Its November 1st at the time of writing this post - Halloween is now over and the switch over to Christmas is just about to happen (if it hasn’t already). As always, its ideal to get your Christmas shopping done early so that you don’t end up giving socks or cash as a last minute gift (which in my opinion are perfect gifts, but thats just me).
If you have a friend or family member that loves sneakers, it can be a little tough to figure out an ideal gift for them (assuming that a pair of sneakers are off the table). Fear not - I’ve compiled a list of gift ideas that are perfect for any sneakerhead and flexible with any budget! Each gift idea will include links to suggested vendors, but you’re welcome to make your own research into other vendors selling such items.
Disclaimer: none of the following links are affiliated or sponsored by anyone. These are just my honest suggestions as I think they’re good products! Also, the links will be a mix of Canadian and American sites. Feel free to do your own research to find the same products in your local area.
Cost: $$ - anything above $20 should be a good start - anything less is usually poorly made
If the sneakerhead in your life has a lot of shoes, chances are they either have some sort of display or are thinking of how to display them. The purpose behind having display cases varies between each sneaker collector - for example, I only have a couple cases to display my favourite ‘grail’ sneakers in my collection. There are others who buy a case for every sneaker in their collection so that it replaces the standard boxes they receive, as these boxes aren’t as sturdy over time when stacked on top of one another.
The Extra Mile
There are various types of display cases - if you really want to tailor the case you get to the sneakerhead in your life, do a little digging into their collection. Do they have one pair thats always on display, out of the box? If so, I would suggest a clear case so the pair is protected and on full display. Do they have stacks of sneakers? Look into drop front boxes, where they can organize their collection in stacks, and still be able to see each pair (as the drop front is clear).
Cost: $-$$$ - it can vary based on the artist/collectible
Bandai Gundam x Nike SB Action Figure
This gift idea is a bit more broad than the rest on this list, as it heavily varies on the likes and interests of your loved one. For example, if they are a Michael Jordan fan, you can get an MJ Funko pop. If they like the artist KAWS (and you have a bit more money), then a KAWS figure could be the way to go. There are many other artists with really creative products that tie into sneakers, it just requires some research. I’ve linked a couple of my personal favourites above to give you a place to start.
The Extra Mile
This gift idea will require you to be observant of what they like/talk about the most. Do they have a favourite athlete or artist? For example, many (if not all) sneakerheads love KAWS and the figures that he makes as it perfectly compliments a sneaker display. Another example - Nike teamed up with Gundam not too long ago (from the time of writing this) and created custom Nike SB Gunplas and Gundam figures. Supreme also has their own collaboration with Gundam, which is a good gift for Gundam fans who love to build Gunplas. Once you determine their interests, I would suggest looking for gift ideas on Etsy, as many creatives post their items for sale there.
Cost: $-$$ - Sale items are around $35, normal price is around $50
While these are considered as a collectible, I decided to isolate them because of how unique this item is. Kickbricks are basically the Lego version of sneakers. Lego has always been a popular toy over the years - and Kickbricks combine the two worlds together! There are vendors out there that make similar items, but I highly suggest Netmagnetism’s Kickbricks as I find them the best designed and built compared to the rest.
The Extra Mile
Kickbricks come in many sneaker models - you’ll need to check in with your sneakerhead and see what their favourite or ‘grail’ sneaker is. As of writing this post, Netmagnetism currently has Air Jordan 1s, 4s, Nike Dunks, and more models.
Cost: $-$$ - prices vary between vendors, but most are around the $20-40 range
Sneaker candles have gained a lot of traction these past couple years. They’re highly detailed and tend to be well scented, even when not lit. There are many Etsy vendors that sell sneaker candles in various models, giving you a good amount to choose from, from Jordans to Dunks.
The Extra Mile
This gift idea is low effort for you as the gift giver. All you have to do is ask your sneakerhead what their favourite sneaker and scent is (try to be creative with the latter and not to say ‘candle scent’ so you don’t give it away).
Cost: $-$$$ - prices and quality vary between vendors
We’re five gift ideas in - you might be seeing a common theme with them. Most, if not all, are perfect compliments for sneaker displays and collections. Art prints fall right into that. Granted I might be a bit biased towards this one specifically (I mean, you’re reading this on my webshop) but just like everything else, you can really tailor what art print you gift your sneakerhead based on what they like. It can be a specific sneaker model, athlete, or artist who also loves sneakers or may have collaborated with a sneaker brand. Whats great with art is that there are so many artists in the world with their own distinct styles and tastes that you can choose from.
The Extra Mile
Like the candles, this gift idea is a bit low effort, as its more so observational - sometimes you don’t even need to ask about what your sneakerhead likes, as you can probably see what they already have or hear what they like to talk about the most. This also applies with the style of art you go with - are they more so lenient towards a minimal style, or more graffiti?
Cost: $-$$$
Virgil Abloh: Figures of Speech
The Mamba Mentality: How I Play (Kobe Bryant)
Books might seem like the most boring option for sneakerheads, but I’d like to say otherwise. Almost all the sneaker related books I’ve bought provided a really in-depth look into the minds of the creatives who had collaborations with big sneaker brands. For example: Virgil Abloh, well known for his work with Pyrex, Off-White, and later his collaboration with Nike, had two books - Figures of Speech, and Icons. He documented EVERYTHING in those books - down to images showing every angle of the computers and hard drives he used when creating his work. Its insights like that that make books a worthy gift to your sneakerhead. Worst case scenario? It’ll look good for a coffee table or bookshelf with a pair of sneakers on display.
The Extra Mile
Like all the other gifts, try to tailor the book you choose based on what sneakers they own. If you’re not sure about the sneakers, ask them about it! “Who designed this? Is this a Kobe sneaker? Is this a Travis Scott collaboration?” Once you have that information, see if there are books related to the person.
Cost: $$-$$$
Rugs, tufting and everything related have gained a lot of popularity online - many have picked up the hobby ever since the pandemic. As a result, you see a lot of creative rugs, from Pokemon Gameboy games to KAWS figures. A popular choice are sneakers - whether its the sneakers themselves, the sneaker boxes, or even just the logos. Not sure where to start? Try doing a search on Etsy or Instagram - you’d be surprised with what designs you can find!
The Extra Mile
This ones easier than the books - take a look into what brands and shoes your sneakerhead has, and see if any rugs are available in those styles. Better yet, see what their favourite sneaker or grail is, and go from there. Just keep in mind that rugs can be a bit more pricey!
Cost: $-$$
Socks may be considered as boring as the books, but one can argue its one of the most important aspects of the entire ‘fit’ besides the sneaker worn. Look into what colours your sneakerhead likes to wear, and use that to find socks that best compliment such colours.
The Extra Mile
Don’t just go to your local Nike or Footlocker and grab a pair of 6 socks - look at other brands! There are many sock small businesses that have popped up since the pandemic, and they have many colourful options that compliment sneakers well. If you’re short for time, try looking for Stance socks at your local shops.
Cost: $-$$
Crep Protect Shoe Care Bundle Pack
Jason Markk On-The-Go Essentials
A sneaker cleaning kit is a good essential for all sneakerheads, assuming that they maintain their sneakers. These kits have your basic needs - cleaning solution, a cloth, cleaning wipes, etc. The three I’ve linked above are arguably the titans in their industry - and in my opinion have greatly improved their products since they started.
The Extra Mile
Don’t just get the kits with only a brush and cleaning solution - I suggest the full kits that have multiple brushes, wipes, cloth, erasers, etc. As those provide all around coverage in terms of sneaker cleaning.
]]>PS. While you're there, be sure to read/watch the other content he and his team got on the site. 😉
]]>This year’s Pulitzer Prize in music marks one year since Kendrick Lamar’s album DAMN was released, and there’s a reason why people are still evoking the name from their lips in the same awe.
Like his previous albums, he’s still advocating for social and political action, but with a new approach: Lamar has stripped himself of his bad boy persona and replaced it with something that you’ll rarely- if ever- see most other rappers in the party age do: he’s put his fear and vulnerability up on display for the whole world to see.
One of Lamar's greatest benedictions as an artist has been his ability to creatively connect with mainstream audience- inviting them to relive his own personal experiences with themes not often found at the top of billboard charts.
He was born in Compton, California and grew up living in welfare, witnessing gang violence in his neighbourhood and police corruption at five years old. His early exposure to racism in the South Central riots at four years old also instilled a maturity to his outlook on society. He soon turned to writing poetry and listening to Tupac Shakur, who rapped about the very struggles Lamar was going through.
He became an inspiration for Lamar all throughout his career- even admitting to The Rolling Stone that he was visited by Tupac’s spirit in a dream once that told him to "keep doing what you doing, don’t let my music die."
And so he didn’t.
Tupac’s continued legacy -and now Lamar’s- has resulted in both DAMN and To Pimp a Butterfly, both of which deal with pressing and ongoing social issues and also leaves listeners in a state of uncertainty over what the future holds.
In the age of Trump, sexism, systematic racism and police brutality have never been more prevalent.
Though Lamar’s also had his entertainment rapping about his material wealth and rise to fame, this album signalled his growth- his desire to stop hiding behind all of it and get back to what matters.
And thanks to Lamar, it’s picking up again. We see new artists transitioning out of their party stance from earlier in their careers into real stories of struggle.
Drake’s Scary Hours, J. Cole’s For Your Eyez Only and KOD as well as The Weeknd’s My Dear Melancholy are just some hitting the top charts with some powerful messages for their fans.
And like Lamar, they’re all adopting more somber themes that stand in stark contrast to the upbeat albums people are used to seeing- Drake’s cleverly released during a U.S. government shutdown to emphasize political discontent.
Fans of Jay-Z are seeing a new maturity and growth in a rapper long established for his machismo and street reportage. 4:44 is yes, a self-scrutiny of his rise to success as a businessman and his failures as a family man but also subtly calls out the disadvantages still faced by the Black community even though he’s succeeded. It’s one several references he makes to social issues throughout 4:44.
It is this urgency in DAMN that has rippled throughout the rap industry and caused a chain-effect for other prominent rappers. Humanity and honesty are becoming norm, lacking the braggadocio that fans are used to seeing in their music.
And like Lamar, that unsettling feeling that fans are getting from their favourite ‘party’ rappers is leaving them with a sobering reality: these issues are real, they are scary, and it’s high time we dealt with it.
We see this buildup of fear and despair in DAMN. Lamar has left nothing untouched: Everything from lyrics, to song titles and even the order that they appear in are all carefully crafted into his message.
He’s aggressive and straight to the point, creating a sense of urgency that makes what he has to say all that more important. Specifically, the titles give off a seven sins-like feel to it are practically screaming at you like “HUMBLE”, “DNA”, “LOVE”, “LUST”, “FEAR”, “PRIDE” and “GOD”.
Another point in DAMN is that Lamar isn’t just talking to himself like in Good Kid M.a.a.d City, "Okay, now open your mind up and listen to me/Kendrick/ I am your conscience/ if you do not hear me then you will be history, Kendrick" discussing his struggle with drug and alcohol abuse.
Now, he’s taken it one step further and turned it towards his audience, through conversations with nameless characters. For instance, the woman in “BLOOD”: “Hello ma’am, can I be of any assistance?/ It seems to me that you have lost something/ I would like to help you find it" which could be anybody.
His conversations go through issues such as valuing natural beauty in modern media’s beauty standards or the power of material wealth versus spirituality. It’s a gradual progression of implicit conversations to somebody eventually leading to “XXX”, where he gets aggressive.
“Alright kids, we’re gonna talk about gun control/ (Pray for me) Damn!"
By now, it’s clear who he’s turned his attention to- politicians, Donald Trump, big corporate bosses, North America.
And you.
The vague sense of curiosity that Lamar starts off with has now led to a full exposure of his rawest emotions: anger, sadness, betrayal, fear and insecurity. The result is chilling, and it’s the stuff that Lamar mentions- the stuff you can’t see and hold- that adds to the discomfort at this point in the album.
It’s the kind of up front and no filter approach Lamar uses that hasn’t been seen since the reign of Dead Prez, Tupac and Public Enemy. They dominated rap culture in the 1980s to 1990s for speaking out about the ongoing social conflict in North America.
And while he isn’t the first to use his platform for social advocacies, he’s definitely the one leading the movement now for the current generation, which he mentions in an interview with Zane Lowe.
“I want it to live for the next 20 years. So you have to listen to it over and over and over again to fully understand the direction and the message I put in there and the execution of it.”
It’s a fresh change from the stance that pop culture has taken in the last decade or so on songs about money, cars and sex. It’s been fun, but it’s time to face our problems.
And it’s about damn time.
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