VINTAGE SNEAKER COLLECTOR - LOUISE MILLARD

Tell us about your collection and obsession with old sneakers?

It’s less of an obsession, more a lifestyle choice. I’m training as a footwear designer, so I like things that I haven’t seen before and are intriguing. I don’t give a damn if what I buy is Nike, adidas, Fila, Reebok or Avia. If I like, I buy. The size I wear looks sick in chunky hi-hops. The proportions are really important, as well as how the colours work. It appears that there’s more old than new that suits this criteria.

How do you define vintage as applied to footwear?

If it cracks when you wear it – it’s gotta be vintage!

Ok, fair enough! Gimme a few choice cuts and anything you know about them.

My knowledge of the past is limited, my memory sucks and some of that stuff isn’t important to me. My Ewings are definitely up there on the list. They came in many different colourways, but the orange and blues were the hottest! There’s also these Fila’s. I have no box and haven’t a clue to their name but absolutely love the design, it’s the removable strap around the back and the chunky dark sole. Then there’s the old Huaraches, they are so damn comfy! I thought Converse was as wacked out as Fila, but these are definitely golden oldies. But before any of these came to my attention I was mashing my foot into these Nikes I found on eBay. Once again, no box and no name, they look like they are related to the Blazer family. Sorry, I’m purely into the aesthetics. I’ve read about sneakers I have, but don’t make any purchases because of a story, or because of it being one in 100 produced, or down to some mad colourway that was a freak accident.

For most of us, vintage shoes are a reminder of our childhood... you’re from a MUCH younger generation. Why do they mean so much to you?

True to say I’m more or less a kid in this game, so it’s excitement for design. Cos I’m young I have no knowledge of the shoes first time round. Design is what I do and to be honest, the trainers being released at the moment just don’t get me as excited. I can’t believe that models released before I was born or could even walk are that old, I guess I just dig the '80s/'90s flex. In a way, the mystery is appealing. Why did they do that? When the hell were these invented and why didn’t anyone tell me before? I firmly believe that if some of the models I own were rereleased they would sell as well now. It’s a shame that it’s always the same old models on the shelves.

Are you a bit frustrated by the current range of shoes for gals?

My love of vintage is more appreciation of design. I got over the fact there’s nothing for me when looking at the women’s range pretty quickly. I buy what I like and at the moment that’s not pink, blue, heart-shaped or slim-line. I’m mainly looking for the smallest men’s sizes (UK6), or the biggest kids (UK5.5) and it was a while before I clocked that I was always heading for the men’s section. The women’s range will probably always be a bit naff, most products aren’t for the ‘cool kids’, they’re for the ones that aspire to be… But there’s definitely gonna be good things coming soon – if any of the brands do the right thing and actually hire me as a design assistant – then this shit’ll get sorted! I graduate from Cordwainers in July and have an exhibition in June if anyone would like to view the new women’s range I have designed. ----SNEAKER FREAKER MAGAZINE