In the realm of sneakers, you’ll find the resellers, the buyers, the sneakerheads, hypebeasts, and then there’s people like Jech Tiu. He’s one of those characters who’s in it for the love, you know? It’s a rare sight, but every scene needs one.
Jech Tiu, an avid sneaker fan and contributor (among other things), has built a tight-knit community on social media, all centered around the shared love of kicks. But let’s get real here, folks. It’s a whole new world out there. So, do you really want those Sambas? Are the Nike Panda dunks really worth the hype? And seriously, what’s the next collab you’re drooling over? Our local homeboy from Manila, Jech Tiu, knows a thing or two about people and sneakers, and just like the whole sneaker game, we’re all ears.
What A Time To Be Alive
Back when Allen Iverson was dominating the court, Tracy McGrady got his deal with Adidas, and Nelly was blasting on MTV, Jech simultaneously started his love affair with sneakers. Like a true sneakerhead, he joined raffles, camped out in front of shops, and waited anxiously for new releases to finally drop.
Fast forward to college Jech, he was sporting Nike SBs and the iconic Janoskis, but had to hit pause on his collection when he entered law school. An era where Jech had to wear leather shoes all day and let go of his collection. Can you imagine the pain?
But just like many others, a real sneakerhead never forgets their first love. Sneakers and Jech reunited just as the pandemic startled the planet. He opened the box to a fresh pair of Jordans and instantly rekindled the lost connection. And now Jech continues his professional career as a lawyer while still enjoying his growing sneaker collection filled with alternative brands like New Balance and ASICS.
Shoes Maketh the Man
While you’re scrolling through TikTok, you might have come across one of Jech’s videos. He’s known for his People and Sneakers segment where he captures individuals rocking kicks in the wild. From the ever-so-sought-after Adidas Sambas to Nike Vomeros, and the shoe closet staples like Converse and Vans, Jech features them all on his videos. It’s like a virtual runway for all the hottest sneakers out there.
“Sneakers are an extension of someone’s personality. It’s an extension of their self-expression.” Jech says.
Imagine being able to tell someone’s personality and style just by looking at their shoes. Well, Jech has mastered this skill through all the sneaker-watching he does. He can typically tell a person’s personality and style just by checking out what pair they’re rocking that day.
The Hype is Real
“I think this is going to be my forever era… the era of comfort.”
Through the ever-changing eras of style, Jech says he’s tried it all, but now he can confidently say he’s found his true style: the era of comfort. He credits his comfort era to his newfound appreciation for alternative brands like Saucony and Mizuno. These brands were originally targeted for athletes, but have slowly made their way into the mainstream lifestyle fashion and the shoe racks of sneakerheads.
“I think people are now more willing to buy new things that they haven’t tried before.” Jech encourages others to explore alternative brands. Go to stores you wouldn’t typically buy from, and try on some silhouettes you aren’t accustomed to. By doing this, you’ll be able to explore more of your unique style.
And if that doesn’t help, you can start by checking your wardrobe first. Ask yourself, what’s your color palette or what style or aesthetic do you associate with the most? There’s no shame in getting caught up in the hype of a specific pair. Jech says, “If there’s no hype, then an item won’t sell.” It’s all about deciding what you really want. Figure out your personal style and trust your fashion instincts.
The Thrill Of The Hunt
Now, if you hop on to Facebook or Carousell, you’ll be flooded with thousands of resellers and online sneaker stores trying to make a living. Reselling has become a part of the sneaker community, making it easier than ever for buyers to find their dream kicks. Remember the days when you had to scour physical stores for days trying to find your exact size and colorway? Yeah, those days are long gone.
One cool story Jech shared with us during this interview was how it felt when he was on the hunt for the Saucony Grid Shadow 2 x Jae Tips during his recent trip to Tokyo. He traveled more than a thousand miles and visited multiple stores just to find the exact pair he wanted, and once he got them, memories of his dedication to sneakers were brought back.
But before you take online shopping for granted, think about the joy of the hunt. Imagine the thrill of trying on your new pair of sneakers that you spent days searching for. Picture the joy of seeing your favorite pair go to someone who really wants it.
Whether you’re a sneakerhead, a casual collector, or just someone looking to add a little flair to your outfit, take a page from Jech Tiu’s book. Embrace the world of sneakers as a form of self-expression. Step outside your comfort zone, explore alternative brands, and trust your fashion instincts. And remember, it’s not just about the shoes themselves, but the stories and memories that they hold.
Follow Jech Tiu’s sneaker journey over at his TikTok page or get fit inspirations via his Instagram.
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