Sneakerhead Spotlight: Melinda Cardoso

In the eagerly awaited second installment of our Sneakerhead Spotlight series, we have the pleasure of catching up with the incredible Melinda Cardoso, a passionate sneakerhead hailing from Connecticut. In our exclusive interview, Melinda opens up about her journey into the world of sneakers, delves into her impressive collection, highlights her favorite pairs, and even reveals how she's passing on her love for sneakers to her son.

Melinda's fascination with sneakers began long ago, sparked by a simple admiration for their unique designs and the way they effortlessly fused fashion and functionality. From that moment on, her love affair with sneakers only grew stronger. As we dive deeper into our conversation, Melinda shares the pivotal moments that shaped her sneaker journey, from her very first pair to the cherished additions that now grace her collection.

Speaking about her collection, Melinda's passion is palpable. With an extensive array of sneakers that spans various brands and styles, her collection is a testament to her impeccable taste and dedication to the craft. From classic retro models to limited-edition collaborations, Melinda's selection showcases her keen eye for detail and her appreciation for the artistry behind each pair.

But Melinda's journey doesn't stop at collecting sneakers for herself. She radiates joy as she talks about passing the torch to her son, instilling in him the same love and appreciation for sneakers that she holds dear. Together, they embark on an adventure, exploring sneaker shops and bonding over their shared passion.

Melinda's story is one that resonates with sneaker enthusiasts and collectors alike. Her unwavering dedication, keen eye for style, and the profound connection she shares with her son make her journey truly remarkable. As you immerse yourself in the full interview, prepare to be captivated by Melinda's infectious enthusiasm and the undeniable impact sneakers have had on her life.

So, without further ado, hit the jump and join us on this exhilarating ride as we delve into Melinda Cardoso's extraordinary journey in the world of sneaker collecting.

How did you first develop an interest in sneakers?

I first developed an interest in sneakers when my sister brought home a pair for me to go to school with. They were Nike Air Turf’s in all white with black soles and had hits of green - the same color as the Philadelphia Eagles football team and it was on from there. I loved those shoes; I literally wore them until they fell apart. I remember my mother complaining about how much they cost. I think they were about $60 bucks or so but my sister didn’t care, she only cared about what was in style at that time.

What factors do you consider when deciding which sneakers to add to your collection?

My biggest factors when buying sneakers are the colors that usually draw me in first, next is the materials. I love a good sneaker that has different materials, especially if it’s not your average leather. I love very detailed shoes that have stitching or are layered materials. The more details, the better for me.

What is your favorite sneaker in your collection and why does it hold a special place for you?

I have a lot of favorites. My favorite sneaker that holds a special place in my collection which I hardly wear are my Nike Air Max 97 “Golden Gals”. Right off the bat I knew it was meant to be. I love a sneaker that has gold in it. It gives a royal and angelic touch for me. My good friend’s life was sadly cut short in 2015 and when you called her phone, the ring back was the Golden Girls theme song. I just had to have this shoe even though there was zero hype around this pair. The shoe just hit close to home for me.

Can you describe your collection and any particular themes or focuses within it?

I can tell you now, there is zero focus [laughs]. As my collection grows, I’m actually learning about my focus. I can see that I have more Air Jordan 1 and Nike Dunk Low’s than anything else in my collection, which I didn’t do on purpose. When I look at my pairs I’m noticing that I’m drawn to bold solid color blocking which you find in retros mostly. But I love a good art piece as well like the new Supreme x Nike SB Dunk Low/High “Rammellzee” or any Doernbecher created by an adolescent. Those shoes tell stories and are always considered the coveted pairs in my opinion.

If you could have any sneaker in the world added to your collection, regardless of rarity or price, which one would it be and why?

The Nike Air Mag’s, they’re so cool! I love the technology built into them. I remember watching Back To The Future as a kid, it’s such a classic and memorable movie. It’s just a fun, jaw dropping, made you look shoe!

How do you stay updated with the latest sneaker releases and upcoming collaborations?

I usually stay up-to-date through Twitter and YouTube streamers. 10+ years ago I did my footwork. I was always behind on technology and the new wave of store apps. Yes, they existed but I was slow with catching up with the times so I would just show up on whatever day the store got their inventory and ask questions. Sometimes the managers would give a heads up on upcoming drops and raffles but now with social media I have noticed that stores and malls have become bare and when you walk in they tell you to go on the app. I’m not that old but times have drastically changed.

Are there any specific sneaker collaborations or limited edition releases that you are particularly proud to have in your collection?

As of right now I’m extremely proud of the Yuto Horigome Dunk Lows. I joined an online raffle for CCS skate shop with zero expectations of winning and to win my first pair of Nike SB Dunk Lows for retail, from a real skate shop or Nike store, I was very grateful. Not to mention, it was an extremely sought-after shoe. The skaters might kill me for saying this but I’m not a skater [laughs]. Skateboard culture is pretty big here in eastern Connecticut so it was really hard to get a pair of SB’s where I live. My closest skate shop 1 mile away had a Vans account and not a Nike account so it was hard for me because things were far away. Of course, my Supreme x Nike SB Dunk High “Rammellzee” are my favorites. Everything about the shoe speaks to the art piece. Canvas material to represent a painting on a canvas and made to last. Specific details and designs directly from the artist Rammellzee. It’s a really beautiful piece and I was glad to get my hands on a pair for retail.

How do you approach the process of acquiring new sneakers for your collection? 

I usually just try to stay up-to-date ahead of time with upcoming releases so that way I can plan accordingly because with bills and life challenges I have to plan ahead. It also gives me a chance to become more selective. I’ve been known to be a little impulsive [laughs].

Do you prefer to buy them brand new or do you also enjoy hunting for pre-owned gems?

I prefer buying brand new, ideally for retail directly from Nike or any authorized distributor. With the amount of replicas that are floating around in the market, I try my best not to purchase those high-end grails through the aftermarket. Unless they’re from a reputable source. I don’t own a lot of those grails. I can’t bring myself to spend $600+ on StockX or GOAT and risk them being replicas. If I buy aftermarket I try to keep it at a $200-$300 minimum.

How do you ensure the authenticity of the sneakers in your collection?

For me, it’s all about the smell and weight of a shoe. There are so many good replicas out there that material and stitching alone isn’t enough to look out for sometimes. Of course, also knowing production dates help. Sometimes you can get a really good replica but the date on the tags or even the font is slightly off. Usually the smell and for some reason the feeling or the weight of the shoe feels off. It’s hard to explain but a real sneaker collector knows what I’m talking about.

Can you discuss any challenges you’ve faced in maintaining and organizing your sneaker collection?

My number one problem is space. I dedicated a small room I consider the size of an office and converted it into a closet. As of right now, I believe I have a humble 68 pairs but ran out of shelf space so I have about 5 or 6 pairs piling on the floor. I’m trying to become more selective these days but the love for sneakers always prevails.

Are there any particular sneaker brands or designers that you are drawn to? Why?

I was born in the height of the Nike era. Michael Jordan was at the heights of his career and it was a staple at our household. I grew up with Nike. It was a sporty brand that I loved because as a teen I was a tomboy and Nike gear gave me that tomboy style with the feminine cuts that I was looking for. As an adult now, I’ll be honest my style hasn’t changed too much and there’s no particular focus on any specific brands, but I’m a big believer in quality. Same tomboy/feminine style but with quality graphic t-shirts and a quality pair of ripped jeans. Your girl loves her a good pair of ripped jeans from True Religion. I remember the jeans that you had to have in the early 2000’s were Akademiks. They were a must-have for the guys. Those brands of pants in my opinion last forever. My closet right now consists of graphic t-shirts and lots of jeans, specifically jogger style. Jogger style sweatpants as well. I also have a few matching sets of Nike sweatsuits that I love to wear during fall, which is my favorite season to dress in because of my hoodie collection. I also get to wear one of my favorite pieces which is the Supreme x Honda x Fox Racing jacket. I’m a sucker for stitching and this jacket is covered in it. Believe it or not, it’s one of the warmest jackets I own. Really high quality material. It breaks that cold New England winter air beautifully for me.

Have you ever customized or modified any sneakers in your collection? If so, what was the process like?

I have yet to try this through a professional customizer. I have 1 pair of shoes that I can tear away but I can’t bring myself to do it. Those are the Union x Nike Dunk Low “Argon” from the Passport Pack. I do have the Travis Scott x Nike Air Force 1 “Utopia” that I’m considering for a customization but I’m still thinking about it.

Can you share any memorable experiences or interactions you’ve had within the sneaker community?

I started dabbling with YouTubers 6 years ago but I’ve always had a love for sneakers. As I was navigating through sneaker culture on YouTube I decided to reactivate my Twitter and at the time there was a sneaker challenge going on for Black History Month. I said to myself, hey I think that I can do this challenge. Through that challenge alone I made hundreds of friends that love sneakers. It was a whole other world that I didn’t know existed, and I fit right in. So many amazing people that I learn and take ideas from. The sneaker community is truly a giving space of never ending learning about the culture in general. From helping each other get pairs, to lifting each other up when we’re down. Sometimes it’s not even about sneakers, sneakers is just the outlet.

How do you balance your passion for collecting sneakers with other aspects of your life?

Sneakers is a hobby that I always have time for. I just plan accordingly with drops. If I’m at work, I make sure I go on my break at that special time. If I’m home, it’s easier for obvious reasons but I’ll put on my favorite YouTuber’s on my TV and wait patiently for the drop. Once the drop is over, I go about my day. I prioritize sneakers to an extent but it doesn’t take over my life.

Have you ever traded or sold sneakers from your collection? 

I sell pairs all the time.

What factors do you consider when deciding to part ways with a pair?

My decision making when selling a pair is usually based on how they fit or if I just simply haven’t worn them or don’t plan on wearing them. I recently sold my Jordan 8 “Playoffs” for fitting reasons. I have a wide foot so a proper fit can be a challenge for me.

How do you take care of your sneakers to ensure their longevity and condition?

I give them a wipe down after every wear and invested in a great shoe cleaning kit. Shout out to Reshoevn8r.

In addition to sneakers, are there any particular clothing brands that you admire or consider your favorites? If so, can you tell us why you resonate with those brands and what draws you to their designs or ethos?

Not really. My clothes range from KAWS, Supreme, hype beast expensive brands to the $3.99 clearance rack. I just wear what looks good and speaks to me. Your girl loves a good graphic t-shirt too. To answer honestly, the expensive brands usually have durability. The cheaper brands look good but aren’t made to last.

Can you discuss any future goals or aspirations you have as a sneaker collector?

My goal is honestly to hang up the towel in the next year or two and pass down the culture to my teenage son whose starting to share the love for sneakers. I want to teach him what I know and a little history on each shoe. I know that my love for sneakers is too great and will never truly die, so maybe in the future possibly make a bigger closet for my son as the amount of pairs are growing. Maybe take a trip to Vegas and visit a well-known sneaker store called Urban Necessities.