There are so many cats around now that call themselves “sneaker heads/fiends/addicts/lovers etc.” However, there are a select few who have been into sneakers before they’ve been turned into somewhat of a “fad” and put into the forefront of society. Teko Harmon is one of those dudes that have been in this since the foundation of sneaker culture was first being laid. With a quantity of sneakers around 800 or so, Harmon still lives by the mottos “be authentic” and “quality over quantity”, having multiple pairs of kicks that so many of these youngsters would consider their “grails.” Now, Teko’s never been one of those arrogant, condescending type dudes. So when I asked him if he wanted to be apart of my blog, he accepted with no objections. In this interview, I got a chance to see where a respected sneaker aficionado like Teko is when it come to the present-day culture, the fake pandemic, and the best places to cop.
Skighwalker: First off, thanks for taking time out and being apart of this interview…
Teko Harmon: No, Thank You Sir. I am honored to be on a Blog so ill as yours!!
SW: Now what person/event/pair first got you into sneakers?
TH: Far as people, I would probably have to say my uncle E. Back in the day. I remember him wearing the Air Jordan 6 Wht/Infrared/Blk colorway and was like WOW...I I want those!!! I loved the design and they way it looked on his foot. I even remember him getting me a pair of Blk/Infrared 6's because I use to bug him sooo much his. Mind you I was 7yrs old at the time and had NO income/responsibility, so when the Carmine colorway dropped after that I wanted those as well...didn't happen. LOL
SW: For those that don’t know, how many sneakers would you say that you own?
TH: Let's just say it gets stupid when you have 3 different locations in which you HAVE to keep them.
SW: Back in the day, how did you support coppin all those sneakers?
TH: Tons of neighborhood grass got cut/ leaves got bagged early on before I was able to legally work. Once I was of age, it was on like Donkey Kong baby! Damn near every check went towards sneakers.
SW: What is your opinion on the current state of sneaker culture?
TH: It definitely has it's ups and downs. I really like the new technologies/concepts certain companies are bringing out but the market is too saturated with HypeBeast/Fakes! Fakes were always around back in the day but I think now more so than ever. Certain companies need to slow the production down of "when" they bring stuff out and not necessarily "what" the bring out.
SW: As sneaker culture has developed, the term “collector” has a myriad of different stages and a wide array of different meanings: from the OG heads that hate everything that comes out now, the cats that only rock one brand and denounce everything else, to the rich kids who use their parents’ credit cards, the new school “hypebeast” that buys up everything…At this moment, what stage did you see yourself at?
TH: Def not the cat that would use "mommy/daddy credit card!" I would say that back in the day I was really stuck on 1 brand and would write off everything else. As I got older and starting looking more into what really goes into a sneaker or the "Theme" based behind the shoe. By doing so it has opened me up to shoes that I probably would not have given a second look at. I don't hate everything that comes out now, I am just real selective in my process. It has to have some meaning or theme behind it for me to rock!
SW: Now, we both strong objection towards the pandemic of fakes, which have the hoods harder than Ike on Anna Mae. In your opinion, how have the fugazis affected the culture?
TH: LOL...It is taking the fun out of it. I feel bad for those young catz coming up that don't really get a chance to experience something that is truly limited or that they had to do the research on in order to get. Don't get me wrong, Nike and the rest of those guys still drop Tier 0 or QuickStrike shoes...it's just that fakes kill it for those people that really have something exclusive to showcase.
SW: I know that my big bro Rick dubbed you “Blinded by the Jumpman”…LOL, nevertheless, what is your favorite brand/specific sneaker?
TH: Going to have to be my Jordans. So we can say Nike/Jordan being the favorite brand while the 11 (being on of the most bootleg shoes ever) is at the top of the list. Really diggin my 23's though now that I finally copped my first pair!
SW: Do you have any grails that have been unattainable thus far?
TH: Not really, for anybody that has seen the facebook video knows that I went stupid when they retroed the 11. Would love some Retro 2's though. That box was dope! LOL..
SW: What pair(s) in your collection mean the most to you?
TH: Have to be my 6's because of my Uncle, the other being the wht/columbia 11's.
SW: Best spot to cop sneakers in and around the Detroit Area?
TH: BURN RUBBER.... BURN "MOTHER FREAKIN" RUBBER DETROIT.COM... (Up My VIP) j/k
SW: Shout-outs??
TH: First.. shot to you good sir for allowing me to fall through on the blog, Rick/Ro for showing all the love and supporting the addiction. To every sneakerhead out there no matter how big or small the collection may be. If you love what you rock and are educated about what's on your feet...then it's all good. Much Respect, Much Love, and God Bless! Till the next 1.....
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