Reebok Lover Ryan Kristoffer Icatar

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

After spending half of my adult life not really paying attention to sneakers I’m wearing whether they’re new or not, everything basically did a 180 degree turn when my brother gave me a couple of his preloved Nikes. That’s when I discovered the online sneaker scene, particularly on Facebook. Joined some enthusiasts groups, one thing led to another, then I just found myself acquiring multiple pairs of mostly 90’s retro basketball pairs. I think this was very common with people my age to be driven by nostalgia, but at the same time, my adoration towards 90’s Reebok designs was rekindled. Until such time, I realized I was gravitating towards the Reebok brand only and wasn’t really getting any spark with releases from other brands. The rest is history.  

What are some of your observations or personal stories when it comes to collecting kicks?

People under my age bracket, like what I’ve pointed out earlier, are usually driven by nostalgia. Might be a pair of sneakers worn by our favorite NBA player from the 90’s that either we also had back then, or maybe we never had the chance in owning. Brands know this thus almost all of them are using the same old formula when it comes to sneakers they’re releasing. I would assume it’s the same with younger people but I won’t be able to conclusively say that given the generational differences.

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

For the past couple of years, I’ve downsized my collections to just pairs that I actually wear/given time to rock. My favorite 5 kicks right now are the following (in no particular order): Reebok Classic Leather white/grey, Reebok Classic Leather white/gum, Reebok Zig Kinetica white, Reebok CL Legacy (blue/Aztec colorway) and Reebok Shaqnosis (mismatch between OG and Reversed OG)

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

It somewhat differs for almost every single pair. Right now since I’m being seeded from time to time, of course the feeling whenever I wear a pair of sneakers that I’m able to acquire because of other people appreciating what I do on social media, is still pretty surreal. Now whenever I get to wear a pair that I purchase, it generally gives me that sense of contentment and sentimentality because I’m able to get sneakers that I want now, which I never imagined my whole life given that I basically settled for either passed down beaten up sneakers or generic non-branded ones when I was younger.

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

At this point, I would say I’d want to see a collaboration between Reebok and either of these entities: (1) The collective where I’m currently connected to (in some capacity) Team Reebok 1895. (2) One of my favorite local sneaker stores in the Philippines, Sole Academy. (3) And of course, our own community, Team Reebok PH. Down the road, a collab between Reebok and myself would be dope but let’s put this aside first, and maybe we can pick up on this in future discussions haha fingers crossed, right?

What do you think is the most underrated pair?

Oh man, the easiest answer would be the entire brand of Reebok. But if I’m to pick a specific pair, I’d say the Reebok Zig Kinetica (any iteration) just because I feel this is being overlooked for years now. And people do not realize how dope the technology behind it.

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

Apart from Reebok, I’m a fan of New Balance grey 99x models and Adidas Originals, particularly the Shelltoe, though I obviously haven’t really done something about that haha.

I love what Salehe Bembury has been doing the past years with his collabs so yeah I would want to own any of his works.

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

Reebok Alien Stompers, the ultra high tops. Worn by Sigourney Weaver in the movie.

What are some of your favorite sneaker-related content creators?

Now that this is being asked from me, I think I’m more of a Jacques Slade/Full Size Run dude than anything. I like to talk about sneakers, news, the culture, the people, the history. I also like Nightwing just because he’s a big Reebok retro guy himself. Seth Fowler would be quintessential in terms of sneaker reviewers, and locally, I watch Carlo Ople, Gelo Pineda and some of the newer creators here (like the fellas behind the collective, Beyond The Hype, and their circle of sneakerhead-creators) They’re really good.

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

Right now, I’m trying to learn proper photography and videography (not just with sneakers) and I’m like in the novice level in terms of the gears that I currently own.

Where can people find you on social media?

Most of the time, Facebook and Instagram. I currently moderate a number of Sneaker culture/community-related Facebook groups, I run my own Facebook pages (Rye Icatar and R-Classics) and some Instagram accounts (@ryeicatar, @teamreebokph, and @the1983classic)

And of course, my YouTube channel is Rye Icatar (youtube.com/ryeicatar) where I talk about sneakers and pop culture.