Sneakerhead Spotlight: Damian Drayton

In our latest Sneakerhead Spotlight feature, we embark on a thrilling journey across the pond to meet the remarkable Damian "Damo" Drayton, a passionate sneaker collector hailing from the enchanting town of Stratford-upon-Avon in Warwickshire, England.

Damo, with his infectious enthusiasm and deep-rooted love for sneakers, shares with us his journey into the world of sneaker collecting. He takes us back to the very beginning, where his fascination with sneakers first took hold and ignited a lifelong passion.

But it's not just about collecting sneakers; Damo generously imparts invaluable wisdom on how to safeguard oneself from the perils of counterfeit sneakers. His expert tips and tricks will ensure that fellow sneaker aficionados can confidently navigate the treacherous waters of the counterfeit market.

Furthermore, Damo unveils the tremendous influence the sneaker collecting community has had on his life. He candidly discusses the support, camaraderie, and friendships he has forged within this vibrant community, emphasizing the far-reaching impact it has had on his personal growth and sense of belonging.

Ever wondered how to maintain the pristine condition of your coveted sneaker collection? Look no further, as Damo graciously shares his secrets on how he protects and preserves his precious kicks. From cleaning techniques to storage solutions, he reveals the meticulous care he bestows upon each pair, ensuring they retain their allure for years to come.

Prepare to be astounded as Damo invites us into his own personal sneaker sanctuary, showcasing his awe-inspiring collection. With an eclectic array of rare and coveted sneakers, each with its own unique story and significance, Damo's collection is a testament to his unwavering dedication and impeccable taste.

So join us on this exhilarating journey as we delve deep into the world of sneaker collecting with the one and only Damian "Damo" Drayton. Discover the passion, the knowledge, and the unparalleled joy that comes with being a true sneakerhead. Read on to uncover the captivating tale of Damo and his impressive sneaker collection.

How did you first develop an interest in sneakers?

I first got into sneakers through watching NBA games with my dad. The problem was that living in the U.K. we didn’t really see many of the sneakers in the stores. I remember buying the NBA magazines and looking through all the sneakers that the players wore and even the ones advertised by the sports stores in the US. The Jordan 11’s were the sneakers that got me hooked.

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

When looking at what sneakers I want to add to my collection, I’ll look at various things such as: Do I like the design? What materials are being used? Is there a story behind the sneaker? What will I wear them with? Will it turn heads or start up conversations with people? How likely am I to see other people wearing them (e.g. Loads of people wearing them like the Panda Dunk’s or not many people wearing them like Off-White Jordan’s or other collabs)? Am I prepared to pay the price for them? How comfortable are they?

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

I have a couple of favourite sneakers in my collection. My favourite sneaker that I wear at least once a month is my Concepts x Nike Air Max 1 “Heavy”. I love the colour blocking and the variety of materials used on these sneakers. I like the story behind the pack and I love the fact that no 2 pairs are the same due to the denim varying so much. I’ve had more compliments and questions about these than any other sneaker I own. They really do turn heads.

My other favourite pair is my Off-White Jordan 5 “Muslin”. I love the design and the materials on these. They are still deadstock but I am getting closer to putting them on my feet. I do own the “Sail” pair too that are also still DS but the “Muslin” is still my favourite grail sneaker in my collection.

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

My collection is heavily Nike based but I am slowly adding more New Balance and adidas to it. It hasn’t gotten into the hundreds yet but it’s not far off. I love Jordan’s but also have a good amount of Air Max 1’s. I like sneakers that you don’t see everyday and sneakers that have clues that they are not normal pairs. It’s a kind of “if you know, you know” thing. Prime examples are the Four Horseman Air Force 1’s or the Terror Squad Air Force 1’s.

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?

I would love to have a game worn, signed pair of Jordan 11 Concord’s. The 11’s are my favourite Jordan silhouette and I still remember the feeling I had when I first saw them. I was like, “What are those? I gotta have them one day.” That was the sneaker that really got me hooked on sneakers.

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

Twitter and Instagram are usually where I go to find out about what’s dropping soon. Also things like The Complex Sneakers Show podcast are good too. Trying to find U.K. release dates and stockists seems to be the difficult part.

Have you ever had to track down a rare or limited edition sneaker? Can you share the story behind it?

It took me a while to find a pair of DS Off-White Jordan 5’s in my size without paying crazy resale prices for them. I spent months online looking everywhere for them. I e-mailed many stores and resellers with no luck. I ended up being lucky enough to manage to grab them and even had a discount voucher that I could use on them.

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

I am really proud to have the recent Terror Squad Air Force 1’s in my collection as Fat Joe was a huge inspiration when it comes to trying to build a great sneaker collection. I’m also really proud to have the Off-White Jordan 5’s in my collection. I love Virgil’s work and knowing that there won’t be another Virgil Abloh-designed Jordan 5 is sad, but it also makes them more special which is why I consider them a grail in my collection.

How do you approach the process of acquiring new sneakers for your collection? Do you prefer to buy them brand new or do you also enjoy hunting for pre-owned gems?

I buy all of my sneakers brand new mainly through SNKRS, Nike, New Balance, or adidas. I do like to hunt around on eBay, Klekt, and StockX but I will only buy them if they are authenticated. I’ll also hunt around in stores to see what’s available or on sale.

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

If I haven’t bought the sneakers directly from the manufacturer or a high street store, I will only buy through platforms that offer an authentication service. Even then if I’m not sure when the sneaker arrives then I’ll double check it using a service like Legit. I’ll also pay using PayPal or my credit card as they offer guarantees and protections should I receive fake sneakers.

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

Space is the biggest problem I have. We recently moved into a new house and the sneakers are all piled up in the spare bedroom. They have now filled about 1/4 of the free space in the room. That makes it a real pain when trying to find a pair that I want to wear as I have to hunt through the boxes for them. Hopefully they will all be going on display soon. I just need to order and build the furniture and shelving.

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

I love Nike sneakers as I know how they are going to fit my feet. adidas on the other hand make great sneakers but the sizing varies so much that it gets annoying ordering sneakers and having to send them back so often.

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

The most I’ve done is swap the laces. I would love to work with The Shoe Surgeon on a custom pair though. That would be crazy, and expensive.

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

I’ve been fortunate enough to meet some great people through Twitter and Instagram, all with unique personalities and great taste in sneakers. It’s nice to jump on and see who’s wearing what and who’s trying to cop certain pairs. There are some people out there with huge collections of sneakers with some real gems in there. I’d love to be able to accumulate a collection like that. It’s a great feeling when you see people taking the time to like and interact with your posts that you upload.

There is also a young lady who works at a store where we live. She and her boyfriend are both sneakerheads. The first time that my wife and I met her, she asked if she could take a photo of the sneakers I was wearing as she had never seen them before. That was the first time that’s ever happened to me. Now every time we go in to see her, we will always throw on a pair of sneakers that she hasn’t seen us wearing before. Then we usually have a quick chat about what we’ve picked up lately and what they picked up too.

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

Obviously the mortgage and bills come first, then I usually make a list of what’s dropping soon or what I’m trying to find. Then I prioritize what sneakers I want most and try and pick them up as the weeks pass. As usual, I’ll tell my wife that I’ll try and limit what I get this month…Then they drop 5 new pairs that I want and they all come out in the next 2 weeks. Oh well, at least I tried.

Are there any specific sneaker trends or styles that you find particularly interesting or influential?

I think that the Nike Air Max 1 is probably the most versatile sneaker I’ve seen. It has endless possibilities for colour schemes and material combinations. I think it’s a timeless silhouette that can look great whether it’s an all-white colourway or a multi-colour, multi-material combo.

Have you ever traded or sold sneakers from your collection? What factors do you consider when deciding to part ways with a pair?

I’ve sold a few pairs (only about 6) but never traded any. Usually I’ll decide to sell them if they don’t fit and I can’t return them or if I won’t wear them. I have given away a couple pairs for free to a friend who likes sneakers but couldn’t really afford them. They were a couple of pairs of Jordan’s that I had only worn probably twice. The friend I gave them to was looking to get into sneakers but like I said they couldn’t really afford them at that time. They really wear those Jordan’s a lot now and have even started hunting for pre-owned bargains to try and start their own collection.

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

I currently keep my sneakers in their boxes in a cool dark room. I’ll also protect them with products like Reshoevn8r and Crep Protect. When I come back home after wearing them I’ll wipe them over with a clean cloth. If they are dirty then I’ll clean them again with Reshoevn8r. I also leave the paper and card inserts in the toe box when I’m not wearing them but I will be getting shoe shoe trees to use instead.

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?

If I’m just going for a casual look I’ll usually throw on brands like Superdry, Uniqlo, and Hollister as they are really comfortable clothes to wear and last well. If I’m dressing smarter, I’ll usually throw on brands like Tommy Hilfiger, Ralph Lauren, Armani, and Versace. I find that these brands use great quality materials and their designs can really complement what sneakers I’m wearing.

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

In the future I’d love to finish my sneaker room and get everything on display. I am looking forward to going to more sneaker shows with my wife (yes, she’s into sneakers too but not as bad as I am). I’d love to add a few more grail sneakers to my collection as well. I am slowly getting more people interested in sneakers. I’ve already started encouraging people I know to buy more sneakers or at least show more of an interest in them. I’ll usually ask them what they’ve got their eye on and I’ll try to help them find it at a good price. Likewise, they always ask me if I’ve picked up anything new lately and show a genuine interest in what I’m doing or what I’m after.

I would love to meet up with some of the people that I interact with on Twitter and Instagram but most of them live in the United States so it might be difficult to sort that out. One thing that I have requested for the future is that when I pass away, everyone must wear sneakers to my funeral. Friends and family know how much I love sneakers and I think it would be a great final nod to me and the culture that I love so much.