Image via Complex Original
Too many people seem to be claiming to be sneakerheads nowadays. It's not a bad thing that more people are getting into sneakers. In fact, it creates a lot of opportunities for everyone. There does seem to be some confusion about what makes someone a sneakerhead, however. People seem to think that it's as easy as buying some kicks and staking claim to "the lifestyle." Here's 12 Things That Don't Make You A Sneakerhead.
Wearing Camouflage
No shots at camo, but with how many of these types of pictures we see on the 'Net, there seems to be a misconception: Camo alone doesn't make you a sneakerhead. Even when you hit up your friends in the morning to make sure you're all wearing the same outfit to go to the mall together, you still gotta have some worthy kicks and the knowledge to back wearing them.
Buying Every New Release
Congrats, you copped the newest sneakers. Your prize? You now look like everyone else at school this week. And good luck with the credit card company.
Having a Sneaker Connect
Congrats, you have a "hook-up" that you think is cool. In fact, have a cheap t-shirt that will probably give you a weird rash. You're the winner, bruh. Reality is, real 'heads would rather see something from 10 years back or older that shows you're not new to this shit and have some knowledge. That's when you get respect.
Having Your Girl Take Semi-Naked Pictures with Your Sneakers
No matter how much people may like this sort of thing, it doesn't make you a sneakerhead (or a man, for that matter). It's best you keep your girl's goodie-goodies to yourself, especially considering your parents (and her parents) are probably following you on Instagram and you didn't even realize it.
Ranting on Social Media About Every New Release
Quit bitching. If it's that serious, find a new hobby. Going for a swim in a pool of cyanide and skydiving without parachutes are both great alternatives to sneakers.
Thirsting For New Releases Twitter
Sure, you can "connect" to people that work at your favorite brand or sneaker store on Twitter. But if you're wondering why you don't get the hook-up, it's probably because you're annoying them. Take some advice from Swingers, act like you don't need the shit and they give you the shit for free (or at least they won't block you).
Using Sneaker-Related Hashtags
Seriously, using 2,982,409,842 sneaker related hashtags isn't going to make you a sneakerhead. It's only going to annoy people. Stick to a few that you like that support the brands or people you fuck with and call it good. No need to go back and re-tag all your old pics either, they probably sucked anyway.
Having "Kicks" or "Sneaker" in Your Twitter Name
Yep, it's true, no matter how many zzzz's you add to the end of kickz, and no matter how times you add 23 before your government name, it doens't make you a sneakerhead. Neither do all those followers that only pay attention to make fun of you, so chill with the sneaker names. Be yourself and people will like you. Well, if you don't suck.
Calling Your Friends on Twitter "Fam"
Are you really "Fam" or do really not even like that person because they tweeted a link to the last pair in your size before you could get online and order your pair? Unless you're really fam, as in blood related or really good friends in real life, chill. There is one exception. If you can collaborate with your own sneaker company and make cardboard cutouts of yourself to give high-fives to, then you can do whatever you want and be considered a sneakerhead. Hell, you can even refer to yourself as fam. Word to Warren Buffett.
Instagramming Your Sneakers
No matter how talented you are with your camera and hashtag creativity, it doesn't make you a sneakerhead. We can give you some tips on taking the pics but you gotta put in the time to step your sneaker game up.
Knowing Sneaker Nicknames
Chill, bruh. We keep trying to tell you how lame this shit is. The pics are even worse. Truth of the matter, if you could break down actual colorways and not just the best sneaker nicknames, you have a better shot of doing something in the sneaker industry than knowing the corny nickname. Nicknames just make you look lazy.
Calling Yourself a Sneakerhead
There's nothing wrong with being proud to be a sneakerhead. Hell, most people don't even understand it. But just because you came up on a few pairs and claim to be a sneakerhead doesn't make you one. Take the time to learn about the history behind the shoes, the players, the designers, technologies and the biggest reasons why sneakers are important - the people you meet because they share the same passion.
