In a culture driven by hype and resale, It’s Sole Good creator Lawrence Tan brings something rare to the sneaker scene: honesty, humor, and style that actually feels personal. As a self-taught illustrator and former graphic designer, Tan turned his love for sneakers and comics into a creative platform that resonates with sneakerheads who care.
Growing up in a middle-class household, Tan admired sneakers from a distance. “Back in elementary, I’d just stare at my classmates’ Jordans,” he recalls. “I never asked for a pair. I knew how much they cost.” That early fascination eventually became a lifestyle. In college, he leaned into rugged classics like Chucks and Vans. When he started working and finally had the budget, he copped his first real pair, the Adidas Triple Black Ultraboost. A turning point and a milestone every sneakerhead knows all too well.
But before fully diving into the sneaker world, Tan spent years working as a commercial graphic designer. Like many creatives in the industry, he often found himself constrained by the fact that “the client always has the final say.” Over time, this dynamic wore on him, leading to burnout and a growing loss of his identity as an artist. It was at this crossroads that he made a bold choice: to resign and pursue what he truly wanted to do with his life.
“Over time, I felt burnt out and started losing my sense of identity as an artist. This was the time I decided to resign and explore what I really wanted to do in life.”
One Step At A Time
Born from the need to express himself, It’s Sole Good is Tan’s creative playground. Where sneaker culture meets comic strips, memes, reels, and unfiltered commentary. “It’s where I share anything I find interesting about sneakers,” he says. “If it’s relatable to sneakerheads, I’m probably posting about it.”
Tan’s deep roots in local comic culture such as Pupung, Funny Komiks, and Pugad Baboy heavily influence the tone of his content: wacky, witty, and always self-aware. Instead of just showcasing hype pairs, It’s Sole Good captures everyday sneakerhead moments in a way that feels both light and real.
His vision has also expanded beyond content. With a signature character at the heart of the brand, Tan plans to eventually launch merch and products that speak to the same niche humor and storytelling that earned him a loyal following.
The Love of the Game
Tan’s approach to sneakers has shifted over time, from chasing hype to prioritizing fit, feel, and individuality. “These days, I let the outfit decide what pair I’m rocking,” he says. Recent favorites include the Vans MTE Crosspath and adidas EVO SL. It’s less about hype now and more about character.
He sees today’s sneaker scene as something that’s evolved, not lost. “The passion’s still there,” Tan explains. “If you look closer, the culture’s still alive and kicking. It’s just not the same as it used to be. It’s evolved into something more accessible.” While resale culture has cooled and limited drops aren’t flying off shelves like they used to, Tan believes that’s not necessarily a bad thing. It’s made the game more accessible and diverse.
What sets It’s Sole Good apart is its refusal to be boxed in. It’s not just about showcasing the latest release. It’s about documenting the full sneakerhead experience, what it’s like to love sneakers, with all the quirks, frustrations, and moments of joy that come with it. And for Lawrence Tan, that’s what keeps the culture alive.
Also a special shoutout to Gang Gang Chicken.
