“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 ammassing 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 when they arrive 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 love of sneakers 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” article, dedicated to players we see with some of the most stylish on court sneakers. We Recently we sat down with IMG Academy guard Noah Farrakhan at the Nike EYBL session 4 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 on the court, which ones do you prefer: Nike, Under Armour or Adidas and why?
Noah Farrakhan: I would rank them:
1-Nike
2-Under Armour
3-Adidas
I chose Nike first because of the quality of their product. I love how creative and lightweight their shoes are. Under Armour has some good products and I think is a mesh of the other companies creatively. I like where Adidas is going with things, but sometimes the shoes lose grip a bit too quickly and the soles of the sneakers are a bit too hard.
TheDribbleDrop: Off the court, who’s making the best non-Jordan basketball shoe that you would wear casually?
Noah Farrakhan: Kobe. I like the Kobe 8’s. I got a lot of Kobe 8’s in all the colorways.
TheDribbleDrop: What were three of the best sneakers you wore this year in regards to style and comfort?
Noah Farrakhan: I liked the Yeezys, the Foamposites in metallic silver and the Jordan Retro 12’s.
TheDribbleDrop: When buying a shoe on or off the court, what are you looking for exactly? Style? Comfort?
Noah Farrakhan: I’m looking for both, style and comfort. Whether I’m walking around or I’m on the court, I need both from the sneaker that I’m wearing. When the game starts I can’t be thinking about a sneaker. My focus is to be the ball in the rim. My sneaker needs to reflect what I need on the floor.
TheDribbleDrop: It seems like kids are wearing more lightweight, low top sneakers that can sometimes leave the ankle a bit vulnerable. We want protection, but it often comes at the price of the shoe being a bit bulky. What are your thoughts on this explosion on low tops and comfort vs. protection?
Noah Farrakhan: Well for starters, you have to remember we are young. We are looking for and need style from our product. When you are young you feel invincible. We want to look good. You look good, you play good.
Personally I love low tops, I feel like they are more flexible and provide me with a shot for more explosion and boost. I feel like I can do more in low tops.
TheDribbleDrop: This weekend what were you wearing at Nike EYBL? Any significance to the shoes?
Noah Farrakhan: This weekend I wore Lebron 15’s all white. Lebron popped out in these himself last night. The shoe is very comfortable.
TheDribbleDrop: What sneaker do you think is the most popular with kids your age right now and will have the most longevity: Lebron, Curry or Kyrie:
Noah Farrakhan: Personally I love the Kyrie’s, but I would say Lebron’s are the most popular with kids my age.
TheDribbleDrop: What are your Top Sneakers of all time?
Noah Farrakhan: 1-Yeezy, 750 all black.
2 and 3- Pairs of Kobe 8’s.
4-Air Jordan Retro 5’s
TheDribbleDrop: In 5-10 years, which players sneaker will be worn more on and off the floor by your generation: Lebron, Kyrie or Kevin Durant?
Noah Farrakhan: 10 years from now, I would say Kevin Durant’s. Durant’s and then me (laughs.)
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?
Noah Farrakhan: I would sign Jayson Tatum. His upside is crazy. He’s been dominating since the 7th grade. He’s been a killer since he was in middle school. He always played up and used to kill kids way older than him. I have to give it to Jayson Tatum.