, Waverunner, and an old Nike SB Dunk.

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

Jordan 1 "Chicago". I need both the high and the low.

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

My Vaulv Essentials bag, both the duffle and the side bag, are essential to me, considering I travel from time to time. My It's Sole Good Hobo bag is also something I carry with me often, especially if going for a particular look. There's also a Casio watch that I usually wear, a gold necklace that's always been with me ever since I can remember, and my Sunnies glasses.

Where can people find you on social media?

Instagram: @edwardken23

TikTok: @edwardken23

Facebook: Ken Edward

YouTube: Ken Edward

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