Kayla Robert - Canadian Sneakerhead Interview

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

I have always loved sneakers. I owned Jordan 1s, Jordan 4s, and Dunks, but I first got drawn to sneakers when I came across this Highsnobiety article back in 2019 about the Converse x Ambush collab.

Inspired by the Converse rubber military boots from the 1950s, they dropped the boot in the white colorway, and I needed them. The size is showcased at the back of the shoe, making me want them a lot. I sized down half my size to have the 1/2 featured at the back because I thought it was so cool. They had just dropped, and I looked through all the retailer's websites, but I couldn't find them, so I ordered them off GOAT. I got hit with 150$ duties but didn't know better then.

This started my sneaker passion and is still on to this day. I'm glad these shoes started my passion because I still love military-inspired clothing and sneakers up until now!

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

I love the whole utility trend combining a sneaker's comfort, athleisure and esthetic sides. I love trends that make me discover sneakers I've never heard of.

I'm always looking for and prioritizing comfort over all sides of a sneaker. I also love Japanese, Korean, vintage, football, casual, and sportswear-inspired sneakers/brands/trends.

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

Every time I get a new pair of sneakers, I try them on and look at myself in the mirror for at least 30 minutes. Then, I love to try on most of my pants to see how they sit on the shoes. The next day, I put on a cozy outfit and paired it with my new kicks to walk around, get some coffee and take pictures because I feel confident and superior with a fresh pair of shoes.

Sneakers are my favorite item of clothing, and I can always express myself and my personality through them. I love taking shoe pictures every day for my Instagram because I like showing off my new kicks, not in a bragging way, but because I think that shoes are art.

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

I love small creators and businesses creating unique and original pieces with details that truly make a difference and make them stand out. My favorites are Freya Mckee, Sachraga, Side Service, Estudio Niksen, Iftulab, Post Archive Faction, Harrow Numen, and so many more; I wish I could name them all!

I love buying vintage and secondhand pieces, but these creators are so talented that they make me want to buy them firsthand. I also love that they're small because that makes them exclusive and ethical most of the time.

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

I wish for a Salomon XT-4 Advanced x Kiko Kostadinov collab.

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

Some pairs that you would see in my current rotation are: Suicoke Pepper-Evab, Nike Air Rifts, Asics x Kiko Kostadinov Ub2-S Gel 1130, Adidas Sambas, and Clarks Wallabees

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

I dream of having a black Comme des Garçons Homme Plus Foamposites.

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

My essentials are Aésop skincare, Maison Margiela Lazy Sunday Morning perfume, TNA white socks, a good Stussy white tee, headphones, a vintage leather Jacket, my iPad, and digital camera.

Where can people find you on social media?  

Instagram: @kaylarobert__‍

TikTok: @kaylarobert__