OFFSPRING MEETS @OFFICIALSNEAKERSPEAKER

We chat to one of the true OG Offspring Community members, South London’s Lincoln a.k.a officialsneakerspeaker – discussing his journey, passion and love for the sneaker game (and socks).

Tell us about yourself.

Hi, I’m Lincoln, some people know me as London Linc, others call me The Sneaker Speaker. I’ve been in the game for a minute, and my love for sneakers goes way back. For me, it’s more than just shoes, it’s culture, history, and storytelling all tied together. Every pair I own has a reason for being in my collection, whether it’s the design, the nostalgia, or the moment it represents.

Where you from and what you do for a living?

I grew up in South London, Croydon to be exact. People love to give it a bad rep, but that’s home and I'm proud of it. I’m a self-employed plumber/pipefitter by trade, and that grind is what fuels my sneaker habit.

What influenced you as a kid and what got you into trainers?

Honestly, I feel like I’ve been into trainers forever. By the time I was 10, I already knew I had a love for shoes. My dad was deep into adidas, pop had Gazelles in every colour you could think of. On top of that, all my older friends were into trainers heavy, so I soaked it all up. And back then, getting a pair of Nikes was everything.

You’ve been a community member for Offspring from the start and shopping with us for even longer. Tell us about your sneaker journey.

I’ve always loved sneakers. Around 2017 I jumped on social media and started a YouTube channel to share my passion. From there, the journey just kept growing. Nike even approached me to design an Air Max 90 for their 5-year anniversary on ‘SNKRS app” which was a mad honour. I also featured on Sky TVs ‘Show Yr Creps’, which was pure fun and creativity.

I created an IG page called Friendly Sock Battles, bringing people together to showcase their sneaker and sock combos, with the community voting the winners. That was great at the time.

Over the years I’ve been asked to be on the panel for Shoe of the Year Awards, to host an Air Max Quiz at Offspring King’s Cross, and to jump on countless IG lives, podcasts, and platforms to give honest sneaker talk. I’m also known for my live unboxings and straight-up reviews on YouTube and IG. For me, it’s always been about sneakers, culture, and community.

We know you’re doing bits with your YouTube channel. Tell us how it came about and how it’s going.

I kicked it off properly in 2017. At that point I was buying more trainers than ever, and I thought, why not start documenting it? It began as a simple way to record what I’d picked up, but it quickly turned into honest sneaker unboxings and reviews that people connected with.

I never wanted to just hype every release, my aim was always to give straight, real opinions so the community could trust what I was saying. Over time, the channel grew into a platform where I could share my passion, link with other collectors, and build conversations around sneakers.

It’s been a mad journey so far, and I’m still pushing to grow it further, more content, more storytelling, and always keeping it 100% authentic.

The game has adjusted slightly from what it was a few years back and even more so from when you started buying trainers. Tell us how it’s changed and has this affected your channel.

Back in the day, it was all about being different, whether that meant rocking a wild colourway or a silhouette no one else had. Everyone wanted their own lane. Now, it feels like a lot of collections look the same. We’ve seen the game swing a few ways, from trainers being easy to grab if you had the cash, to them suddenly being near impossible thanks to hype, popularity and resellers. Now, it’s almost gone full circle, pairs that would’ve been grails are sitting on shelves and even hitting the sale racks.

As for my channel, all that hasn’t slowed me down. If anything, it’s made things easier, more cops means more content, and more chances to give honest reviews to the community.

Talk to us about your sock game – you’re known for this.

Let’s just say… I might like the odd pair of socks, or two! I’ve got three drawers dedicated solely to them, pushing close to 400 pairs. For me, socks are just as important as the sneakers. Visually they make me happy, and always make sure they match the kicks.

Most of the time, after a pick-up, I’ll grab a fresh pair of socks to go with the new sneakers. It’s all in the details.

Do you collect anything else?

Yeah, for sure. If it’s sneaker-related and collectable, I’ve probably got a few. T-shirts, tote bags, keyrings, stickers, pins and badges. For me, it’s about holding onto those little pieces of sneaker culture, not just the shoes themselves.

Is there anything we don’t know about you that would surprise the Community?

A few curveballs here – I was a Drum & Bass MC in my younger days, and later ended up in a boy band, even auditioning for The X Factor. We made it through two rounds before missing out on the TV stage. Definitely not what people expect from a sneakerhead, but it’s all part of the journey.

You always represent us and never miss an event. What’s been your favourite?

I love hitting up events and vibing with other sneakerheads, the energy is unreal. But the standout has to be the Adidas event in 2019. We all entered a raffle, and I’m mid-way through a plate of wings when I hear my name being called. Total shock.

I stumbled up to the stage, heart racing, and then found out I’d just won two return tickets to LA for ComplexCon.

A lot of people have to hide their kicks from the Mrs, but in your case she’s also in the sneaker game. Who’s got a better collection and are there any arguments about having too many shoes?

Ah, we’re both in the sneaker game, so there’s no hiding here! But let’s be honest – I’ve got the best collection, obviously. Arguments? Maybe the odd joke about “too many shoes,” but it’s all in good fun. Purchases aren’t hidden; we share the hype and the pickups. It’s just more fun when you’ve got someone who gets it.

How many shoes do you think you’ve got now?

I stopped counting at 200 a while ago! I’ve got wardrobes all over the place, all filled to the brim, and every now and then I stumble across a surprise pair I’d forgotten I’d copped. It’s a collector’s dream… and a little chaos at the same time.

What’s your most prized pair and why?

Hands down, my Air Max 1 Parra. It’s the one that initially got away, and I chased it hard. I even bought these on resale ­– using the money I saved by going alcohol-free for a year. Other than that, I rarely, if ever, pay resale.

Have you got any sneaker stories?

One that stands out, a good friend SPGClint, video-called me from Essex because someone on his train platform was rocking the Air Max 90 trainers I designed that had just dropped on the Nike website. I couldn’t believe it, seeing your own design out in the wild is next-level.

What does Community mean to you?

Community is everything. It’s about sharing the love for sneakers, swapping stories, hyping each other’s pickups, and keeping the culture alive. It’s not just about the shoes, it’s about the people who get it, the connections you make, and the memories you create together. Without the community, the game wouldn’t be half as fun.

QUICK FIRE ROUND

If you could only wear Nike or Jordan for the rest of your life, which one?

Nike, no question. My love for Air Max runs too deep, it’s more than just shoes, it’s culture, history, and a lifestyle.

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Ankle socks or half-length socks for the rest of your life?

Half-length, all day. They just work better with the fit and style, and you can get creative. Can’t do the full sneakerhead justice with ankle socks imo.

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God forbid there’s a flood in the house… whose collection is being saved – yours or the missus?

Honestly, the Mrs would know to grab my collection first!

Check out more from Lincoln on IG officialsneakerspeaker