Image via Complex Original
Drake is a rapper who elicits reactions out of people, and we're not even discussing his music. Every move that the Toronto artist makes is under scrutiny by the onslaught of critics. Yes, we're talking about what Drake wears, and more specifically, his sneakers. Some might say he's not a sneakerhead, that he's too flashy, and seems like a rookie when it comes to showing off his newly acquired heat. But we're here to play devil's advocate.
To be honest, who else do you know that wears Air Jordans that are friends and family only, sneakers that you'll never get seeded because they haven't been in production for 10-plus years, or has a new pair of footwear on every time you see them? That's right, sneakerheads. And we're here to tell you that Drake should be considered amongst the connoisseurs of sole; those who have an insatiable itch to lace up something better every day. That's right, Drake has heaters and we're not just talking about Nothing Was the Same. Here are 10 Reasons Why Drake Is a Sneakerhead.
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He doesn't limit himself to wearing Air Jordans and Nikes.
There's nothing wrong with wearing Js every day. But every sneakerhead should look to expand their horizons. Even if it means dropping serious cash on a pair of sneakers that exhibits your obsession with quality. Drake knows what he's getting by wearing a pair of Yves Saint Laurents: His sneakers become a statement piece that he doesn't have to worry about creasing or glue on the stitching with. Even Jay was impressed.
Some releases require you to be in a specific city at the right time, and Drake has those, too.
Only 24 pairs of Ray Allen's SUGAR RAY Air Jordan VIII PEs were made and only released at the original House of Hoops store in Harlem. They weren't your average line-up release or even something that got held for people. Drake had to jump through loops and holes to get his pair, and that's something sneakerheads know oh too well.
Bro, Mocha IIIs.
If you see someone in a pair of Air Jordan Mocha IIIs, you should never question their sneakerhead status. There are rules to this shit, and that's one of them.
He knows how to keep a pair on ice.
One to rock, one to stock: It's a mantra that most sneakerheads live by, especially when it comes to white-on-white Nike Air Force Ones. Drake doesn't just keep one pair ready if he gets a scuff or gets pizza grease on them, he keeps two.
Certain sneakers require a special connection to get, and, yes, Drake has those.
The Air Jordan "Oregon Ducks" IIIs were never released to retail, which means you'd need an amazing connection to score these. Sneakerheads are all about having their connects. Maybe it's something as simple as the guy who works at Foot Locker who will hold your pair or slide you the military discount, but Drake has his own hook-up, too. His way is way cooler than yours.
Forget hype, he wears what he likes.
A lot of so-called "sneakerheads" only buy sneakers because of another person's approval: their girlfriend, their friends, or, most of the time, the Internet. When Drake decided to wear a pair of Nike Air Max 97s, a low-key great sneaker in its own right, he got props from those who don't believe the hype.
He doesn't even want to give up wearing his sneakers near the pool.
People usually toss on a pair of sandals or boat shoes when they visit the beach or pool. Not Drake. The rapper wore a pair of Nike Roshe Runs, which leads us to believe that, even when he's poolside and ready to take a dip, he can't get sneakers off his mind. Note that he went with the budget joints in a potentially hazardous (to the sneakers) situation—veteran sneakerhead move.
He knows how to make his sneakers stand out and get attention.
Sneakerheads care about their sneakers more than anything else. Well, when it comes to their outfits, at least. Drake knows how to make even a pair of Air Jordan "Black Cement" IIIs stand out, and he does so by not trying too hard with the rest of his clothes. That's something a lot of sneakerheads need to try more often.
He wears older releases that go beyond being seeded sneakers.
A lot of rappers get the newest Air Jordans that are about to drop, and you think, "Life must be good for them." But Drake isn't just your average artist who gets his Fire Red Vs three weeks before release date, he's wearing sneakers such as Air Jordan XVIIs that haven't dropped in ages.
He knows that Air Jordan IIIs go with everything.
Drake loves Air Jordan IIIs, have you noticed by now? And with dedication to such a great sneaker, we thought we'd applaud him for making it a staple in his wardrobe. To us, Air Jordan IIIs are like this generation's Chuck Taylors, and we're glad Drake wears them on a regular basis.
