We chat to Offspring community member Phil a.k.a styles_p_84, Big Phillie & of course everythingairmax, to discuss his passion for everything Air Max.
Tell us about yourself.
My names Phil, I’m from South West London and I work for Audi as the Parts Manager.
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Tell us about where you grew up. What was it like?
I was born in Brixton, South West London. Moved to Streatham at 3 years old and been there ever since. My Mum and Dad always bought me and my 2 younger brothers and my younger sister trainers. And we always watched MTV, American shows and films which Air Maxes and Jordans were prominent in! Having a lot of older cousins, I always wanted trainers they had. My secondary school was a school that didn’t have a uniform, so it was like a fashion show. Always had to look crisp and have clean trainers and clothes!
I’ve been into trainers for as long as I can remember. I’ve been in trainers since a baby, Mum & Dad created this monster!
What was your first ever pair of Max, have you still got them?
My first pair of Air Max’s were the ST’s which came out in 1992. Before that I was wearing BK’s, Nike Cross Trainers, LA Gears, Adidas and CONS. I don’t have any of them anymore. The oldest pair I have in my collection is my 1996 Nike Air Max 96 ‘Concord’ sole swapped, my 1998 sole swapped Air Max TL 1’s and my OG 2000 Nike Air Max TL 2’s.
People always say this Max model was big in South London and this in West London etc. It’s time for you to set the record straight! Was this a thing or were people wearing the same stuff?
North, South, East & West London all loved the same pairs. With some pairs, they just gravitated more to certain ends than other models!
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Do you have any early sneaker memory? Where did you shop back in the day?
From Offspring, my parents also used to take me to Frank Johnson Sports that was in Brixton, and Sports & Things that was in Streatham. Sports & Things had the dope US exclusives and the 1 away TN CW’s. There was also Global Sports in Shepherds Bush who also had dope US exclusives and the 1 away Huarache’s. Can’t forget the Littlewoods catalogue too!
The page is getting serious traction. Tell us about the page.
I created the page 13th of July 2014. My main reason for this was there were 2 pages before me that only posted Air Max 1’s & Air Max 90’s. I wanted to see Everything Air Max so, I created Everything Air Max! There was a period when Nike US and I were conversing regarding the TL1 & TL2. They approached me to buy my pairs off me to use to recreate the TL’s but, I didn’t want to part with them.
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What's your most prized sneaker?
My Air Max TL 1’s & TL2’s. I have 3 pairs of TL1’s. 2 of them I’ve had sole swapped. I have 2 pairs of TL2’s and I can’t bring myself to getting them sole swapped. So, they’ll stay as mantle pieces.
Moving away from sneakers quickly. We know you are into cars, and you’ve pulled up at launch days to scope the line up... What are you driving and what's the ultimate car you want?
At the moment, I drive a Volkswagen Golf R which is my gem! It’s currently running stage 2 with an intake, full exhaust system, lowering springs, TD Wheels and can’t forget my Bassline. Gotta have sounds in the car!
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Do you have any sneaker regrets and what is your sneaker grail?
My regrets are selling the 2 pairs of Air Jordan 4 Doernbecher’s I had! That is my grail I’d love to have back again.
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What sneakers are in your rotation currently?
As I’m at work 5/6 days a week, it’s mostly Black Air Force 1’s. On the days off, I wear whatever I see or unDS something new!
Quick fire
There’s a fire in the Air Max room. What shoe are you saving out of your collection?
Booooyyyyyy…. I’d probably save my Patta Corduroy Air Max 1’s! They’re my favourites.
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Air Max 1 2017 shape or Max 1 86?
Air Max 1 87 ‘17 shape & 86 for comfort.
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What shoe would you make into a Max that currently doesn’t have bubble?
Nike Safari ‘87.
With it being Air Max Day, what would you love to see from Nike for the next one? You can name only one shoe.
I’d love to see a big bubble, true to the OG retro of the Air Max 96! It’s way over due its retro! We got the Ultra And there was the Supreme Version with the clear panels which were good but everyone was hoping for a truer OG!
We Need bigger Air units and the classic colour ways back please NIKE if your listening.
Finally, what does community mean to you?
Community means making friendships and always love when linking up! Being there for each other and just good vibes and energy!
Check out more from Phil on Instagram everythingairmax and styles_p_84
