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For all of them, it's the colour and the model, the way they enhance outfits, I like when footwear has colour aspects like complimentary colours, and I like when they are versatile. I really appreciate colourfulness in footwear, and interesting aspects like different material textures, textiles or embellishments.

 

How important is the health of your foot when purchasing footwear, how much do you know about it?
 

Well, I did once buy some Balenciaga SSS and wore them for a year cause of the style, but they were so heavy and uncomfortable, I ended up selling them a year later. Not worth it, at the end of the day I’d end up with cramp in my calves. They were a limited edition colour way so I ended up with a £200 profit when I sold them, but it made me much more appreciative of healthy footwear.
 

That's interesting! So do you buy mainly second hand or from brands? If brands, what draws you to a brand?

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I usually buy depending because there are specific features that make me want that individual shoe, so I just research where I can source them. I have no real preference about where they’re from, as long as the condition is good. I take care of my shoes, so they’re the main focus, rather than the brand. 

 

How do you find out about footwear pieces?

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Different websites, different facebook groups (which is where I sold)- on facebook I got notifications about upcoming drops. I could look on different websites like GOAT which tells you about upcoming drops, the date, how many drops there’ll be, etc,. Also the highstreet and window shopping. I can be drawn to footwear that I see on other people and appreciate, and asking them about that can be nice way to talk to people.

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Do you have a process before you make a purchase?

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I just do research, then I buy. I don’t make lists of mood-boards anymore, I simply wait until I need to make a purchase and then I make research. I think that comes with knowing more about footwear and about my own interests.

 

Would you prioritise well-being over style, if the well-being included aspects like postural improvement or mental health support?

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It has to be a balance, for me versatility of look is most important firstly, then anything after that would be a bonus. It can’t be a crime against fashion! It's something I'll definitely think more about.

 

 What materials do you know about that’re sustainable as a consumer?

Currently none. There isn’t very much news or media coverage talking about this at the moment, and especially not in the past. I don’t know many footwear companies trying to be sustainable, I know a bit more about ethics. I'd like to know more.

 

How much would you be willing to experiment with sustainable footwear innovation, given that some of it is new?
 

Well, it wouldn’t be a problem for me, for example, if some sustainable materials like bio-leather were less durable or water resistant than non-sustainable footwear. I look after my footwear, and also I would keep my non-sustainable shoes for when I need them. So I'd be willing to invest in sustainable footwear knowing I could take care of them.
 

Do you have any plans for the future to look into more sustainable footwear options?

Yeah! Then again, sometimes I can’t tell if it’s greenwashing anyway, which is irritating. I wish genuinely sustainable companies would be more communicative about it on social media. I’ve never seen any advertisements for sustainable footwear anywhere. I feel like maybe my algorithm blocks me from coming across sustainable brands, because I’m interested in other mainstream brands. 

 

 What’s your most luxury footwear?

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The most expensive pair I sold were Jordan 1’s which I sold for £1500, I bought them for £180 though! I bought my first car with that! The most expensive pair I own and wear cost £500, and they’re Gucci.