Sneakerhead Chronicles: Unveiling Tips, Tricks and Sneaky Secrets for Ultimate Sole Style!

Ever wondered what it means to be a true sneaker aficionado? We asked not one, not two, but three sneakerheads who eat, sleep, and breathe sneakers to find out. 

Meet Suhana Sethi, Vineet Mhatre, and Sahil Kajale– the ultimate triad of sole enthusiasts who can spot a good-looking sneaker from a mile away. From their first-ever sneaker love stories to quirks that can raise eyebrows, they've got tales that'll have you chuckling and nodding in agreement if you, too, are a true blue sneakerhead. 

But hey, it's not just about obsessively cleaning sneakers or the thrill of unboxing a new pair – it's about a culture, a community, and a passion that's as strong as the rubber on their soles.

So, lace up or slip on [you see what we did there ;-) ], 'cause these sneaker stories are about to take you on a journey that's equal parts jaw-dropping, hilarious, and jaw-droppingly hilarious.

Vineet Mhatre

     1. Define a sneakerhead in just 5 words. - "Never ending love for sneakers." 

2. How would you define yourself as a sneakerhead in 3 words? - "Always adding more."

3. Can you share the first incident which made you realise that your love for sneakers runs deep? - "It all started from my love and passion towards football and my idol Cristiano Ronaldo. And I wanted to wear what he was wearing and when I did manage to get exactly that, it gave me chills and I knew my love for sneakers was something else and more deep. I haven’t looked back since."

4. How far will you go/have you gone to protect your favourite pair of sneakers? - "Sneakers are meant to be worn for me, even if it's a super rare collector’s pair. It means you need to do everything possible to protect it. I always carry my Sneaker cleaning kit with me wherever I go just to keep my sneakers fresh and protected."

5. 3 things people should never say to a sneakerhead.

• Sneakers are overrated.
• Why do you spend so much money on sneakers? It’s just a pair of shoes!!!
• It’s the same shoe in a different colour! 

6. And what would you say are some things sneakerheads know that other shoe-lovers don't?

• Hacks to make your sneakers last longer.
• How & where to sell your used pair of sneakers.
• How to get limited edition sneakers for retail price.
• How to earn profits by selling sneakers in the resale market. 

7. Are there any sneakerhead quirks that the world doesn't know about?

• Sneaker-heads love when they catch someone staring at their sneakers. 
• We are always looking for aesthetic places to click pictures of the sneakers that we are wearing. 
• Sneakerheads hate the monsoon and rains! 

Suhana Sethi

1. Define a sneaker head in just 5 words - "Obsesses, collects and wears it with pride."

2. How would you define yourself as a sneakerhead in 3 words? - "Obsessed with sneakers!"

3. Can you share the first incident which made you realise that your love for sneakers runs deep? - "My passion for sneakers started when I saw 'The Last Dance', how Michael Jordan revolutionised the basketball world, his fighting spirit, rebellious personality, and go-getter attitude is what drew me towards sneakers."

4. How far will you go/ have you gone to protect your favourite pair of sneakers - "I literally sleep with my sneakers! I can’t even have them in a separate room; my wardrobe is in a separate room and my sneaker closet is in my room, next to my bed."

5. 3 things people should never say to a sneakerhead. - “This is ‘just’ a shoe, “It’s the same sneaker in different colors,” and “Why do you have so many sneakers?”

6. And what would you say are some things sneakerheads know that other shoe-lovers don't? - "Sneakers have a history, story, culture to it. Each sneaker is unique in its own way. Sneakerheads have a community and we are deeply connected. Collecting sneakers is more than love! As I said, we are literally obsessed with them!"
   
   
7. Are there any sneakerhead quirks that the world doesn't know about? - "You can’t step onto a sneakerhead sneaker. Creasing sneakers is a sin! We smell new sneakers as soon as we unbox them, and store them in boxes (I have a separate storage area for boxes). We also use a sole protector so that the sneaker sole doesn’t get dirty… I can go on and on because there are quite a lot!"

Sahil Kajale

1. Define a sneaker head in just 5 words. - "Bows down only for sneakers."

2. How would you define yourself as a sneakerhead in 3 words? - "Crazy, connoisseur, collector."

3. Can you share the first incident which made you realise that your love for sneakers runs deep? - "When I got my first pair of sneakers, I just felt a different never-before-experienced high by the touch and smell of it. That’s where my love for sneakers began and I started reading, researching more about the world of sneakers and brands. However it was the episode of ‘The World According to Jeff Goldblum’ on sneakers that actually helped me give my love for sneakers a name and I realized the magnitude and intensity behind the craze globally."

4. How far will you go/ have you gone to protect your favourite pair of sneakers? - "I’m unbiased towards all my pairs so irrespective of my favourite or not, I tend to take an obsessive amount of care with all of them. I use a repel spray if I’m wearing a pair outdoors in the monsoons or to an event where the possibilities of soiling my shoes is high. The next day after I wear them I use an electric sneaker cleaner to clean them in a way that they look close to mint condition. Products like a sneaker cleaning solution, hard/soft bristle brushes, quick wipes and suede erasers are always handy depending upon the material of the pair. So much so that I carry them with me everywhere I travel."

5. 3 things people should never say to a sneakerhead.

• “Don’t you have ENOUGH sneakers?” 
• “It’s JUST a sneaker” 
• Commenting on the taste of one’s choice of brands in a demeaning manner

6. And what would you say are some things sneakerheads know that other shoe-lovers don't? - "If you’re a sneakerhead you’ll surely know the name of all silhouettes and colourways you own, if not even those that you don’t. Plus using the right terminology like DS, DSWT, Silhouette, Colourway is something that sets a sneakerhead apart from other shoe lovers. To top it off, if you’re a geek like me, you will know the history of the pairs you own."

7. Are there any sneakerhead quirks that the world doesn't know about? - "We love the smell of a brand new pair! It’s a practice the world might find disgusting but it’s just a heavenly high and nothing makes us happier than an untampered pair that comes with a box."