I'm at a sneaker shop in Underground Atlanta tonight. 

No piece of clothing will get you more attention than your shoes. Your whole fit can be immaculate. If your footwear is trash, you'll get roasted like there's no tomorrow. We're judged the hardest for the one piece of clothing that has to touch the dirt. There's an unmatched irony in there somewhere.

I didn't understand "sneaker culture" for a long time. I wore light-up tennis shoes from the Cheapo shoe store for years as a kid. The first time I got a pair of legit sneakers was when they were gifted to me by my aunt. Every immigrant/foreign family has subsections that vary in how Americanized they are. My household was not that at all. Neither I nor my parents gave a fuck which ball player's shoes were all the rage. 

My cousins did care, so they were quick to let me know I was behind. It hurt my feelings at first, but walking the halls of my elementary school with a new pair of Jordans made a huge difference. It's as if the person I was the day before had disappeared. The clothing hadn't changed much, but the shoes made all the difference.  

Some reactions and compliments are alright. I didn't become a sneakerhead or anything. I would dabble in getting nice sneakers now and then. I didn't and still don't care about new releases. I can say that coming into a store like this is a novelty. 

These are almost like micro time capsules. They capture a moment in hip-hop, sports, and urban history. I look and remember some from childhood, others I remember seeing in music videos, some I've never seen. Retro, exclusive, a few of a kind. It's no surprise collecting these things is a hobby many people my age share. 

One negative is the cost. It's an expensive venture. New releases cost a lot. Re-releases cost a lot. Shoes that collectors are re-selling cost a lot. Sometimes it's tempting to walk around with a hot pair to get the attention of a potentially strong opponent. But it's more likely I'll just get jumped or shot for them. 

My choice of sneakers lately has been driven by efficiency. A nice pair that won't fail me in a street fight. Ones that won't make me slip on various terrains. Ones that won't fall apart after throwing a few kicks. I've found a decent brand that serves me well. It also matches my tracksuit. 

While browsing their selection left me feeling nostalgic and impressed, I came in for a specific pair of shoes. The one pair of shoes that will give me a boost in all fight stats. Strength, power, intimidation, luck, knockout power, durability, and defense. I don't see them anywhere on the shelves. Prowling boxed shoes is exhausting. I know with these places, you sometimes have to ask for specifics. 

I hate asking for shit, but since I came all this way. I step to the closest employee I see who isn't busy. I step forward and ask if they have a minute. They answer with a polite "What up?". With only one thing left to say, I just let it out. 

"Do...Ya'll have any all black forces?"