Features

#MyFinalThree : Alex Chai

  • By Bryan
  • Jul 11
  • 0
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Many of you who are familiar with some of the popular Facebook sneaker groups like KLKIX, SabahKix, and SneakerLAH (ahem ahem shameless self plug), would have definitely heard or seen of Alex and his sneaker collection. He is one of the few guys from East Malaysia that is key in sharing and spreading the love of sneakers over in that region. His passion for sneakers is very evident as he isn’t shy about sharing his on-feet shots of his pairs, almost on the daily in said groups.

When he isn’t too engrossed in sneakers, Alex spends his time focusing on his work, which is mainly network marketing, something which he has been working on over the past 5 years in a few neighbouring countries like Singapore, Australia and Brunei. We had a very short email interview with Alex and asked him the question “What if you could only wear 3 pairs of shoes your entire life? Which 3 pairs would it be?” and a few other ones too.

Here’s what he had to say:

How did you get into sneakers?
It was back in 90s when I always wanted a pair of Jordans but just couldn’t afford them back then. For me, it’s not really collecting, because I beat the hell out of the only pair I can got, and I only have one throughout the year, because once a year I will only be allowed to buy one pair ONLY if I get good grades. Back then, I just needed shoes to play basketball LOL!
What was the first sneaker you bought? and what made you buy it?
Officially, I consider my first pair of actual sneaker that I bought to be the AJ12 “Taxi”. I wanted to the get AJ11 “Concord” or “Bred” but was still waiting for my report card to be handed back to me. My mom only allowed me to get a pair if I’m in the top 10, and I got #9 that year and by the time we get to the store, it was sold out and the AJ12 taxi was the only new released.
Currently how many pairs of shoes do you own?
I would say between 120-130 pairs.
So, for the tough question, which is your final three pairs? and why?

1. Air Jordan 1 “Banned” 2011

The AJ1 “Banned” is a classic, a pair that has never gone out of fashion and it’s super durable; so, assuming that if this is REALLY one of my final 3 pairs, this pair can last me the longest LOL!

Other reasons why this pair is because I grew up watching Michael Jordan play and witness all his championship three-peat, the black and red colorway is just such an iconic colorway for the Bulls and MJ.
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2. LeBron James 8 “South Beach”

The LBJ 8 “South Beach” is the first pair from the LBJ range that caught my attention. It changed my entire kicks buying habit of just black,white and red. It challenged me to wear pink, something which I had never done before, and the striking turquoise green color is just popping.
LeBron James is another player that I follow closely. I have followed his whole career from when he was the best high school prospect until the most recent events of Cavs winning their first ring! He is just super awesome both as a player and as a person. I have mad respect for him.  Ok ok, back to the shoe, when they released the shoe, it was a where LBJ decided to head to Miami. It was a change for him, having to take in all the hate and judgement from so many people. Similarly, during that time, I quit my ‘comfortable’ job of climbing a corporate ladder and jumped into the network marketing field with 0 experience. So somehow I felt that I could relate a lot of the shoe and the string of events that followed.
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3. adidas Ultra Boost (Any Colorway)

The adidas ultra boost is something that I have been procrastinating to out. I have to admit, I’m a Nike guy, no adidas. BUT, after I got my first pair of pure boost ZG recently, seriously I have to admit that I’m freaking loving it. From there, I went on to buy a few more Ultra Boosts. My favorite colorway that I’m still yet to own is the SNS ultra boost, but the price is just too much for me to convince myself to get them. Now I have to admit that I’m old and comfort is really a top priority for me for most occasions LOL.
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What is the criteria that you set for yourself in order to choose this three pairs?
AJ1 “Banned” – durability and classic silhouette
LBJ 8 “South Beach” – lively colors and something to always remind why I quit my corporate job to chase after my dream.
adidas Ultra boost – comfort and everyday kicks.
Do you think you could really just wear this three shoes for the rest of your life?
I think with this three pairs,  I do have all I need to cover all my activities for the rest of my life LOL!

 

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