Sneakers are not only a tool in the world of basketball, but also a symbol of power in trendy culture. "When players are walking, they must have the right outfit." The player tunnel has always been the focus of the most spotlight outside of football games. In addition to clothing accessories, sneakers are even more exciting. Focus, it is not surprising for NBA stars to be the first to buy unreleased limited-edition shoes or only one pair of rare shoes before consumers do.
Most players have many channels to obtain sneakers, not to mention star players who have signed endorsement contracts will naturally take as much as they want. There are currently several big shoe heads in the NBA, such as DeMar Derozan, Cameron Payne, Chris Paul and Montrezl Harrell, etc. Players all have "shoe libraries" with both quality and quality. The most famous current shoe king is PJ Tucker, especially Tucker wore the million-dollar shoes Eminem Everyone once asked him where he got his sneakers.
However, in the 2021-22 season, when the 40-year-old Joe Johnson announced his comeback and signed a 10-day short contract with the Celtics, the title of shoe king was shaken in the past few days because of Johnson’s rich collection and appreciation. Even PJ.Tucker once highly praised his high-end vision and outfit.
Johnson not only collects shoes, but collects sneakers like an artist. Before leading reporters into the 46-square-meter shoe room he spent a lot of money to build in the basement, Joe Johnson turned his head and pressed his finger to his lips, "Shhh!" He whispered "Keep your voice down, you'll wake up my precious sneakers."
In order to maintain his favorite shoes, Johnson, who is obsessed with shoes, placed more than 1,000 pairs of sneakers in a temperature-controlled wardrobe and installed a fingerprint safety device. The only one who could pass the authentication was Johnson, even if a locksmith expert came in person for a while. It is also very difficult to unravel. At the same time, multiple LED lights and special shoe cabinets are set up to display rows and rows of sneakers. It sounds a little crazy, but for shoe lovers, caring for and loving shoes is a necessary accomplishment.
Johnson is a veteran member of the Jordan Brand Team. Although he has not released exclusive shoes, he has many player-exclusive PE versions, as well as rare treasures that are not available on the market.
"I don't just collect and show off." Johnson said, "I am a persistent collector and professional connoisseur. In my eyes, sneakers are not just sneakers, but beautiful works of art." Johnson's time-consuming and personal The designed shoe room is not just a collection of sneakers, but an exclusive exhibition hall to record and present his basketball history and taste. In addition to displaying all his jerseys from high school, college to NBA, it also displays guest items. Customized the ball frame and hired a designer to put the artwork on it.
Johnson's purpose in building this shoe room is not only to collect shoes, but also to make friends with shoes. "I like to invite friends here to chat and look at shoes. Everyone can share the latest collection and shoe information." NBA players, fashion shoe heads, and brand directors have all been guests in this room. "At least you have to be a top figure in the shoe industry to have the opportunity to be invited by him and enter JJ's sneaker collection room." It’s a kind of certification and indicator in the sneaker collecting industry.”
Johnson's former teammate Thaddeus Young is also one of the frequent visitors to the home, and has witnessed the shoe room transform into what it is today step by step. "JJ has a strong addiction to art and design. He wants to make his home a work of art of the highest grade, especially this shoe. The room should not only have elements of street culture, but also have the design sense of the highest palace of basketball."
Johnson also regards this place as a secret base. He will come here to relieve stress whether he is in a good mood or at a low point. "I often come here to take a nap. I not only regard this place as a collection room, I hope to bring in more." Cool stuff, put a camp bed, bring in electric and TV or just smoke a cigar and relax," Johnson said. "Here I can completely relax, look around and enjoy my collection."
When talking about sneaker collection, we have to mention maintenance. In addition to the basic temperature control equipment in the shoe cabinet, Johnson also purchased special paper towel pads to stuff the sneakers to prevent moisture. In addition to the collection room, Johnson’s entire house is filled with shoe cabinets, so he had to deploy additional security personnel at home and hire storage and cleaning experts to assist. “In his house, he would come across a pair of sneakers every two steps. , you can pick up a pair of limited edition shoes within three steps." said a storage expert who Johnson works with regularly.
Although Johnson is a sneaker collector, he has "Jordan mysophobia". The only brand of sneakers that he can really wear on his feet is Jordan Brand. "I have only worn Jordans since I was a student. This is the only shoe I have a deep love for." When the sneaker brand was still unknown at the beginning, I often had to make careful calculations for a long time to buy a pair of Jodran." As one of the spokespersons of Jordan Brand, Johnson naturally has all the shoes he wants, and he usually collects them in different colors. Get two pairs, one for actual playing and the other for collection. "When I first signed with Jordan, they told me what to get or how much to get. This was also the beginning of my collection of sneakers."
In addition to being a sneaker collector, Johnson is also a leader in the so-called old shoe trend. He is particularly fond of previous generations of Jordans and often wears them in the pregame tunnel and during games.
Johnson’s first pair of Jordans was the fifth generation, and it is still his favorite pair so far, especially the limited version with the big 23 on one side and the mesh reflective fabric on the other side. “The fifth generation is definitely the most classic, it was just launched. In those days, it was almost all over the streets." Johnson's love for the fifth generation is also reflected on the court. As long as it is a major game in his career, Johnson will mostly wear the fifth generation on the field, including the first all-star game in his career. "You can call it superstition or belief. As long as I wear the fifth generation, I feel particularly at ease and confident."
Johnson will change into a new pair of shoes every two to three games, and will carry more than 20 pairs of sneakers with him on every away trip. "If I don't bring more shoes, I will feel insecure because I will use different shoes for different occasions." shoes, or if there is a particular pair of shoes that feels special before the game.”
Although there are endless channels to obtain new shoes, Johnson still often goes shopping to purchase new shoes. He spends more than 20,000 US dollars on purchasing sneakers every year. After signing a six-year contract of 123 million in 2010, he spent even more money in one go. $150,000 to spend on shoes.
Players often interact with each other because of sneakers. "JJ and I got acquainted because we talked about shoes. Once we talked about shoes, we couldn't finish talking. The lounge was a bit like a place to show off shoes." He once played for the Nets. Jarrett Jack, who was on the same team with Johnson during that time, said that Jack originally only had a love for sneakers, but under the influence of Johnson, he became increasingly crazy. "I was introduced by him, and I started to collect more styles and commemorative sneakers. "
For Jack and Johnson, who have been playing street basketball since they were young and have always yearned to advance through basketball, sneakers are a kind of spiritual sustenance. "When we were young, we probably only had two small goals. The first was to be able to hit the ball well." Even better, the next step is to put on a pair of stylish shoes and play powerful basketball. This is not only a skill, but also a display of self-attitude." Johnson said, "Since we were young, we have been taught that when walking on the street, girls come first. It’s your face and then the shoes you wear, so it’s a personal taste.”
For players led by Johnson and Tucker, sneakers are not only equipment for playing games, but also collectible artworks with symbolic and commemorative value. "Sneakers have a soul, especially our players who have an inextricable relationship with sneakers." , I believe that if you treat it well, it will reward you at the appropriate time.
