Confessions of a Curly Sneakerhead

Nike Air Max 90 FB+ Black Volt Total Crimson Pink Blast
Nike | Air Max 90 | Black / Volt / Total Crimson / Pink Blast
I'm a sneakerhead.

But you knew that already, right?

If you've been following me for a while on Instagram or Snapchat (maneobjective), then you know the love runs deep, and that I'm in Foot Locker and Finish Line almost as often as I'm in Sally's and Target.

Well, if ya don't know - now ya know.

It's totally non-PC to say this now (because #outdatedgendernorms), but I grew up a lil' rough around the edges - a "tomboy" is what we called it back in my day (gosh I sound old, lol). I hated skirts, dresses, flowers, and pink - pretty much anything associated with super femininity. Although I later grew to appreciate a good mani/pedi, mascara, and a decent skirt, there were some things I never quite "grew out" of.

And sneakers was one of them.

My penchant for comfy kicks dates back to my middle school years, when I first became hyper-aware of what is now known as the #shoegame. I was hip to all the newest releases, but couldn't get them myself. My parents weren't balling outta control enough to buy me $100 sneakers every other month, so I took what I could get in the way of Reeboks, Converse, and back then - Nautica 😂

High school is where I was introduced to my first pair of Jordans - by way of a total stranger while school shoe shopping with my mom. I remember the story like it was yesterday. I was on my way to 10th grade when the all-white Jordan V sneakers first dropped in 2000. At that time, my parents couldn't afford to drop $100+ for a pair of shoes on me, so I typically saved my money to match what my parents could give me, to get what I wanted.


Confessions of a Curly Sneakerhead
I now own the Vs as an adult, thanks to Samuel. 
But this particular year, I didn't have enough money for 'em - so I passed them by and started looking at a pair of Chucks that were more in my price range. Unbeknownst to me, an older gentleman approached my mom and started asking about me - what kind of kid I was, what my grades looked like, etc. She told him I was an A student, and a hard worker that seldom got in trouble. The next thing I knew, the gentleman was at the counter telling the Footlocker employee to bring me the Jordan V in my size, and for me to pick out another pair. My mother and I both told the man it wasn't necessary - one pair, let alone two. But he insisted; and didn't want anything in return. He just wanted to be a blessing and reward someone who he felt deserved it. 

I'll never forget that story, or the lesson it taught me about giving and being a blessing to others without expecting.

From that moment on, I worked weekend and summer jobs, stacking my money to go toward the shoes I wanted, with some financial help from my parents who were able to meet me halfway. My favorite pairs in high school were the Blackout Nike Hyperflights and Ginger Jordan XVIs. Back then, I didn't know jack about preserving shoes - I sure do miss those sneakers. They were so dope.

Fast forward to my adult years, and I'm pretty much committed to sneakers as a way of life. I wear them to the gym, to church, on dates, at work (back when I worked in an office) - you name it, I've probably done it.


Nike Concepts SB Dunk Stained Glass Holy Grail
Nike x Concepts | SB Dunk | Stained Glass / Holy Grail
I'm a firm believer in comfort over corns, and high tops over heels. I don't go full hypebeast and cop whatever the latest sneaker is for the sake of owning it. 

Every single pair I own, I love. 

I have a soft spot for high tops, but for the right mid or low, I'm in. I've got a decent stash of retro Jordans, a growing Air Max collection, and a random assortment of Adidas, Converse, Reebok, Nike, and Vans.

I love grey in all shades (it's my most populous wardrobe color), crazy bright colorways, and unique textures - even though there's always a need for a demure shade or two. I don't concern myself with what other folks consider hot or not - I rock what I like - no matter if it's a pair of Nikes from the clearance rack, or the latest Jordan release.


Retro Jordan 4 IV Oreo
Jordan | Retro IV | Oreo
I say all of this to say - welcome to the newest category on The Mane Objective - Sneakers and Life. Here is where you'll be able to find all my sneakerhead musings, tips, reviews, and more. If you've got questions, or things you'd like to know about sneakers - drop 'em in the comments below. I'm always up for new blog posts about the collection that comes second only to my product stash! 😂

Enjoy!

12 Comments

  1. A somewhat new follower on your instagram and new subscriber to your you tube channel. I wasn't a true sneaker head growing up but I remember when LA Gears came out (telling my age here) I HAD to have them. High top black, pink and white with double strings in black and pink. Used my Christmas money to get them. Couldn't tell me anything in junior high when we came back from Christmas break. I fell in love with Filas after that. I can't keep up with all the new releases but I like what I like, even if I don't know the names at first 😂. Yes!

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    Replies
    1. Lol SAME! Fila and LA Gear were HOTTTT back in the day! I worked my lil' butt off taking summer jobs, just to go back to school in fall and stunt - LOL! Thank you for stopping by!!!

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  2. Without proper comfort, you can't practieb your workout well. This post os king of guide to thoese who don't know about this fact of workout confort. Thanks for sharing.

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  3. Not only proper diet, but for sustainable workout, it's important to be in comfort which you can get only with proper clothing and outfit. Sneakers are perfect to perform well as they create that level of comfort.

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  4. Hi,
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  5. The pictures and information about the shoe are very beautiful and outstanding. good material. I really like this product!
    poppy playtime

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  6. Брендовая одежда и обувь для женщин и мужчин – это идеальный выбор для тех, кто стремится к совершенству в стиле. Наш ассортимент включает эксклюзивные кроссовки, джинсы, футболки, платья и куртки от всемирно известных брендов.

    Мода и стиль

    Мода и Татуировка

    Женская обувь

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  7. Wow, what an inspiring and nostalgic journey into your love for sneakers! The story about the stranger buying you the Jordan V's is such a beautiful example of generosity and kindness—it gave me chills. I love how you embrace your unique style and stick to what feels good for you, whether it's a clearance rack find or the latest release. As someone into gaming mods like traffic rider mod apk latest version, I appreciate your perspective on passion-driven collections—it's all about what makes you happy and comfortable. Looking forward to more posts from the Sneakers and Life series!

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  8. Wow, your story about the Jordan V’s is so heartwarming and inspiring! The kindness of that stranger and your passion for sneakers truly shine through. I love how you embrace your unique style, from clearance finds to rare releases—it’s all about what makes you happy. It reminds me of my love for games like Asphalt Nitro MOD APK for pc, where unlimited cars and nitro boosts bring the same thrill of customization and freedom. Can’t wait to read more from your Sneakers and Life series—it’s such a fun and personal journey!

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