Mara Reijnen: Dutch Female Sneakerhead Interview

‍

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

I already loved sneakers in my high school years. I still remember I saw a sneaker which I really needed when I was around 15 years old, I searched through the internet for weeks to find them and finally got to buy them. Those were the Converse All Stars with the American flag, not that special but I was obsessed and that was the first shoe ever I was hunting for.

One year later I saw the Nike Flyknit Air max in orange/pink, I fell in love with the bright colors, they were very expensive for me but I was obsessed. This was the first shoe I bought with my own earned money and I still have them today!

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

I noticed I liked sneakers A LOT when I was around 16 years old, it started with Filling pieces. It’s a Dutch sneaker brand which was not that popular at that moment, I bought that first pair in 2014 and already started collecting those without knowing I would collect so many sneakers after that haha.

After that, I bought the Nike Flyknit Air Max which I talked about earlier. After my love for Air Max started, I owned a couple and rocked them a couple of years. I always liked to have sneakers no one else have. It became an obsession when I entered the Nike’s sneaker world and saw the Jordan 1 UNC Patent in 2019.

This is where my obsession with collecting kicks really started I think & look where we are now, 3 years & around 40 kicks later…

‍

‍

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

I think everybody who loves sneakers, knows how it feels. It just feels special, especially when it’s a pair you really looked forward to!

I remember I got an e-mail from Maha (Amsterdam-based store) when the Jordan 4 Off White Sail was released. They told me I won the raffle and that I could pick them up on Saturday. I couldn’t believe it!!! The excitement of that day is indescribable. They still feel like my babies and they make every outfit rock!

I still can’t believe I own those haha.

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

I have soooo many brands & creators I love, don’t know if I’m able to choose. At the moment I still really love Off-White & Heron Preston. The styles and designs they make are so clean and easy to style, they really make an outfit look perfect.

This doesn’t mean I buy all my clothes from those brands, most of my clothing I get from Nike. I’m such a big fan haha.

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

I love the brand Heron Preston and I would love it when they collaborate to make a Jordan 1. I have NO clue what they would make but I feel like it would be awesome anyway.

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

The sneakers in my current rotation are the Jordan 1 Atmosphere, Dunk Low Mummy and the Patta Air Max in colorway Monarch & Noise Aqua. I’m obsessed with a lot of my sneakers but now I wear those all the time. All so comfy and special.

I like the design of the Mummy’s SO much, I knew they were gonna be mine the moment I first saw them. They literally scream my name, the eyes, the paper details and I didn’t even talk about the glow in the dark details! One of my favorite releases.

‍

‍

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

My holy grail sneaker is the Air Jordan 1 Mid 'Fearless' by Melody Ehsani.I love colors, you would never see me wearing an all-white or black sneaker the whole week.

This sneaker really screams my name, I’m still sad I didn’t get my hands on those. The resale prices are also crazy nowadays so I’m not sure if I will ever get my hands on those but maybe one day…

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

I don’t really have something special, the stuff I really need on a day is my lip balm, chewing gum (since I’m obsessed) & a little bag to store my stuff in. In that case, I’m really boring haha. I would love to own a KAWS piece one day.