Welcome to #MFTW Sneaker Feature, where we introduce you to women who collect sneakers, work in the footwear industry, and/or impacting the sneaker culture. This week, we present you a woman who gives back to the community one step at a time, with her platform, Hergrails.
DD: What’s your name, where you from, and what made you start collecting sneakers?
T.S: Tausha Sanders, Lincoln, NE. I started collecting seriously right before I went away for college – I got into streetwear first and then sneakers quickly followed.
DD: What was the first sneaker you purchased?
TS: With my own money… I think it was the Nike SB High Thai Temples from a skate shop in Omaha, NE in 2009.
DD: What was the earliest you remember about collecting sneakers?
TS: I remember talking to my homegirl one day in college about how I didn’t have money for these kicks I wanted and she was like “you know you can still fit grade school sizes right”? My mind was blown, I couldn’t believe that I still fit a 7Y! This is always one of my favorite stories, because to this day, I have probably saved a ton by switching to kids sizes. *in my Geico commercial voice*
DD: What’s your favorite sneaker in your collection?
TS: This is always tough. I would say my favorite is the AJ1 High Satin Royals! These were only released in Atlanta and Houston and there were only 301 grade school sizes made. My favorite sneaker to actually wear is the Air Max 90 Infrared – such a classic and I feel like it goes with everything.
DD: What sneaker is missing from your collection?
TS: A ton hahaha. The Vashtie AJ2, Off White Sail 4’s and the Nike Sacai Grey Fragments to name a few.
DD: Any sneaker stories you wanna share?
TS: I walked across the stage in Bugs Bunny 8’s for my college graduation. It was such a great moment looking back, especially since I graduated with a Fashion Marketing degree and I am in the sneaker industry, so it’s almost like a full circle moment.
DD: Which sneaker in the future are you looking forward to cop?
TS: Them A Ma Maniere 2’s are looking real nice. I have the 3’s and the 1’s, so it would be nice to complete the trifecta.
DD: Which brand in your opinion is killing it?
TS: Sneaker wise and women wise, Jumpman is doing amazing. I peeped the transition they were leaning towards during All-Star Chicago, as they have heavily focused on women and it’s been wonderful to see. Even the materials and comfort on women’s releases have been fabulous. I also love me some Melody Ehsani. I have been a fan since the jewelry and Reebok days, so it’s great to see she is still producing great stuff for the ladies!
DD: Which women exclusive release was your favorite?
TS: Another tough one haha. I might have to go with the A Ma Maniere 3’s! Such a great colorway and I love the story behind them. I wear these almost every week.
DD: If you had the chance to address these footwear brands, what would you want them to know?
TS: Hire female creatives more! Ain’t nothing worse than an all-male team curating a female shoe, event or campaign.
