This week I am joined by Adir Landes, who is behind West NYC's social presense. We talk about his time growing up on the Upper West Side, how he help his mom understand sneaker trends. What it was like waiting for the Packer x Iman Shumpert drop. Working at B&H and how he ended up at Tip Top Shoes. What keeps him curious and what drives him plus so much more.   Follow Adir: IG: https://www.instagram.com/durrlanders/ 

Tip Top Shoes: https://tiptopshoes.com/ 

IG: https://www.instagram.com/tiptopshoesnyc 

West NYC: https://www.westnyc.com/ 

IG: https://www.instagram.com/westnyc/  

Podcast Linktree: https://linktr.ee/myfirstkicks 

Sign up for the Patreon: https://patreon.com/MyFirstKicks  

Music by The DoppleGangaz: https://thedoppelgangaz.bandcamp.com/  

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Chapters: 

00:00 $6M B&H Customer 

03:29 Mount Sinai Hospital 

07:37 Fila Designer ️ 

11:09 NYU & COVID Impact 

14:55 B&H: Tourist Spot  

18:25 Shoes & Tiptop/West 

22:31 Shooting Videos 

26:12 Selling Ugly Shoes 

29:41 Orthodox Jewish ️ 

33:35 Jumpman Denouncing ️ 

37:57 Sold Out Size 

41:31 Drawing Shoes 

45:51 City Bike Boys 

49:41 Versatility as Store 

56:02 Five Shoe Types 

01:00:35 Tiptop & West NYC 

01:04:47 Patreon Shoutouts

Quitting to Sell Ugly Shoes with Adir Landes

This week I am joined by Anwar Carrots to talk about his work with KSWISS. How he designed the newest collection for the KSWISS Racket Club. How this was all connected to his how he grew up. Who were some of his influences, and how much he values collaboration. Where has his brand taken him and what moments he's been able to have. Plus so much more!  

Follow Anwar: 

IG: https://www.instagram.com/carrotsbyanwarcarrots/ 

Twitter: https://x.com/AnwarCarrots  

Websites https://anwarcarrots.com/ 

https://ksrc.kswiss.com/   

Podcast Linktree: https://linktr.ee/myfirstkicks 

Sign up for the Patreon: https://patreon.com/MyFirstKicks  

Music by The DoppleGangaz: https://thedoppelgangaz.bandcamp.com/

In My KSWISS with Anwar Carrots 

This week JD is on the podcast, we talk about how he grew up in Ohio. How did streetwear travel to Ohio, what it was like to put on his own events. Starting the Streetwear Flea Market and continuing to host them every year. Working at sneaker stores in Ohio, and how he build community. Also we talk about his views on influencers and much much more!  

Follow JD: 

IG: https://www.instagram.com/mrkingjd/ 

Photo IG: https://www.instagram.com/jamesdrakeford/ 

Streetwear Flea: https://www.instagram.com/streetwearflea/  

Websites 

https://www.streetwearflea.com/ 

https://jamesdrakeford.com/   

Podcast Linktree: https://linktr.ee/myfirstkicks 

Sign up for the Patreon: https://patreon.com/MyFirstKicks  

Music by The DoppleGangaz: https://thedoppelgangaz.bandcamp.com/

Ohio got Something to Say! with JD

This week Trey Uno is on the podcast, we talk about his time at Overtime. How he thought he was going to make it to the league. What type of hooper was he, how he got into Content Creating. He shares some crazy stories from growing up. His love for kicks and the things he did to fit in. What he is doing now and much much more!  

Follow Trey: IG: https://www.instagram.com/TreyUno   

Podcast Linktree: https://linktr.ee/myfirstkicks 

Sign up for the Patreon: https://patreon.com/MyFirstKicks  

Music by The DoppleGangaz: https://thedoppelgangaz.bandcamp.com/

Is Lebron the Goat with Trey Uno

This week we sit down the legend himself Ari Forman, as we talk about his time as a kid in the 80s. We remenicise over his moments as a kid in Los Angeles. How he used to hang out with in Sears and how I also hung out at Sears too. We touch on how his family inspired his art inspirations. How advertising shaped his artistic views and much much more!

Follow Ari:

IG: https://www.instagram.com/Ari

Podcast Linktree: https://linktr.ee/myfirstkicks

Sign up for the Patreon: https://patreon.com/MyFirstKicks

Music by The DoppleGangaz: https://thedoppelgangaz.bandcamp.com/

From Hollyhood To The World with Ari

This week John Trottier aka Johnnyskicks is on the podcast. We talk about working with the Sneaker Surgeon. How he almost was a pro in soccer. How he grew up on military bases and how he got a British accent. When did he start designing shoes. Working with several customizers and what he is doing with Yankee Kicks. Where his inspiration for design comes from and much much more!  

Follow JohnnysKicks: 

IG: https://www.instagram.com/JohnnysKicks_ 

X: https://x.com/johnnyskicks   

Podcast Linktree: https://linktr.ee/myfirstkicks 

Sign up for the Patreon: https://patreon.com/MyFirstKicks  

Music by The DoppleGangaz: https://thedoppelgangaz.bandcamp.com/

Chapters:

00:00 Executive Assistant Role with Shoe Surgeon in 2016

04:56 First Kicks: Iverson Fours and Sneaker Passion

09:42 Company Success: Relying on Others' Strengths and Overcoming Competitiveness

14:23 Graphic Design Journey: Photoshop, Adobe Suites, and Instagram Influence

17:52 Pursuing Art: Concepting, Maker Collaborations, and First Shoe Releases

21:30 Empowering Shoe Makers & Customizers: New Opportunities & Financial Gains

25:15 Personal Taste: Buying Quality Pieces & Examples of Influence

28:42 Lawsuits Impacting Sneaker Sales and Authenticity Concerns

32:37 Peter Moore's Design Legacy: Jordan 1 and Von Grock History

36:13 Von Grock's Original Silhouettes: Basketball, Pickleball, Lifestyle

40:16 Zellerfeld's Goal: Printing New Shoe Designs Daily Using AI

44:04 Footwear Design & Development: Palm Angels Collaboration

47:43 Tiers of Fakes: AAA Version and Quality Insights with Sniderb

51:29 US Manufacturing and Tooling Control for Limited Sneaker Editions

55:18 Acceptance of Fake Sneakers and Retail Reliance ️

58:44 Factory Money and Sneaker Production Insights

01:02:23 Surrounding Self with Successful People and Growth

01:06:32 Complex Con 2023 Content and Podcast Support

From MLS Dreams to 3D Kicks with JohnnysKicks

This week Kenneth Anand is on the podcast, we are talking about his love for kicks. Growing up in New Jersey, working on music and pursing a degree in law. He share some crazy stories like selling kicks straight off his feet. Working with Kanye West on the Yeezy brand, what it was like to start writing Sneaker Law. How he's able to combine his passion and his career into one. Plus a ton more!  

Follow Kenneth: 

IG: https://www.instagram.com/kennethtaughtme 

Sneaker Law IG: https://www.instagram.com/sneakerlaw/ 

Cop Sneaker Law V2: https://sneakerlaw.com/   

Podcast Linktree: https://linktr.ee/myfirstkicks 

Sign up for the Patreon: https://patreon.com/MyFirstKicks  

Music by The DoppleGangaz: https://thedoppelgangaz.bandcamp.com/  



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Chapters: 00:00 Puerto Rican Day Parade 1998: White and Blue 95s Story 

03:40 ComplexCon Encounters: Marvel Fleece and Podcast Invitation ️ 

07:16 Crispy White Fives: Nervousness and Black Cement Four Comparison 

11:17 Luxury Sneakers vs Athletic Shoes: Personal Style Preferences 

14:46 Short Bus to Port Authority: Fat Beats & Lyricist Lounge Memories 

18:14 Versus Battles: Dips Set vs. The Locks and Venue Comeback Wish 

22:54 Similar Sneaker Story: Red Fours, Paxon Encounter, and a Bold Offer 

26:25 Kai's Asics Unboxing: Brand Loyalty and Authenticity on Social Media 

29:58 Law and Music Business: Brand Deals and Celebrity Ventures 

34:06 Predatory Behavior: Rungs on Ladder vs Service to Others 

37:52 Surrounding Yourself with Things You Love: Constant Magnet 

41:39 Adidas Yeezy Team: Hard Work, Amazing Product Today 

45:21 Excitement and Passion: Trying New Things and Learning from Failure 

48:59 Vision and Authenticity: Staying True to Yourself and Making Good Art 

52:57 Staying Young Through Culture: New Trends & Staying Ahead 

56:20 Anti-Biting Culture: Respect for Pioneers & Paving the Way 

01:00:21 Protecting Special Creations: Trademarking and Nike's Strategy 

01:04:17 Connect with Kenneth: Sneaker Law, IG, LinkedIn, and Book

Producing Sneaker Laws with Kenneth Anand

This week Jixie is back! If you haven't heard the first episode we dropped check out Episode 18 of the podcast! This week, she's back and we are catching up 4 years later. We talk about how sneakers have effected her life. Working with Jordan brand, the reason she had to put sneaker down for a while. How she uses sneakers to connect to other women in all these spaces. Also what we think of sneaker culture now! 

Follow Jixie: 

IG: https://www.instagram.com/kixiejixie 

X/Twitter: https://x.com/kixiejixie  

Follow In Her Soles Collective: https://www.instagram.com/@inhersolescollective   

Podcast Linktree: https://linktr.ee/myfirstkicks 

Sign up for the Patreon: https://patreon.com/MyFirstKicks  

Music by The DoppleGangaz: https://thedoppelgangaz.bandcamp.com/

Sneakerhead Sweet Valley High with Jixie

This week I am joined by Mouse Jones, we talk about how we got connected. His love for kicks and where did it stem from, growing up in Long Island. Becoming the host of Trap Karaoke and how that came about. Creating Deadass Comedy Show and how it is the toughest room in New York. Being outside and what he has seen. The one time he's made a line and much much more!  

Follow Mouse: 

IG: https://www.instagram.com/mouse_jones 

X/Twitter: https://x.com/MouseJones   

Podcast Linktree: https://linktr.ee/myfirstkicks 

Sign up for the Patreon: https://patreon.com/MyFirstKicks  

Music by The DoppleGangaz: https://thedoppelgangaz.bandcamp.com/



Chapters:

00:00 Intro: Mouse Jones

04:01 First Pair Needed

07:15 First White Shoe?

09:35 Rockefeller Era

12:12 First Cardigan

14:53 Top Influence

17:37 Trading Sneakers

20:27 Line Story Begins

22:55 Tripled Up Pairs ️

25:19 Trap Karaoke Start

27:45 Viral Melodies

31:39 Dead Ass Check Out️

33:52 Comedy on Phone

36:44 Sneaker Battle

39:05 Appreciate These

41:40 Patreon Shoutouts

Deadass Sneakerhead with Mouse Jones

This week I am joined by Maiy, we talk about her journey working at foot stores. How she found herself working in corporate Foot Locker. What she really went to school for. Growing up with immigrant parents and why they want to open up a store. Her transition to working at Hoka and their recent success. Finding culture and embracing culture, plus much much more.  

Follow Maiy: 

IG: https://www.instagram.com/maiyyymaiyy   

Podcast Linktree: https://linktr.ee/myfirstkicks 

Sign up for the Patreon: https://patreon.com/MyFirstKicks  

Music by The DoppleGangaz: https://thedoppelgangaz.bandcamp.com/   

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Chapters:

00:00 Sneaker Culture 

03:29 Intriguing Story 

07:20 Entered the Game 

10:49 Art of the Hunt 

16:13 Parents Reaction 

19:41 Immigrant Children 

23:04 Stubborn Personalities 

27:13 Breaking Barriers 

32:28 Corporate Trajectory 

35:46 Buyer Workload 

39:55 Sneaker Shift 

43:39 Layering Artistry 

47:11 Culture Gatekeeping 

51:01 Sneaker Culture 

56:08 Marketing Team 

59:37 Upcoming Hoka Pair 

e01:03:38 Build This Out More

We Out to Cafe 28! with Maiy

My First Kicks is a podcast with the goal of bringing storytelling back to the sneaker community. Each week your host Hass brings on a guest and ask them. What’s your first kicks? Using this question as a through-line to start a conversation that begins with kicks and goes anywhere possible.