I became a basketball fan in 1st grade. It was at the height of the “Black Superman” era. That’s what they called Billy Ray Bates when he was still going up against the likes of Bobby Parks and the latter’s San Miguel basketball team. It was also the same year the first Nike Air Max came out. And so my love for shoes began.
The first ever Nike Air Max
The revolutionary shoe wasn’t even admired because it provided better cushioning or boosted performance. It was coveted because it looked cool. Unfortunately, it also symbolized something I couldn’t have. The thing was just too darn expensive.
No worries though, people weren’t too brand conscious when it came to shoes in the 80′s. Back then, “local” brands such as Grosby and All American were already well patronized (I can’t believe there is no trace of these two online). But these two weren’t as cool as the Alvin Patrimonio endorsed local sneaker brand Kaypee.
After thinking about it this morning, I just realized that every rubber shoe I’ve ever owned had its own story. The ones I can remember are definitely worthy of some online space.