People & Their Sneakers: Non-Binary Trinidadian Sneakerhead Nel Schneider

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

As a child, I was always fascinated by footwear. I would spend so much time looking at everyone’s feet. Honestly, the first pair of sneakers that triggered my obsession was a pair of Wilson tennis shoes. No hype, but we didn’t have much money growing up, and those were a big deal for me.

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

I think the era of females had led Jordan collabs - Vashtie, Melody Ehsani, Aleali May, and a lot more.

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

It feels so good. There’s nothing like the experience of unboxing a fresh shoe pair, and the smell is satisfying! Haha!

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

I love Virgil, Tremaine Emory, Rhuigi, Melody Ehsani, The Notorious Kia, and many more. People of color have always taken the way.

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

I wish there were more queer people included in the design collaborations. It’s definitely lacking today.

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

Among my current favorite sneakers are Air Jordan 1 High Travis Scott x Fragment, Travis Scott x Nike Air Max, Nike Blazers, and Air Jordan 1 Low OG Starfish.

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

As of the moment, I want to have a Jordan 4 x Off-white Sail.

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

A few are Ole Henriksen's face mask, Supreme side bag, Off-white sunglasses, and the Kaws side table books.

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Where can people find you on social media?

Instagram: @nel.schneider

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