Interview with Sneakerbox

We got a chance to chat with Clyde Edwards, creator of Sneakerbox. We discussed his work, what he thinks about the industry at the moment and where it’s headed, and some other random tidbits. As fans, we know that sports these daysgo well beyond just a ball and a court (or field, or pitch, you get the point). Players have sponsorships, marketing deals that make their “brands” almost as important as the game they play. Getting a chance to ask Clyde some questions gave us even more of an insight into that aspect.

For those people that don’t know much about your website, or what you do … can you discuss your work a little?

 

Well, my name is Clyde Edwards. I’m the President and Creator of Sneakerbox. Sneakerbox is a Independent Creative Agency. We are an independent, creatively driven agency that creates strong relationships between the World’s leading Athletic Footwear Companies and their customers. We help those companies harness, curate and promote the consumer’s stories about their brands. We also document & publish information on various Footwear related topics including design, events, technology, trends, and style. We dabble in Weartesting, SMU Design, Storytelling, Marketing & Advertising. Our website is www.insidethesneakerbox.com I’m also Creative Director & Buyer for Mr. R Sports. Mr. R Sports is South Florida’s #1 Independent Athletic Footwear & Apparel retailer. Open since 1973. We’re located on South Beach.

What inspired you to start Inside the Sneakerbox?

 

It all started on May 24th, 2009. I’ve always been into fashion and sneakers since I learned how to dress myself. Sneakerbox just happend. I was running an online “boutique” called Art & Water Miami. We carried a lot of the well known Streetwear brands that everyone wears today. As the site started to pick up, I got this idea to buy a flip cam and film me and my friends talking about our sneaker collections; and what we liked about the shoes that were being released. This was before the “Sneaker Review” video BOOM! May 24th 2009 we shot our very first video and it kind of took off from there. The rest is kind of history.

 

What’s your long-term goal with Sneakerbox?

 

My personal long term goal with Sneakerbox is build as an agency. We want to take on more clients and work on creative projects. We’re actually working on a few designs in footwear right now that I can’t talk about yet. One thing I can tell you is that, we’re going to Houston for adidas Originals to work on something during the H Town Sneaker Summit. Keep an eye out for that. You can also expect more original content and media coverage from us as usual.

 

Have you always been obsessed with kicks? Why are you so passionate about the shoe game?

 

Yes.  I’m actually passionate about advertising, marketing, branding and product development. It just so happens that I love shoes. I’ve simply applied what I specialize in, to a tangible. That’s sneakers. 

 

What characteristics make a shoe collectible?

 

What makes a shoe collectible is all up to the consumer.

 

I saw on your Vimeo site that you’ve sat down with a whole bunch of hip hop artists (ex. Bun B interview) to talk about sneakers. Any of them know more than you? Who’d you have the most fun talking to?

 

Yeah, Bun is the homie. Clark is also. They all know more than me. But, it’s never about who knows the more, or who knows the most. It’s about the relationships we’ve built. The business we handle. The culture being pushed forward. The game being changed.

 

What’s the best story you’ve heard related to the pursuit or creation of sneakers?

 

The best story to me; in my opinion is still being told. My story is special to me. When the shoe is ready; and announced we can revisit this question.

 

You guys are based in Miami, but I’m sure the job requires you to travel a good amount. In the states, what city has made you nod your head the most when you see what people are wearing? Overseas?

 

I’ve been fortunate the opportunity to travel a bit. I’d say Miami & NYC. ONLY because they’re like melting pots. People from all over live in NYC. They same goes for Miami. I haven’t been to Europe yet. I’ll be heading to Europe in 2013.

 

 

 

How many sneakers you got at home?

 

I NEVER count. That amount of shoes I own isn’t important to me.

 

Why does it seem like we love ‘old-school’ / retro kicks more than the stuff that’s coming out now?

 

The consumers are usually afraid of change and are so easily influenced. People are afraid to like Hybrids, Fuse, and new technology because the OG’s have brainwashed them. The kids are learning what older heads are teaching them. If they diss or make fun of them for wearing new stuff, the kids will be afraid to try anything new. 

 

“Rock em, don’t stock em.” Thoughts on that philosophy?

 

Yeah, shoes are meant to be worn. Don’t buy a shoe to let it and rot on you. They go bad if you didn’t notice.

Couple quick ones … Favorite brand?

 

I honestly don’t have a favorite brand. I love so many of them for different reasons.

 

Favorite pair of Jordans?

 

This changes for me all the time. It was the II. It was the III. If I had to pick one, it would have to be III silhouette because of Tinker’s vis air innovation in ’87.

 

Favorite shoe out right now?

 

My favorite shoe right now are a pair of iDs I did. Take a look http://insidethesneakerbox.com/?p=16875

 

All-time?

 

All time? Hmmmm…. Maybe the Nike Air Flowfrom 1989.

 

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Make sure you check out Sneakerbox and keep up with everything they’re doing.