German Sneaker Photographer: Ty

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

The first time when I came in contact with sneakers was in 2010. At that time, I was a student and met a fellow student who wore different sneakers every day. I asked him where can I buy those, and he took me to a sneaker store in Cologne, The Good Will Out. That was when I bought my first Nike Air Max 1.

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

For me, these were the moments when Nike and other brands brought innovation in sneakers out with different materials, new models, old models with new designs, or two models combined in one like Nike Air Max 1/97.

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

To be honest, I feel delighted and lucky. I like the fresh smell, the experience of opening the box and seeing the new shoes in actual, not just on pictures like Facebook or Instagram. I'm also a bit scared to wear a new pair of kicks because they are untouched and clean, but it feels amazing!

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

My top creators and designers are Hiroshi Fujiwara, KAWS and Takashi Murakami. The simple design, ideas, innovation, and history of the designers and pieces are incredible. I love collecting stuff from them.

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

So I'm in a sneaker squad (SneakerSquadMunich), and I wish we could collaborate with a brand one day to create a sneaker for us. Overall, it's nice to see when a community with many members can work together with various sneaker brands.

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

Sneakers in my current rotation are Nike Air Jordan 1 Low OG Neutral Grey, NikeCraft Mars Yard 2.0, Nike Air Max 1 x Patta "Monarch," New Balance 992 Grey, and Asics Gel Lyte 3 x Invincible "Formosa."

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

I think it is the NikeCraft Mars Yard 1.0 for me.

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

I usually pick my outfit after I decide what kick I will wear for the day. Some of the standard items I have are the watch, key, cardholder, and my iPhone.

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Where can people find you on social media?

Instagram: tyl87

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