fly kicks at Howard

This is from The Hilltop, the student newspaper at Howard University. it's interesting how many architecture students are into the shoe game. Also, I'm going to have to check out Prince Georges Plaza in Hyattsville, Maryland next time I'm in DC. Sounds like they have some fly kicks over there.

From head to toe, Howard University students are arguably the most stylish scholars. It is not difficult to find a trendy shirt or designer jeans, but the search for special sneakers that will kick off the outfit can be tricky. Many search for stores and websites, pursuing the hottest sneakers out, or in some cases, not available to many.

Sophomore advertising major Christopher Hines has plenty of resources that help satisfy his shoe appetite. Hines, who is all about distinctiveness and creativity, knows of many websites that provide hard-to-find sneakers. "Instyleshoes.com has a lot of the super collectable, super expensive items, such as first edition Nike Air Jordans," Hines said. "Shoetrends.com is also another good website for sneaker seekers. It allows you to buy, trade, and sell shoes to and from others."

In addition Hines, a California native, said that Fred Segal Feet in Los Angeles, Calif. is a hot spot for hidden sneakers.

Hines also spoke of how some of the limited edition sneakers are produced, saying that many shoe companies are partnering up with entertainers and asking them to co-design their shoes, creating an "artist series." Brands like Nike, Reebok and New Balance take those special designs and make a small quantity for shoe fans around the world.

An example of a hot pair of sneakers currently in rotation is the Lucky Dunks made by Nike. Only 777 pairs were released this summer worldwide and they cost $350 - $400. The gold high-top sneakers are decorated with a green number seven in addition to the standard Nike swoosh.

Junior architecture major James Harmon is more tight-lipped with where he gets his sneakers from, and declined to give the name of any specific store. His sneaker mania began when he worked at Footlocker, where he would regularly pick out a pair or two of special edition sneakers for himself. "Now, it's special when you can get shoes that no one else can get," Harmon said. "I'm trying to get what you don't have."

The Maryland native continued saying that it is a very big deal to have shoes that no one else has. "When you walk around campus, you are going to see another person with a regular pair of Jordans on, but if you have a pair of Nike Dunks that were limited to a 1000 people in the world, the field narrows so much more."

Sophomore architecture major Mike Smith has over 100 sneakers that he can wear at any time. He also turned down the opportunity to tell his classmates where he gets his exclusive shoes. The Maryland native only revealed that there are some places in Virginia and Ocean City, Md. where he visits frequently to buy shoes that are new and unique.

For Smith, the big money spent on exclusive sneakers is worth it. "Some old Air Jordans or an exclusive pair of dunks can cost up to $800. You might have to pay a couple of extra bucks, but it's worth it when you have a shoe that no one else has," he said.

Hines added that it is not so important to have exclusive sneakers, as much it is to have a pair that is a "head turner." "That is what all of us in this sneaker culture we're in want."

New York, regarded as a fashion capital, provides an endless supply of shoe stores. Niketown, located in Manhattan, has an infinite of Nike shoes in various color schemes. In Brooklyn, Tom, Dick, & Harry's supplies exclusive sneakers. In Queens, Jamaica Avenue has many stores on its street with exceptional shoes schemes.

Locally, shoes can be found at Shoe City and Downtown Locker Room, which are located in Prince George's Plaza (PG Plaza), a stop on the Metro's green line.