Image via Complex Original
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Greetings, I go by the name of Premium Pete. If you’re not familiar with who I am — I’m the founder of SneakerTube.TV. Since I love sneakers so much, I decided to invest my time and effort building up the sneaker community through a video sharing, networking community online. I had a vision one day to create a site where sneaker lovers, collectors, aficionados, and businesses could interact on the same platform. When I decided to go forward with this project, I pushed myself hard to make it happen.
Through sneakers I’ve been honored to meet some of the greatest individuals, who like myself, are driven to make a difference in this world. Sneaker talk has always been a point of engagement to politic with just about anyone I come in contact with. I love the moments and experiences I’ve encountered all because of my passion for soles. It’s very possible in life to gain true friendships and even travel the world all by one common interest — sneakers! These sneakers in my list are not only my top 25 sneakers but they are filled with moments in life while I was rocking these sneakers.
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25. KangaROOS
Pete says: "I never considered KangaROOS to be full of swag, but the lessons it taught me were amazing. It was my first stash pocket. I learned how to save the little money I got. I remember running to the corner store, dipping into my stash, and buying Now N Later’s."
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24. Puma Basket
Pete says: "Fifth grade in elementary school, Pumas were the sneaker of choice, but it had to be the Puma Baskets. All white with a black Puma vector. Oh you better believe, we switched up the fat laces on these, too."
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23. Fila Original Fitness
Pete says: "C’mon, I’m Italian! Of course, these are one of my favorites. I would match it up with a Fila velour tracksuit. This was the street’s business suit minus the tie. So, classic."
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22. Nike Air Max 95 "Stash"
Pete says: "I’m a big fan of the Air Max 95's for the comfortability and the great colorways.With his signature blue and black colors, this sneaker is super fresh. Salute STASH!!"
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21. Nike Air Delta Force ST High
Pete says: "When I got these, I really thought I could give playing basketball a real shot. Truth is, the tongue logo was what caught my eye. After I realized that I wasn't the next MJ, my next obstacle was to learn the right way to wear these with jeans."
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20. Reebok Classic Leather
Pete says: "This sneaker right here is very special to me mainly because when I grew up this was my first upgrade. Before this, I was rockin’ Olympians. Yeah, some of you may be scratching your head on that one. Hands down, these are simple looking, yet a multi-cultural choice rocked by many. Naively growing up, I thought the British flag on the Reebox logo was because they were influenced by the British Bulldogs from WWF. I was wrong!"
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19. Avia 830
Pete says: "The unsung hero, I really wanted to put some Avia 720's up here, but I couldn’t find any pictures of Jimmy Hoffa on the Internet. Avia was always so different, but dope to me."
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18. adidas Stan Smith 80
Pete says: "Always gotta have these on deck. Summer ’88, I copped a fresh pair for a trip to Florida. By the time, we arrived in Orlando, everyone on the Amtrak train complimented them."
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17. adidas Superstar "Shelltoes"
Pete says: "A classic, iconic shoe of all time. I could go on and on. Growing up, this was a favorite of mine because with every pair of fat laces, it made me feel like I had a new pair of kicks."
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16. Nike Griffey Max 1 "Fresh Water"
Pete says: "This sneaker looks just as good with cargos as it does with jeans. It's Yankees baseball, all day, every day. But, I have to salute Ken Griffey, Jr! It will always be a favorite of mine."
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15. Reebok Omni Lite Pump "Dee Brown"
Pete says: "When I seen Dee Brown pumping these up before his dunk in the Slam Dunk Contest in '91 I knew I had to have them. I loved the way looked, but I mostly was so eager to get them to see if they really worked!? I still salute Reebok for this, that basketball placement on the tongue that was able to pump up your sneakers made it like a toy for me as a kid."
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14. Reebok Kamikaze II Mid
Pete says: "When I first saw these, I knew that I wanted them. Not many people did, but hey I wore what I liked. Check me out, back in the day, rockin’ a Guess top and some extra baggy jeans. Salute Shawn Kemp!"
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13. Nike Air Force 1 Low "112"
Pete says: "Neon, cement and 3M — Oh MY!! 'I’m a Brooklyn boy, I make take some getting used to' — my brother, DJ Clark Kent killed these. As always, he represents for the borough. Stand up, 11224!"
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12. Air Jordan VI "Black/Infrared"
Pete says: "Everyone wanted to be like Mike! Around the time the Infrared 6’s came out, I was not only hooked on trying to be like him, but I also wanted to perform through his sneakers. In March ’91, I was finally able to cop a pair."
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11. Air Jordan XI "Black/Red"
Pete says: "Besides, the Jordan 3's and 4's, in my opinion, these are one of the best-looking designs. When these were released, I remember seeing kids on the street rocking these gleaming from a block away. I wore these so much that the patent leather became dull. Where I'm from, we had a trick to buff 'em up. Our method was to put some Windex on a paper towel and shine them back up. Works like a charm every time. Pure case of OSD [Obsessive Sneaker Disorder]."
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10. Nike Air Max 95 "Doernbecher"
Pete says: "I’ve been honored to become friends with some members at Nike who are involved in the Doernbecher program. If you’re not familiar with this charity, Nike and The Portland Hospital give kids, who battle all types of illnesses, a chance to design a sneaker. It’s an inspirational way to express their emotions, struggles, and show the world their personal touch. This 95 is so dope with superb detailing. The Captain America, USA themed leather wraps around the shoe, a winged heart on the tongue with 3M topping off the design. A great sneaker with a greater cause. Be on the lookout for this year’s collection available 11/5/11."
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9. Nike Air Max 90 "Homegrown"
Pete says: "When it comes to sneakers, PATTA KNOWS!! Crazy detailed with premium materials. Shouts, to my paesan - Max!! What up Tim, Gee, Edson, and all the growers."
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8. Air Jordan IV "Black/Cement"
Pete says: "I couldn't believe that Jordan came back strong after the 3s with another exclusive design. My first expression left me literally speechless."
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7. Nike Air Force 1 "White"
Pete says: "A blank canvas for art. My go-to sneaker, especially since you can wear a white-on-white AF1 with anything! Yo, Mayor white on white's are the greatest, not Linens."
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6. Nike Air Force 1 Bespoke by Premium Pete
Pete says: "When NIKE decided to introduce the Bespoke experience, I took advantage of the opportunity. I went to 21 Mercer to design my own 1 of 1. To say the least, I thought I knew what I wanted to create, but it was a lot harder than I had ever expected. There were so many different options. At one point, I felt clueless. I knew that I loved the cement print, 3M, and icy soles. With the help of my brother, All Day and Izzy, we came up with this design. This sneaker is dear to my heart not only because of the experience, but also because I was able to put the name of the greatest thing that has ever happened to me on the dubray to seal the deal – SKY."
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5. Air Jordan III "White/Cement"
Pete says: "After looking at these, do I really need to say anymore? Love at first sight. FIYAHVERKS!! – [Dallas Penn voice]."
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4. Air Jordan IV "White/Cement"
Pete says: "I was already in love with the Jordan 4’s, but when these came out, we nicknamed them 'cookies-n-cream.' There's something magical about the speckled look that can trigger a nostalgic moment for any Jordan lover, just don’t ever step on these kicks, word to Buggin’ Out."
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3. Nike Air Max 95 "Neon"
Pete says: "Hands down, the most culturally known sneaker around the world, in every country and city. I wouldn’t be surprised if everyone in the world owns or has owned a pair or two of these."
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2. Air Jordan XI "Concord"
Pete says: "If sneakers were nominated for awards, these would get the 'BEST DRESSED AWARD.' It’s an understatement, when grooms pick these to be a part of their wedding attire. I’m expecting to see a frenzy this year during the holiday season. I definitely feel these are a must have, but I really hope people don’t resort to killing or hurting someone else to gain a pair."
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1. Air Jordan III "Black/Cement"
Pete says: "And, the winner is... By far, this is the greatest sneaker ever made! When these dropped, they were the official 'Neckbreakers Of The Year.' [Pause] I remember them being the first pair of kicks that had the ability to stir up conversation in the streets and in school. Even, teachers jocked kids’ feet in classrooms and hallways. You see, back in the day, it wasn't about being worried that you wasn’t gonna get a pair of Jordan's because they were sold out. Coming up with the funds was the biggest obstacle! The Visible Air unit, black tumbled leather, and cement print are all reasons why these should be renamed to ‘PERFECT.’ I swear, they get better with age and I can wear ‘em for the rest of my life."