9 Sneakerhead Moments That Will Make You Feel Good About Life

Not every sneaker prank has to go the wrong way. When BigDawsTv went into Compton with a host of Jordans, it wasn’t to see what reactions he could get from stepping on them. Instead, it was to give them away. Reactions range from hugs to disbelief, but everyone will get use out of these gifts.

[via Complex]

There are many ways to help those in need, and it may not be as difficult as it seems. For 10-year-old Traci Weinstein, it was a no brainer. The Irondequoit, N.Y. resident was adopted from a Guatemalan orphanage, of which she has no memory, and was inspired by her grandfather to pay homage to her past and start giving back early. Traci went on a mission to collect 25,000 pairs of shoes for those in need. According to her family, the 25,000th pair of shoes she collected belonged to her grandfather. But she didn’t stop there; she went on to collect 30,549 pairs and hopes to travel to Guatemala with Soles4Souls to witness the impact of her work and develop a deeper understanding of service in this vein. “It feels really good,” says Traci, “Because I know that I can help others in need in other countries and here in America to get shoes and something to put on their feet."

[via Soles4Souls]

School sucks for everyone, the schedules and homework are bad enough for the most fortunate, but some kids have to deal with even more. In the world of high school, status can be based on how well off you are and what kind of kicks you get to lace up. For one high schooler in North Carolina, his circumstances forced him to wear sneakers that were so worn out they became the subject of bullies' ridicule. But his fellow classmate, Yaovi Mawuli, stepped in to make things right by gifting him a pair of Air Jordan XI Low “Concords.” Now he’s tiptoeing on his haters.

[via Complex]

When former Complex editor Bradley Carbone was involved in a serious snowboarding accident in July 2014, it sent ripples through the community of those who know him. Injuring two vertebrae in his neck meant a long road to recovery, one that was going to be expensive both emotionally and financially. Luckily, his larger community has been able to spread out and reach as many people as possible, raising a significant amount of money to help pay for his recovery, and enable his loved ones to remain close while he goes through his journey. As a part of that, the website forbradleycarbone.com was set up with auctions including five different pairs of sneakers that ultimately raised over $4,000 to the final total. Pairs of Ronnie Fieg x ASICS Gel Lyte III "SuperGreens", Riccardo Tisci x Nike Air Force Ones, signed A$AP Rocky x Jeremy Scott x adidas, adidas Superstars signed by Snoop Dogg, and "Liquid Silver" Lunar Force Ones all found new owners who were able to ease the suffering of a fellow sneakerhead.

Bradley’s Plumfund page is still accepting donations.

[via Plumfund and For Bradley Carbone]

All too often great gestures come out of incredible tragedy. In December of 2012, when Sandy Hook Elementary in Newtown, Conn. was the site of a deplorable massacre, it shook America and communities around the world in ways that we weren’t prepared. The children and teachers that lost their lives that day were snuffed out far too soon.

The event was not lost on Victor Cruz, Kevin Durant, or Chris Johnston, who each wore sneakers in tribute to those who died on that horrific day. So often we think of sneakers as an extension of our stylish expression, but these men reminded us that we can use sneakers to express so much more than aesthetics. They reminded us that even though these objects are fabric and rubber on our feet, that they can be a canvas to cherish those we've lost.

[via Complex, Complex, and TIME]

“No matter what challenges I’ve faced in my life, I’ve always strived to be independent, independence is for everyone,” said Matthew Walzer in his Nike letter to Mark Parker, CEO of Nike. Walzer was writing to explain why he needs special sneakers. Because he has cerebral palsy, and it affects his motor functions, he cannot tie his own shoes. Aside from that, and some other fine motor skill requirements, Walzer is independent, and therefore this underserved aspect was holding him back where it shouldn't have. The community rallied around him, and brought the brand's attention to the issue. Nike’s response? They made him shoes that fit his needs.

[via NiceKicks]

Stephon Marbury’s career has brought him to the Celtics, the Knicks, and twice to the All-Star game while on the Phoenix Suns. He’s done better than most, and could take the opportunity to stunt on everyone around. Instead, he’s using his powers for good with Starbury.

The sneaker brand is fighting rising costs of producing footwear, and strives to make quality, playable shoes around the $15 price point so that they are attainable to anyone. Income should not be a barrier to play the game you love. On top of that, all proceeds are donated to community programs to make sure the entire endeavor benefits as many people as possible.

[via Starbury]

When the new Doernbecher collaborations are teased, leaked, revealed, released, and resold, it’s easy to forget that these are for a good cause.  Nike’s Global Creative Presentation Director Michael Doherty has been on the board of the OHSU Doernbecher Children’s Hospital, creating the collaborative sneaker program in 2004. Since then, the joint venture has raised over $8M for the hospital to aid in health services and raise awareness about their mission. Even though the resale of some of these pairs can reach a fever pitch, don’t let the thirst make you forget: these shoes represent real change, and true impact in the lives of kids who just want to be well.

[via Nike]