Met a young man yesterday and he said he grew up watching my videos. Mentioned one video in particular that he remembers and it was from 2014. Looking back at that video, I see some many imperfections. But to him, it's a piece of his childhood and a part of his introduction sneakers. I saw all that to say, one, he is a grown man now, and 2, you never know who is watching and what impact you will have on them. Thanks of the reminder to just do what you love, Nic! Also, why was I talking so LOUD? Video below.

This is interesting. I've actually talked to him about this. With tech, there are defined parameters that can more easily show how good or bad something is. While those exist in sneakers as well, the criteria isn't as easily defined. Additionally, "new" sneakers are typically new. They are more like rehashings of old tech repurposed into a different place. New colorways, a new toe box or an updated outsole. Again, don't get me wrong. The durometer of rubber and the energy return of foam are crucial to the world of sneaker, but the changes are often minimal and unlike a faster SoC that you can measure with processing and rendering. Another part is how feedback is given. Just saying something is trash isn't the way to provide a company with intel they can use to make things better. Anyway, I saw all that to say, it's not apples to apples, no pun intended, but sneaker brand are a lot more open criticism than you think. I've spoken openly about my issues with certain sneakers with every brand and I have yet to see that limit my access or prevent me from making a living.