If you’re into sneakers, then you’ve probably heard about Sole Slam. Established in 2011, it started as an annual event where people could come together to buy, sell, and trade sneakers and streetwear. After its success from the recurring event, the team behind Sole Slam decided to enter the retail game and opened its first shop in 2012. A number of shop openings later, the brand decides to go back to its roots; with the goal of having a more intimate and relevant space in the culture.
We caught up with Sole Slam founder and CEO, Antonio Aguirre, to discuss the brand’s new location, its new goals, and the future.
Congrats on the new store. Can you tell us about the Sole Slam concept?
We started out as an event back in 2011 where people can buy, sell, trade sneakers and streetwear. After the success of our 2nd event, people were asking, “Where can we buy this and that?”, so my friend suggested this idea of a store. He said, “Why don’t you just start a store? Put all the brands there.” So that’s how we started and it just evolved.
The new space is now in Poblacion. Can you tell us the reason behind the move?
Our last two stores were in malls. The idea was that we’d sell more in malls, and we did. That’s purely in terms of sales. However, we felt like we lost our footing in the culture because it was becoming too mainstream. I didn’t want my brand to be mainstream. I didn’t create this to make money off of it. It was meant to bring together people from different circles and cultures. We moved here to Poblacion because it’s evident that this area is a place where people can drink, have fun, chill. My plan is to have this space as a hub for future events—product launch, talks, anything. That’s the goal for this space.
What is your store offering that is relevant to the culture?
Well, I felt like I wanted to bring Sole Slam back to its roots. You know, like a pop-up from the streets. I used to think about making the brand into a 10+ store kinda thing. That’s one of the things I wish I didn’t do. That’s why with this space, the goal is to be a destination for culture-related, relevant discussions and events.
Who do you want coming into your space or events?
Everyone’s pretty much welcome. What I do want though [are] the young guys who are so into the culture because I’m a guy who listens to the younger generation. Some of my ideas actually come from them. I work with a lot of younger individuals, and it excites me to have this good perspective into leading my own store.
What’s in-store for Sole Slam in the future?
As a brand, we want to continuously put together things that will make the culture bigger. That’s one of my main goals, to bring out the best of the best of the culture. Something that’s world class. I’m not saying we’ll be on top, but at least we got something going on—something that’s our own.
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The new Sole Slam space in Poblacion can be found at 6234 Manalac, Brgy. Poblacion, Makati City.
Check out more of the space below:
