If buying sneakers makes you happy, so be it.
Don’t let people who don’t understand your way of life
be in the way of your passion and happiness.
Meet Danial Mok; a sports television broadcasting executive, an OG sneakerhead, and a dad… with a sneakerhead son in the making! In fact, Danial’s son, Ilhan was featured on Nike just the weekend before the turn of 2020. Here’s a sneak peek into the mind of the proud dad of a 3rd generation sneakerhead.
As an avid sneaker collector yourself, would you say Ilhan is as big of a sneakerhead as you are?
Image via @danialmok
He’s probably a badass sneakerhead for his age group, and definitely a bigger sneakerhead than me when I was his age. He now has around 35 pairs and counting.
Do you and Ilhan wear matching sneakers? Who chooses what to wear?
Image via @danialmok
Yes we do. I will try to wear matching sneakers with my son most of the time, and will usually pick out a few pairs of shoes for him to choose from before we head out.
What are both of your favourite pairs?
Image via @danialmok
My current favourite is the Air Max React 270 “Bauhaus”, and Ilhan’s is definitely the Mars Yard.
I like the shape and the colorway of the Air Max React 270 “Bauhaus” as it fits my everyday style, while he likes the Mars Yard because of the comfort and how easy it is to put it on; only Velcro straps instead of shoe laces!
What’s the next pair on your hunting list for both you and Ilhan?
I’ve always wanted the Sean Wotherspoon 97/1 air max for the both of us, but… I just can’t bring myself to pay that much for it. Hahaha!
Image via @danialmok
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As Danial celebrates his birthday today, we also took the opportunity to seek an update on his current collection, as well as his views of the sneaker community today.
You sold half your collection when you got married. Do u miss those that you sold?
Image via @danialmok
I’d be lying if I say I don’t miss them, and there are days I wish I still had a certain pair to wear out. I probably miss my Air Maxes the most.
How has your collection changed since your last interview in 2018?
Image via @danialmok
No drastic changes. I’m missing the Flyknits a lot, but I have more Air Maxes in the collection now.
Do you still sneaker hunt the same way compared to a decade ago?
Right now everything is accessible online and getting shoes are much easier nowadays compared to back then. By a click of a button you can even get limited edition ones online.
Have you ever collected a double pair; one to wear and one to keep?
Image via @danialmok
Hahaha! I’ve never done that. One to rock and one to keep on ice; different people have different ways of collecting. For me, shoes are meant to be worn. Back then we didn’t have that many social media platforms to flex your gears. In order to be noticed, you had to wear out your pairs.
Any advice for newbie sneakerheads?
Image via @danialmok
Your shoes will eventually die. So balance out your passion, livelihood and health.
Image via @danialmok
For more updates on Ilhan’s and Danial’s collection, follow Danial on Instagram!
