For self-confessed sneaker geek Anand Ahuja, footwear is not merely an accessory, it is a subject to be studied. Be it the technique behind soles, the design, or colourways, Ahuja, owner of the multi-brand sneaker store VegNonVeg, takes his love for sneakers to the next level by studying every minutia involved in their creation.
A look at his Instagram feed is enough to prove this. Images of his world travel, tributes to basketball legends, and fitness routine are interspersed with shots of his sneakers, most rare finds that he tells his followers about. So be it the latest trainer he purchased or a picture of him getting Virgil Abloh to sign a shoe, scrolling his feed is like an initiation ceremony for young enthusiasts.
He gave us a complete lowdown on what it takes to be a complete sneaker geek.
On his love for sneakers
Virgil Abloh and Anand Ahuja. Image: Courtesy Instagram
I am more of sneaker geek than a sneakerhead. I am driven by innovation behind the product. I grew up playing and watching basketball. Growing up, every summer when I travelled to the US, I would pick up pairs. I would closely analyse the sneaker I wanted to buy – I wanted to know about the materials used and other techniques involved.
On his all-time favourite sneakers
Image: Courtesy Instagram
The one that I wore at my wedding. They were the Nike Flyknit trainers. It was for the first time that Nike used a knit in the shoe. What appealed to me most about the shoe was the innovation. The ability to experiment with colour combination multiplies when you use to knit. One can take many different colours and put them together in one shoe.
Another shoe that I really like is Adidas 4D runner. I love the technique involved in its sole, 3D print-work, design, and colourways.
On the evolving sneaker culture in India
Image: Courtesy Instagram
India has a huge population that is young and interested in sneakers. The sneaker culture in India is not just growing but people are actually trying to learn more and explore the idea of statement sneakers. We all grew up wearing the Bata PT shoes and it very is interesting to see the kind of shoes we talk about now.
On how to start experimenting with sneakers
The first thing I would suggest is to not get carried away by the hype. Go to a store where you trust the brand. Then see what the sneaker offers you. Most people today who understand sneakers are the ones who have developed their own story with sneakers.
It all depends on what you are looking for and what fits your requirements and style. It can be a simple, uncomplicated silhouette that works with everything – Reebok classic, Adidas Stan Smith, and Nike Air Max are examples of great shoes that have stood the test of time and have appealed to a number of sneakerheads.
On his favourite sneaker labels
Image: Courtesy Anand Ahuja
Whatever brands like Nike, Adidas, and Puma have done is great. It’s not easy to spot a younger sneaker brand as creating a sneaker and understanding the nuances involved is a complicated process. But these days you do get to see a lot of collaborations – the one between Fear Of God and Nike is one of a kind. They waited for a year and rather doing just a new colourway they created a new silhouette. What Kanye has done for Adidas is amazing. Yeezys have completely changed the way sneakers are perceived globally. I am also a fan of sneakers by Alexander Wang – his designs speak to me. Rihanna and Puma have also come with some amazing silhouettes – girly yet strong.
It was while studying fashion journalism at London College of Fashion that Anupam developed a keen interest in the anthropological aspect of the discipline; for him, fashion only makes sense when seen in the context of its environment. He is always on the hunt for great stories, and in his spare time binge-watches films/shows starring Whoopi Goldberg, Dawn French and Jennifer Saunders.
