You know beedee bee love the sneaker chicks, but I feel like we’ve seen more than enough “chicks in kicks (& often times, nothing more)” themed photosets. It’s time to show the fellas some love and highlight the swagger and sexiness that comes with being a male sneaker enthusiast. So, for the month of February, I will be bringing you a new interview each week with some of the culture’s best. For this week’s interview, I spoke with Kevin, known in the sneaker world as FreshFliedFish or “Fish”, a sneaker friend that I’ve known for 3+ years who has amassed an elusive Jordan collection. With a seamless blend of OGs and Retros, his collection is definitely one to envy, but his humble personality and charm may make you covet him as a sneaker boo moreso than his Js. Check Fish’s interview below.
To begin, give us some info on who you are and what your “claim to sneaker fame” is.
My name is Fish, better know as Fresh Flied Fish, New Jersey native, and I am a Sneaker Enthusiast/Collector. By no means “famous”, but those that know of me know me for my extensive sneaker collection; mainly my Jordan collection, my sneaker photography/posters, and I’d describe myself as a sneaker freelancer. Building upon that by hopefully contributing more blog, review, and design-wise in the future.
How many sneakers do you own?
As of right now, 204 pairs. Mostly Jordans, but I also have some retro Nike/trainer models, athlete signature sneakers (Lebrons, Penny’s, Barkley’s, Bo’s, Dion Sanders, Agassi’s, etc.) Air Max, Dunks, Blazers, Yeezys, and Adidas.
Favorite Sneaker Model(s)?
Air Jordan Bordeaux VII – My grail, in my opinion THE sickest Jordan color-way ever. Just looking at it takes you back to ’92. What more needs to be said than ‘MJ vs. MJ’? The VII is a classic silhouette and this color-way speaks volumes. A lot of people can’t stand this model or believe the color scheme is ugly, but in my eyes it will always be a classic; clean, simple, but so advanced design-wise. 2 years ago I picked up the OG and now I have 4 pairs of the retro and a toddler size for my future child (though I’m in no rush). Favorite sneaker period.
Air Jordan Aqua VIII – My first pair of Jordans ever and the first sneaker that started my collection. They hold a special place in my heart. The cross-over Velcro straps, the construction of the black nubuck upper, the concord and aqua accents, the inner sock, and the fuzzy Jumpman; I feel in love as soon as I put them on. After that I was addicted.
Of the photos you’ve taken, which is your favorite?
My first pair: Aquas.
If you had to refer to yourself as either a “sneakerhead” or “jordanhead”, which would you choose and why?
I would proudly say that I’m both. I think people would consider me solely a Jordanhead based on the fact that 90% of my collection at this moment and my general love is for Jordans, but at the same time, my overall love is for sneakers as a whole. I think the term “Jordanhead” gets negative connotation of hating anything that’s not Jordan and at the same time blindy loving anything that is. As I work on building my sneaker collection, my priorities being a Jordanhead continually outbalance the diversity I have, but I definitely have respect for all aspects of the sneaker community. Nike, Adidas, Reebok, Converse, Puma, NB, Supras, etc; there are designs and aspects of all of these brands that I like and respect, and some things that I don’t. The same goes for Jordans as well.
I think a “sneakerhead” is anyone who has a genuine love for sneakers. I believe a person with no kicks can be a sneakerhead if they have the knowledge and passion for them, just the same way a person with tons of sneakers could know nothing about them and have no interest in them at all; quality over quantity.
Will you ever be finished with Air Jordans?
Yes, I see it coming very soon in the near future. Last summer I was able to pick up the some of the last few sneakers I needed to complete my Js collection (T23, Quai 5 and 1, Levi 1, some BINs, and the almighty UNDFT 4). In the Fall, I wasn’t able to secure a pair of DB 4s so now I’m on a hunt for those, but other than that and the Original Dave White WINGS 1 (which I may never have), I’ve reached the end with Jordans. Of course there will always be some quality new releases or retro must haves, but as far as box digging for classics, I’m set now. I’ve got everything I’ve wanted and am willing to get. The game has become over saturated and over populated lately. Time to maybe focus on other lines I’ve had my eyes on.
Has there been a GS or WMS sneaker release that you found appealing and wish came in your size?
Not as of late with the general doing away with designated women’s releases and the phasing into GS (grade school) sizes. When Jordan had women’s releases the sizes ranged from WMNS 5/MENS 3.5 to WMNS 12/MENS 10.5. Since I wear a men’s size 10.5/11 I was just lucky enough to get my hands on a few releases in my size: AJ Varsity Maize VII (7), AJ Harbor Blue III (3), AJ “Sunset” V (5), and the AJ WMNS “Aqua” VIII (8). A GS release that has caught my eye is the Miami Vice Spiz’ikes. I definitely love that color-way and it’s one release that I wouldn’t have minded seeing in a men’s size.
How would you say female sneaker fiends stack up to male collectors?
I’d absolutely say the female sneaker fiends are holding their own amongst the males. I actually wish there were more female sneakerheads, and I mean “real” sneakerheads that know their kicks and can match knowledge with the guys, first in line for releases, and constantly wear and show their love for sneakers. It’s a rare sight to see regularly and in my opinion is definitely a turn on.
If anything I’d say that it’s unfair that the ladies are excluded on certain limited edition or quickstrike releases of some of the classic retro’s (Packs, BINs, Motorsports, BHM, AJKO, etc). Also I feel like since the transition from WMNS releases to GS, the effort put into new and unique color-ways made exclusively for the ladies has been lacking. Instead of releases that would make the men envious, it seems to be just classic silhouettes with muted or pastel colors, pinks, and rainbows nowadays. Although I understand these are GS “women’s” releases and not to say that they are all bad, but most appear stereotypically expected. Same color pallets and ideas lacking originality.
I was actually excited to see the “Violette” Air Jordan II from director, artist/designer Va$htie. Although it utilizes the muted pastel color, I feel as though it was done simply and uniquely on an unexpected Air Jordan silhouette making it one of the best exclusive release for the women I’ve seen in a while. I feel as though the 2s design doesn’t get the appreciation that it deserves partly because of the fact it’s so unique and the most different from the other models. It was also good to see her earn the title of first female to design an Air Jordan, something that should be practiced more with the design of women’s sneakers. With what the ladies are given and how difficult it can be at times for women to get their kicks I’d definitely say that the female sneakerheads are on par with the men. I love my female sneakerheads.
Have you ever dated a female sneakerhead and if so, what was it like?
No, and for a while I was actually against the idea. I always had this notion that the last thing I needed was an enabler and that if I were to be with a woman that loved kicks as much as me, nothing would get done. I had stupid ideas of a relationship where there’d be no talking because we’re too busy looking for sneakers, but now I’m beginning to feel like it’s more awkward trying to explain to someone who has no idea about the sneaker world why you’re so absorbed in it. It’s kind of like in “The 40 Year Old Virgin” when Andy was afraid to let Trish into his house because of his toy collection. It’s either easily accepted or greeted with a whole bunch of questions like “Why do you need so many sneakers?”
It’s certainly a weight when you’re involved with someone who doesn’t understand your obsession. Sometimes they feel as though they’re in competition with your sneakers, which with me is never the case, but it’s one of those things that may always be on your significant other’s mind. I think it would be a nice change for me to find someone who personally understands my obsession and is involved in it first hand, so I’m definitely open to finding my sole-mate and dating a female sneakerhead in the future… Plus the lady sneakerheads have their own style, which I love.
What are three things you must carry with you on a daily?
Three things I always carry would be my phone, keys, and wallet (Always). Less General: Jordans, my Nikon, and my MacBook.
Finish this sentence: All I need in this life of sin…
is me and my Jordans… a sneakerhead girlfriend… and a retro of the City Series 10s… for now.
