@iwantyoursole is a sneaker photographer / artist from Nottingham who creates dope concepts with popular sneaker silhouettes, using figurines from his childhood including Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles and Streetfighter as well as mini sneakers including Jordans, Nike Air Max, Huarache’s and more. An avid Sneakerhead with an impressive collection, @iwantyoursole displays his work on Instagram and also sells his mini sneakers and keychains at popular UK sneaker festivals and online, we sat down with him to find out more about the link between Sneakers and Art.Â
How long have you been taking photos of kicks?
I’ve only been taking pics of kicks for just over 2 years.. Just did
it so I could show people my own collection, then after I
dropped a few kicks & turtle shots my path took a whole
different turn!!
Your concepts are so unique and sick how do you come up with them?
My concepts?.. They come from my over active mind.. I
have so many different concepts its unreal.. It started
with the concept of thinking of as many puns with
sneakers attached to it.. Just come up with random
names like ‘hide & sneak’ then just let it fester for a
while then it just comes to me & I take the shot.. I Never
take more than 10 mins on a pic & all of my editing
is done through my iPhone.Â
What trainer would you most like get hold of and involve in a concept?
The kicks I need are the Nike MAG’s. I’ve got the mini & the
limited ceramic model but they are my grail.. I will own a
pair by the end of 2015….
Where did your passion for sneakers come from?
My passion with Sneakers came when my older brother
rocked a pair of Nike Air Max 90 infrared OG’s back in 1990.. The
way people broke there necks checking them out..
Wasn’t until 1991 when I first got a pair of Air Jordan VI
infrareds.. Then it was my turn to break necks & I have
done so ever since!!Â
Whats your favourite sneaker?
Fav kick is a hard 1 so I’ll just say which kick I’ve
probably copped the most pairs of .. The Nike Air Max 90
and my Fav colourway is the OG ‘infrared’Â
Why is Art associated with Sneakers?
Sneakers to me are pieces of art on my feet.. People
collect them like art & people re-sell at high prices
much the same as art.. People express themselves
through art as do sneakers heads  with their kicks.
What do you think of Sneaker culture in the UK?
I think the sneaker culture has always been strong.. But
it’s being recognised a lot more due to social media &
the events that are going off now.
What do you think of the relationship between Instagram and the sneaker culture?
I think Instagram is the best social network for the
sneaker culture.. Without it, there would be no
iwantyoursole .. That simple,
it’s brought the  game to a new level.. It’s the quickest
way for information on releases & colourways you’d
never of found before.. People like kickaso & Mâché
have made themselves into household names from it!
Whats the craziest sneaker related experience you have had?
Craziest experience ..
haha.. Ok, this is a true story.. When the Jordan gold
medal pack was due to drop I knew it would be nearly
impossible to cop!! I’m from Nottingham so the nearest
place for me would be over 100 miles away.. So I
thought for a bit & a blag came to mind.. I rang up
‘Urban Industry’ I told them that I’d copped many
Jordans before at midnight releases & they could check
my account to prove it.. Then I went on to to tell them
that I was having an operation at 10pm that evening & I
wouldn’t be able to be online for the 12pm release.. I
asked them if could they please let me pay now over the
phone & confirm my set??… Long story short.. I still
own both pairs of the Jordan Golden moments pack!!Â
What are the three items that you cannot leave your house with?
iPhone
Car keys
Money
Who is your favourite Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtle?
MichelangeloÂ
Who are your 3 favourite artists?
Frank Miller
Ben Templesmith
Alex Ross
What plans do you have for your Art?
My plans..
Mainly getting my book out there.. The hype behind it is
pushing me to do it. I’m also working closely with designer Kurtis
Cameron on a new clothing line that will implement my
art. I’m going to drop a  new shot a week on Instagram then
I’ve got 3 new concepts that I’m going to run with in the
new year.. So stay posted.. www.iwantyoursole.co.uk
