“It’s gotta be the shoes!!” - Mars Blackmon
The sneaker community has some of the most loyal and passionate fans in the world. People dedicate their lives to amassing an amazing collection of kicks. As a sneakerhead, I can tell you that there is no better feeling than pulling up to an event with a crispy pair of exclusive kicks.
One of the most beautiful things about sneakers is they often come out at a fairly reasonable price point at box price. As a result, you see people from all walks of life in some of the most amazing sneakers everyday. Over the past 15 years, you have seen sneaker culture dominate television shows, commercials and sports. From Seinfeld, to The Fresh Prince, to Lil’ Penny, it was message was clear: It’s all about what’s on your feet.
Today, we are starting our “Great Feets” feature series, dedicated to players we see with some of the most stylish on court sneakers. We Recently we sat down with Dariq Whitehead at The Hoop Group Providence Jam Fest to discuss his passion for sneakers, his top 3 sneakers all time, what sneakers are currently in his rotation on the court and more. --Christian Mordi @thedribbledrop
TheDribbleDrop: Let’s talk sneakers on the court. Which ones do you prefer: Nike, Under Armour or Adidas, and why?
Dariq Whitehead: I personally prefer Nike as the leader of the pack. Nike does a great job of creating shoes that pop out to you visually. They have more colorways.
Under Armour I would go with second. They have some nice sneakers as well with good ankle support.
I would then put Adidas as last in the pack right now.
TheDribbleDrop: Off the court, who’s making the best non-Jordan basketball shoe that you would wear casually?
Dariq Whitehead: Off the court, I do like the Adidas Yeezys. I like all colorways, they are all very dope and very comfortable. Balenciaga is coming coming up too. Those are in style for sure.
TheDribbleDrop: What were three of the best sneakers you wore this year in regards to style and comfort?
Dariq Whitehead: The first one is an on court sneaker. At the Playaz Spring Fling Tournament I wore a pair of Lebron 15 Black History Month sneakers. Those popped out and were very comfortable.
This weekend at the The Hoop Group Providence Jam Fest I wore a pair of custom Kyrie 4. The shoe is titled Goku vs. Frieza and they were created by BigTrips20 on Instagram.
I also like the Kyrie 4 Confetti’s.
TheDribbleDrop: This weekend what were you wearing at The Hoop Group Providence Jam Fest. Any significance to the shoe?
Dariq Whitehead: This weekend on day one I wore the Goku vs. Frieza Kyrie 4’s. Those two characters are my favorite on Dragon Ball Z. My brother and I was toying with the idea of customizing a shoe with each of the characters on a separate shoe. We explained to the guy what we wanted and that the colors should pop out.
TheDribbleDrop: What are your Top 5 Sneakers of all time?
Dariq Whitehead: 1-Jordan 11 any colorway
2- Nike Vapormax 2.0. Very comfortable
3- Kyrie 4 any colorway. Great sneaker with great ankle support.
4- Adidas Yeezys.
5- Retro Jordans 5, any colorway.
TheDribbleDrop: In 10 years, which players sneaker will be worn more on and off the floor by your generation: Lebron, Kyrie or Kevin Durant?
Dariq Whitehead: On and off the court, I think my generation will still be wearing Kyrie’s 10 years from now. I think his collection is the most versatile. You can find a nice fit for a pair of his sneakers off the court. I’m not too sure his full collection of Lebron's give you the wiggle room to wear off the court in a stylish way. Kevin Durant I feel the same way in regards to his shoes, so I will go with Kyrie.
TheDribbleDrop: If you were a Jordan Executive and you had the chance to sign one member of this rookie class to Jordan because you think he will be the most productive player and have the biggest fan base, who would you choose and why?
Dariq Whitehead: Donovan Mitchell. His first year was amazing. Some rookies fizzle out as the season goes along and even more so if they make the playoffs. Donovan kicked up from the door and only elevated his game as he went along. Leading Utah to victory over OKC really grabbed shook the league I think.
I also follow him on Instagram and from a style perspective I think he gets it. He’s always sharing what he wears pre and post game and I think he understands the style of the time. I would sign Mitchell for sure.