The 10 Most Annoying Things About Sneaker #Influencers

Everyone has run into a self promoter: the person who thinks their shit is way better than everyone else's. That's OK. People need to look out for themselves, but it reaches a point when it's shear absurdity. Designing a sneaker with a brand is a blessing, not a chance to say that your sneaker is the best of all time, and no other collaboration can hold weight to yours. The inter-connectedness is what makes sneaker culture so dope, and putting yourself above others is a major dick move.

Some #influencers want free stuff so bad, they'll literally co-sign anything--even if the product sucks. Sure, there's personal preference and people enjoy different things, but shouting out any brand or sneaker just because it was free isn't cool. People look up to #influencers because they believe they have superior taste and are going to put them onto the new wave, but they're just bombarded with a brand's marketing agenda.

The most exciting thing about sneakers is that everyone has a different opinion, and that's what makes them who they are. With some people, it's tough to tell if they're a Jordan head or someone who gets excited by vintage runners. Sneakers should be an extension of a person's personality, not a uniform where everyone wears the same thing. Having someone be super specific about the sneakers they love, can make others appreciate their passionate, too.

Sneakers are rad, and they're the single thing that a lot of people put over everything else in their life. But they're not the only element to this broader culture. Sneakers should also connect to style, and how they relate to hip-hop and street culture. Sneaker #influencers often don't look outside of the world of sneakers, and make themselves too insular to the world of sneakers.

It's awesome when people get free stuff, and some get more than others. It shouldn't be the only thing that an #influencer shares on social media. It turns Instagram into a flexing contest, and everyone trying to outdo the next man. Being humble can go a long way.

There are sneakers that kids would give an arm and a leg for, but they end up missing out on the release. And sneaker #influencers get them for free. Not only do they get them for free, they often forget about the sneakers and let them rot in a dusty pile, before they ever get worn. It would be much better to reach out to kids and see who wants the sneakers, do a raffle, or give them away to charity. No one can hold onto sneakers forever.

Showing off free sneakers and private events is cool: everyone wants to live a little bit of that lifestyle, and maybe it will inspire a young kid to get into sneaker blogging. But often, it adds nothing to the conversation. Endless images of unworn sneakers that are posted on other sneaker blogs, or simply saying nothing about everything an #influencer is trying to show off adds nothing to the conversation. People care about sneakers. They want to know people's opinions: when a sneaker came out, what it looks the way it does--who designed the collaboration? Not every #influencer has to be a walking encyclopedia, but putting things in the proper context would move the culture forward.

Sneaker brands are really cool. They throw huge events and invite people with social media followings or attachments to legitimate media outlets. Usually, people will build better relations with the brands that benefit whoever they work for, but there are people who go to these events that just want to promote themselves or take advantage of the situation. They want free sneakers, a chance to play basketball at a famous arena, and show everyone how #influential they are. They don't connect with the brand or even thank the people that invited them for a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity.

Getting free stuff is one of the nicest perks of being a blogger or having a voice on social media. It shouldn't be the only reason why someone does what they do, though. The free sneakers and clothes are thank yous from brands for showing support--not a way to get hooked up with every single release that drops. Also, a connection between an #influencer and a brand should become organic, or be done through private emails or correspondence. Hitting up a brand's Twitter or Instagram page and shilling for free shit is the ultimate sucker move.

There's nothing lamer than saying you're influential. It's like giving yourself a nickname, it has to happen on its own, or it's not going to happen at all. Someone who is truly influential doesn't need to tell anyone. It's not like Jay Z has #influencer in his Twitter bio.