If you have a passion for collecting rare or exclusive footwear, you're probably all too familiar with catching yourself developing some strong emotional ties for certain pairs from your collection.
In the monthly Kickin' the Door Blog series, we welcome fellow Rotterdam-based sneaker aficionados and footwear connoisseurs to share the Top 3 sneakers from their collection and let us in on the stories that make them so special.
EVA NICOLA @EVITANICOLA
For the 21st edition of the Kickin’ the Door series, we are joined by Eva Nicola, who works as a communication advisor by day and sneaker-influencer by night (and weekends).
Being a self-proclaimed Nike fan, it won’t be a surprise to see lots of Nike items featured on her already big, but still growing Instagram page.
We are curious - What are Eva's Top 3 sneakers from her collection and more importantly, what are the stories behind them?
#3
NIKE AIR JORDAN 4 UNION "OFF NOIR"
(Released in 2020)
Sometimes you just immediately know that you have to get a pair.
When I saw the first images of the Jordan 4 Union Off Noir and Guava Ice, I couldn't wait for them to drop. They first released on the official Union website, but of course I took a L. The first thing you do after that is search on Marktplaats, which is a site similar to Ebay. Most of the time I can't find my size because I have really small feet (US 4), but this time I was lucky. The thing I love the most on the Jordan 4 Union 'Off Noir' is the mixture of materials and colors, but also the Nike Air logo on the back instead of the Jumpman logo that they use on the newest Jordan 4s.
#2
NIKE AIR JORDAN 3 "A MA MANIÈRE"
(Released in 2021)
I'm a sucker for storytelling. I think as a communication/marketing advisor I always love a sneaker even more when there's a story behind the design, it makes the sneaker even more beautiful to me. The design of Jordan 3 'A Ma Maniére' is already so good, but the story behind it and the short film they made called 'Raised by Women' definitely makes them my favorite release of 2021. Besides the story, I love the vintage look of the yellowed midsoles and all the little details.
#1
NIKE AIR JORDAN 1 HIGH "BRED"
(Released in 2016)
The Jordan 1 High Bred will always be one of my favorite sneakers. I remember buying them for less than retail, which nowadays I don't think that's possible anymore. First released in 1985, the Jordan 1 High Bred was an inspiration for many sneaker releases, and they still are. I love the leather on these and the fact that they go with every outfit. I also think that it's the best example of a timeless sneaker. With so many sneaker releases nowadays, these will never get boring.
HONORABLE MENTION
NIKE AIR JORDAN 11 "JUBILEE"
(Released in 2020)
My love for sneakers started when I was in high school, around 10 years ago. My first sneakers were Air Max 1s. However, when I got more and more into sneakers my love for the Jordan Brand started to grow as well. For me, it didn't start with the Jordan 1's. The Jordan 11's were my first Jordans back in the day and from that point onwards I had to get them all. When Nike gifted me a pair of the Jordan 11 Jubilee, I couldn't be happier. With the Jordan 11 Jubilee the Jordan Brand celebrated one of the most iconic Jordan models, designed by Tinker Hatfield. I will be very careful with these.
"I'm a sucker for storytelling. I think as a communication/marketing advisor I always love a sneaker even more when there's a story behind the design, it makes the sneaker even more beautiful to me."
CLICK HERE FOR THE PREVIOUS KICKIN THE DOOR WITH WOEI-OG NATSUKI!