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Name: Derek Curry (Owner of Politics)
Branch: Army
Rank: E-5 Sergeant
Hometown: New Iberia, LA
Currently stationed in: Fort Sofa. I was stationed at Fort Polk, LA, but I got out of the Army in 2004.
Years in the service: I did 4 years.
How long have you been collecting sneakers and how many do you have? I have been collecting shoes since 1996. I have around 250 in my collection at the moment. I try to stay around that number.
What are your top five sneakers of all time?
1. Nike Air Max 1 White/Red (Really I love almost any color in a 1. I also rock the Maxims)
2. Jordan 3 Black/Cement (I wear these out all the time. I?m also in love with my True Blues)
3. Nike Air Max 95 “Neon” (Chili reds are a must have too)
4. Jordan 11 “Concord” (Cool Greys will be nice to have later this year as well)
5. Nike Air Max 90 Deluxe HUF
What sneaker started you collecting shoes? I was always into shoes as far back as I can remember. I wore Jordan V’s, Deion’s, Bo Jacksons, Barkley’s, and Webber’s all through my elementary and middle school years. I would have to say the the Air Jordan XI was my first shoe that I had saved in my closet and didn’t wear everyday. I was in 9th grade and my mom drove me to the mall at 6am to wait for Foot Locker to open. I bought the shoes and then she checked me into school with the kicks on my feet. That was one of my best days ever. I’ve been hooked ever since.
What is the next shoe you plan to grab? The Air Jordan XI “Cool Grey” is a shoe that stands out this year, but I’m sure I will grab something before that. I’m kind of into these Nike Pepper Lows right now for the summer.
What is your favorite sneaker in your closet? Nike Air Max 1 white/Red
If you had to pick one shoe to represent your military branch, what would it be and why? It would be this Asics GT runner that I had. I logged hundreds of miles in these shoes while I was serving in the Army. At the time, most of the people in my unit were running in those shoes. It was a tough shoe that lasted a while and still felt good on your feet.
What was the worst part of trying to collect shoes and serve at the same time?: It was impossible to get shoes in Iraq.
Did you ever try to work sneakers into your military-assigned attire? I had a medic that lived next door to me and a few times he wrote me excuses to wear running shoes instead of boots to work due to foot problems. It would make my day to go to work in Air Max 95s.
Do you own a lot of camo-inspired sneakers since you’re in the Army? If so, what’s your favorite camo sneaker? Nah. Keep camo off of sneakers.
Best part of being in the Armed Forces: It helped me grow up in life and got me on the right path. I was out of control. (Laughs)
Since you’ve been all around the world, what’s your favorite sneaker store? Politics–Lafayette, LA. C’mon Son. (note: Derek owns Politics)
If you could design an Armed Forces sneaker, what shoe would you use and how would you create it (colors, materials)? I would make a red white and blue Air Max 1 with Gore-Tex.
