We chat to Offspring Community member Ariadna aka @arissneakers
Tell us about yourself.
Hello! I’m Ariadna, although everyone knows me as Ari. I live in Barcelona, but since I was a child, I spent my summers in Gran Canaria. For the last four years I’ve been working as a dental hygienist, mainly in the paediatric field. In addition, I’m training to achieve my dream of working as a dentist and who knows, maybe one day I'll even set up my own clinic.
How long have you been into sneakers and how did you get into them?
I’ve always been fascinated by sneakers. When I was at school, I used to wear Vans Authentic and Nike Roshe Run. It was in 2014 when my parents told me that because I got very good marks, they would buy me the sneakers I wanted. Back then, I had no idea that trainers were collected, I just loved them. I remember my older sister had an Air Max 90, and although I liked them, I wanted something different. So, I went online and I discovered the Air Max 1. It was love at first sight. My father took me to the Nike store one morning, where I got my first Air Max 1.
It wasn’t until I had my own money that I really started collecting sneakers. Since then, to this day my passion for them continues to grow.
Do you have any early sneaker memory?
Back then, I didn’t care about the condition of my sneakers. I always wore them dirty and used them for everything. I thought that the more worn out they were, the nicer they were. Now, when I see them dirty, it really hurts my eyes! I try to always carry a wipe in my bag in case there’s an emergency and I need to clean them quickly.
Do you have any sneaker regrets and what is your sneaker grail?
Although I don’t regret my past choices, I admit that I used to buy almost everything that came out in the market, and many of those shoes I have hardly used or even worn. It’s not that I don’t like them, they just don’t mean anything special to me.
However, this Summer I had the opportunity to get two pairs that I consider true grails: the Nike Air Max 1/97 Sean Wotherspoon and the Nike Air Max 1 x ATMOS Elephant. I had been looking for them for a long time, but in the end, everything comes full circle. My size is EU 37.5 and it’s true that there are many pairs that either don’t come in my size, or if they do, there are very limited, so I must search and search.
Two pairs that have always been at the top for me are Air Max 1 Chlorophyll and Cherrywood. For a long time, I considered them unattainable, but after realising that with patience and dedication they can be achieved, I don’t lose hope of having them one day.
What sneakers are in your rotation currently?
In my day-to-day life what I wear the most are Air Max 1. At work, I wear a uniform and Crocs, so my trainers are exclusively for going to and from home. On the weekends is when I can really wear them more, but I still opt for the Air Max 1’s.
As a woman in the sneaker industry can you tell us how you’ve been able to navigate yourself in a predominately male space and your experience so far?
Nowadays, it’s true that luckily there are a lot of women who like and collect sneakers, and I love it. I follow a lot of girls who inspire me. It gives me good vibes how we support each other so much and give each other a voice. I wear my sneakers in my own style, the way I like them and the way I feel comfortable. On the other hand, I think brands still have a lot of work to do in terms of inclusion.
It’s baffling that in the 21st century there are still limitations on the sizing of trainers, with models only available in men’s or women's sizes. It’s a process in which we all can and must contribute to make a change.
Aside from sneakers, what else are you into?
I love travelling, getting to know new places and cultures. Also, I love to make plans with my friends, and make the most of spending time with my people. As hobbies I love drawing and graphic design. I love to let my imagination fly and capture everything that comes to my mind. I am also fascinated by the motor world, I usually go to see exhibitions, rallies, and races. Lastly, I also really like bags and always combine the colours of my outfits, it’s a must for me.
What does the Offspring community mean to you?
For me, it means togetherness. Thanks to it, I have met incredible people, and people that I still consider my friends today. The beauty of it is that we are happy with what we achieve, we help each other to find sneakers. At least between us we understand our own madness.
Check out more from Ari on Instagram @arissneakers
