If you’re living in New Zealand and don’t know about @mywifeandkicks, there’s a good chance you’re not a big New Balance junkie (yet). Adrian, as his parents call him, is living large in Auckland, New Zealand, with a closet full of cool grey New Balance heat and an unmatched eye for what’s good. He’s one of our favourite collectors and photographers, so we’re long overdue to link up with him.
To celebrate StockX now giving our New Zealand customers the chance to shop in the New Zealand dollar, we finally got the chance to sit down and get to know Adrian a little bit more – and find out what the Auckland sneaker scene has going on.
Adrian wears the New Balance 990 V3 Kith Genesis
Adrian wears the New Balance 990 V3 Kith Genesis
Adrian wears the New Balance 990 V3 Kith Genesis
Q: Adrian, tell us about your history with sneaker collecting, how long has it been?
Like many, my entry point to sneakers was through skateboarding. I grew up on brands like Globe, DVS, and Etnies. Back then, there was no thought of keeping them nice, the box was thrown away and I wore them into the ground. Fast forward to around late 2011, I was hunting down as many Dunk SBs as I could find. Local auction websites were turning up gems like the Hawaii and Skunk Dunks for dirt cheap as no one knew what they were. Obviously, now things had changed, boxes were neatly stacked in my wardrobe and I was meticulous about keeping them clean. So Nike SBs were really the entry point into “collecting” for me.
Over time my taste began to change, and premium construction and materials became more important. Along with that, I was looking for a brand story I could relate to. So naturally, New Balance became my brand of choice. An understated brand made in both the USA and UK focused on quality really appealed to me. Now I can’t get enough grey sneakers. The pinnacle for me is the M1300JP, it’s based on the original M1300 from 1985 and releases every 5 years. As far as 80’s runners go, you can’t get better!
Q: New Balance are enjoying massive popularity right now, from the 550 killing it, to people like Joe Freshgoods and Teddy Santis being high profile collaborators. How do you feel about NB having this major moment?
In one sense, I am really stoked for people at the brand. I’ve had the honour of working with, meeting some of them, or connecting on Instagram. So to see them winning is great.
In another sense, it’s hard because what drew me to the brand in the first place is it being understated. I liked rocking “dad shoes” when nobody else was before it was the “cool” thing to do. Now, wherever you go someone is wearing a pair of 550s. I sound a bit like an old grumpy sneaker guy.
To be fair, they really are killing it. There is a reason the stuff is selling out and there is plenty to like about what is coming. I’m loving the look of the Made in USA line that Teddy Santis has been working on.
Q: What’s a shoe you’ve always admired from afar but never been able to get your hands on? Is there a grail out there somewhere?
Great question, there are many. Most recently, I am a big fan of both New Balance x WTAPS collabs. The 990v2 is probably my favourite of the 990 line. I love how WTAPS kept it really clean and simple with the different shades of grey. I’m all about it.
Further back there are lots of obscure shoes that were very scarce or never released. I’d probably go for the unreleased Hanon x New Balance 1300 or original M1300 from 1985.
Q: What’s the sneaker scene like in Auckland?
Auckland is a very multicultural city and closely connected to the rest of the world. Global trends seem to sweep through pretty fast and people quickly move to the next hot sneaker.
There are more and more sneaker stores opening on our shores. They range from chain stores like JD Sports, Hype DC, and Subtype to independent boutiques like Good as Gold and Loaded. In addition, we have seen a range of reselling stores and Instagram accounts popping up.
We have seen ebbs and flows in the scene but, at this point, it is bigger than ever.
Q: What’s the dream collab? If you could put any brand and any designer/celebrity/whatever in a room together, who would it be and why?
As far as collaborators go, it’s hard to go past Ronnie Fieg. The stuff he does is mind-blowing. His collaboration with BMW was unlike anything I have seen before. His use of colour and materials when it comes to sneakers is masterful.
In terms of a collaboration I would like to see, I think Kanye x NB would be interesting. Hate him or love him, Kanye is a creative genius. I think seeing him collaborate on a pair of New Balance would produce something fresh. I don’t think it would ever happen but I wouldn’t mind seeing it.
