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If you’re a sneaker lover, you know what a sneakerhead is. And just as Michael Jordan sits at the top of the heap when it comes to basketball and Pele reigns in solitary splendor when you talk about soccer, you have Mr. Jordan Geller when you talk about the heavyweight sneaker collectors.
I mean, people collect sneakers with passion and get tagged sneakerheads, this guy owns a museum…of sneakers. There are more than 2,600 pairs in the Shoezeum, and the bulk of them are Nike.
SoleRedemption had the opportunity to interview Jordy Geller, who by the way is a University of San Diego School of Law alumnus.
Read and enjoy!
- As of this year, what is the total number of sneakers in the Shoezeum?
The ShoeZeum has more than 2600 pairs of shoes. Every pair is brand-new in the box, and every pair is size 11-12, except for the ones worn by Michael Jordan. All but 9 pairs are Nikes.
- What are your top 5 favorite sneakers in your collection?
1 1985 Game Worn Jordan One
2 1973 Pre Montreal
3 2012 Converse Jordan Collaboration
4 1973 Orebon Waffle
5 2011 Air Mag
- Which pair is your most expensive? Which pair was the most difficult to acquire?
The Converse Jordans were $7100. They are one of just twenty three pairs.
- Can you remember your first pair of sneakers?
Yes. My mom had them bronzed for me and they are in the ShoeZeum!
- What meticulous process do you do to maintain the quality of the sneakers in your collection?
Every single pair is brand new in the box and they are all in my size. I can not even begin to tell you how many shoes I have passed on because they are worn or a half size too big or small.
- Any plans about designing or creating your own brand?
The ShoeZeum is my brand and I am very proud of it. It gives me great pleasure to have created a brand that I believe makes the world a better place. Sure, many people would say it is just shoes. But to me, the ShoeZeum is so much more. It is a celebration of shoes, pop culture, style, evolution and innovation.
- Why are you especially hooked on the Swoosh?
When I was a kid, my dad ran marathons in Nikes. He used to take me shoe shopping with him. He used to buy Nike runners and teach me about them. Also, my name is Jordan Michael Geller. I have always felt a strong connection to Michael Jordan. And I always loved and wanted his shoes.
- Describe what an innovative shoe is.
An innovative shoe is something new. Something that pushes the envelope. Something that changes the game. Here are some examples of my top ten Nike innovations listed chronologically:
1 Waffles 1972
2 Air 1979
3 Visible Air 1987
4 Full Visible Air 1997
5 Foamposite 1997
6 Shox 2000
7 Nike Plus (iPod compatibility) 2006
8 Flywire 2008
9 Hyperfuse 2010
10 Flyknit 2012
- In a pile of sneakers, how does a particular pair stand out?
There are a number of things that make a sneaker stand out. It’s color first and foremost. The color can make or break a shoe. Also, the technology makes a pair stand out (for example, do they have air or shox in the midsole, flywire or hyperfuse on the upper?) Another thing that makes a pair stand out is whether a great athlete wore them and what spectacular highlights that athlete did in them.
- What is your advice for other sneakerheads in terms of taking care of their collection?
It is best to keep your shoes in their boxes in a cool, dark, dry place. Always handle your shoes by the soles and midsoles, never the uppers.
- Has Michael Jordan visited the Shoezeum?
No.
- Aside from Michael Jordan, if there is one person that you would be willing to give a Shoezeum tour, who would it be?
Phil Knight.
- In an article from usatoday.com, you mentioned that the Shoezeum is the story of your life? Why?
The exhibits in the ShoeZeum are curated to tell the story of Nike and the story of my life. Every single item that means anything to me is on display in the ShoeZeum. Some examples are my childhood basketball card collection, artwork I have done, photos from my childhood, a blanket that my mom knit for me, my dad’s marathon medals, diplomas and yearbooks from school, and even my passport are on display. A tour of the ShoeZeum is a tour of Nike as well as my own personal story.
- What are your future plans and visions for the Shoezeum aside from it being a sneaker landmark?
Stay tuned! I’ve got big plans. 2013 is gonna be a big year…
- Do you want to be remembered as the most passionate sneaker collector?
I want to be remembered as somebody that loved their work, inspired others to do what they love, and elevated the game of sneaker collecting.
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