Hong Kong Personal Trainer and Sneakerhead: Taftu

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

My sneaker possession started when I saw The Nike Air Max 95 in the magazine - yet I couldn't get the pair that time. I need to wait until Atmos x Nike Air Max 1B "Viotech" and fortunately, I'm able to get the pair that I love ever since!

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

I have worked in New Balance for 7 years, so most of the time I wear it in my life. I haven’t bought shoes from other brands for a while!

My favourite New Balance pair is 1300 JP which is released every five years. It's not a very popular pair, but for New Balance lovers like me, they will know if this design is the comfiest and easy to match with everything. In 2013. Mr Yu's CMSS launched New Balance MRL 996 - he’s the first non-American who designed 996. There was a lot of promotion that time and I was fortunate enough to meet him!

For now as being dad, I pay more attention to the shoe comfort. Recently I bought Sacai x Nike Vapor Waffle, but I didn't feel comfortable with it and the price was expensive.

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

After working for a while in the industry, the excitement is not very high. But I will comment on running shoes, especially special ones (like shoes with a high thrust or the sole is very comfortable). I want to introduce them to runners, so they can get the right kicks. Being able to do this is another kind of happiness.

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

I would say WTAPS. It is my favorite Japanese brand, and all their collabs create huge buzz, like the collab with New Balance or Vans.

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

I would absolutely want it to be with On Running. I hope it will collab with Rolex that is also from Switzerland. Best way is box set of a pair of sneakers with a watch.

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

On Running The Roger Advantage, full white court shoes. The sole has shock absorbance of running shoes, comfy yet easy to match.

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

New Balance x WTAPS 992. I had a chance to cop it, but I didn’t want to cause trouble to my former colleagues, so I gave up. Now the price is over 10K.

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

Trousers with different fit and length is a must! Wide cut trousers for chunky shoes; sport leggings for running shoes and formal trousers for court shoes.

Where people can find you on social media?

Instagram: @kidult_halu

Facebook: Kidult.Runner

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