Roi Leo Arevalo: Filipino Sneakerhead Interview

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

For me, Jordan 1s are really my dream sneaker. In college, I was eyeing that sneaker in any colorway, but I didn't have the budget to buy one then. I started owning Jordan pairs when my sister gave me a Jordan 1 Mid Triple White as a graduation gift, and I was very happy.

Since then, I have been working very hard to buy the shoes I want.

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

It was the Yeezy era because being a person who has wide feet, Jordans were uncomfortable for me.

Funny I used to be very skeptical about the pairs that Kanye releases until I got the foam runner, which is a game changer. Of course, I'm on comfortable sneakers that are stylish, futuristic, and uniquely designed. For me, Ye is a genius.

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

It's a fun and stress relieve for a network engineer like me who is very stressed at work. So, having a new sneaker feels like a reward for all the hard work, sleepless nights, and downfall.

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

I admire Kanye West, Jerry Lorenzo, Issey Miyake, Simon Porte Jacquemus, Tinker Hatfield, Christian Dior, and Hamilton Carhartt.

Why? Simply because of their contribution to the sneaker world in terms of streetwear, fashion, shoes, and everything - hats off to them.

Recounting what Bill Cunningham said,

"Fashion is the armor to survive the reality of everyday life."

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

Hmmm, I can't wait to see a collaboration of Louis Vuitton x Jordan x Virgil Abloh, even though I know it's not gonna happen. I would love to witness a New Balance x Kanye West - king of comfy shoes.

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

My current rotations are Jordan 1 Low black and dark powder blue, Yeezy Foam Runner in "Stone Sage" colorway, Jordan 1 Mid Triple White, and Jordan 1 Low "New Beginnings."

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

Hoping to have a pair of these sneakers - B23 High White and Black Dior Oblique Canvas, Jordan 1 Retro High OG Lost and Found, and Jordan 1 OG High UNC!

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

Of course, clothes are essentials whether I buy them online, through thrift, or gifts from my girlfriend. We bought sneakers for clothes, or we bought clothes for sneakers, HAHAHA.

Where can people find you on social media?  

Instagram: @roileyooow

TikTok: @roileoarevalo

Facebook: Roi Leo Arevalo