Edgar Ruiz Jr.

We love sneakers in the hood.

On my block, what you wore on your feet represented where you were at in the food chain.

You wore some busted looking kicks.

The kids were gonna eat you alive.

So when we got to the mall, I went straight to the Nike section.

picked out some Air Force Ones, brought them back to my pops.

My dad had a serious face on.

He looked at the sneakers, he looked at the price, then he looked at me and in Spanish, he said, no.

Y'all speak Spanish.

Tell me to get something cheaper.

So my next logical step was to get some Reeboks for like $29.99.

But before I could even get to him, he was shaking his head emphatically.

By then I could see the frustration on his face.

And I barely knew this guy, so it was kind of intimidating.

I gave it rather quickly and I allowed him to pick out whatever sneaker he wanted.

Now I don't really remember the name brand of sneaker he chose.

Because I think I repressed it.

But I'll never forget how ugly these sneakers were.

They were like a topish, tannish, grayish, brownish.

And they were complete knockoffs of the Reebok pumps.