New Sneaker Kicks - Cortez, Air Force 1, Tiger 66 or Puma Suede

Gear Review

Building My Sneaker Collection

A journey toward curating the perfect rotation of classic basics.

~3

Years Timeline

$500

Budget

8

Total Pairs

Table of Contents

• ①Basic Sneaker Selection
• ②Collection Timeline and Budget
• ③Update: 7/4/2020 - Air Force 1 - OG White - Winner
• ④Update 2021 - Upping the Sneaker Game

Section I

Basic Sneaker Selection

There are so many options and choices in sneakers, and I want to build a simple collection of all the great basics. Here’s what I’m considering for the initial lineup:

 

• →Converse — Chuck Taylor - All Stars White/Red Stripe
• →Adidas — Superstar - White/Black Stripes
• →Nike Cortez — White/Red Logo
• →Onitsuka Tiger Mexico 66 — White/Red/Blue
• →Nike Air Force 1 Low Cut — All White
• →Puma Suede — Black/White Stripe

Color Distribution and Future Planning

I’m aiming for five white sneakers and one black shoe for the basics. However, I may reduce this count to three white and one black to simplify my collection.

Additional colorways will be handled by my two Onitsuka Tiger Serrano's (in Blue and Red). When they are retired, I’ll replace them with comparable shoes, likely a Burgundy Red New Balance and possibly all-black Converse, Adidas Superstar, or Air Force 1's.

Section II

Collection Timeline and Budget

I’m in no rush; it will likely take 2-3 years to fill out this collection since I already have ample shoes. I plan to buy something only when I'm ready to replace an existing pair, probably the Puma Suede's, as I need a new pair of black sneakers soon.

I estimate that the Air Force 1, Tiger 66, and Cortez will retail at full price, while the others often go on sale. I’ll budget accordingly, around $450-$550, particularly for the more expensive pairs.

Section III

Update: 7/4/2020 - Air Force 1 - OG White - Winner

I decided on my final pair of shoes for 2020, and it was a toss-up between the Nike Cortez and the Air Force 1's. After trying on both, I realized the Cortez didn't fit properly, and the build quality was not as good as the Onitsuka's.

The Air Force 1's, on the other hand, fit perfectly and both look and feel premium. I found them for $90. Rounding out my collection are four white shoes: Adidas Superstar, Converse All-Star, Converse EV3, and the Nike Air Force 1's. The final shoes in my collection are the Onitsuka Tiger Serrano's in Red and Blue, and finally, my black Puma Suede's. That’s more than enough shoes, and I’m limiting the Air Force 1's for special occasions.

Section IV

Update 2021 - Upping the Sneaker Game

I’ve decided to elevate my sneaker game and am now seeking out the Nike legends.

A work in progress: evolving a classic rotation one step at a time.