The Goodie Bag Interview With CorgiShoe.
If you’re a true sneakerhead chances are you’ve heard of CorgiShoe and his 2,000+ DS sneaker collection, which is said to be the largest private collection in the world. Some of you may not know who he is, but here’s your chance to get into the mind of Corgi.
Hey Corgi, How Are Things Going? How’s Life In Los Angeles?
Life is always good because I know how bad it can be. Los Angeles is the best for me. I’ve been all over and L.A. is where I always come back to.
What First Got You Interested In Sneakers?
I am a big sports fan. I got into sneakers because athletes wore them. Not because someone raps about it or because someone on a message board says I should wear this shoe, shirt, pants, and hat. My first true notice of shoes were the Converse Weapon’s and all the commercials that followed. Then Nike came out with the commercial using the Beatles “Revolution” song and the Air Max 87 came out along with the revolutions and I was hooked.
How Long Did It Take You To Build Up Your Collection?
I bought and saved for a good 12-15 years. Stopped completely in early 2004.
Why’d You Collect So Many Sneakers And How’d You Afford It?
I collected them because I love sneakers. Just the look, the lines, the simple colourways. Each one was unique to me. Almost like a collector’s piece in a way. I certainly didn’t have a job and I certainly didn’t have my Mom buying me them all so you can draw your own conclusions. I will say this about collections and money. There is a direct correlation. Whoever has the most money has the best collection. Don’t let ‘em tell you otherwise. Don’t let these fucking shoe god idiots make you feel like they are better or have “more skill” to collect or are a top loser fucking sneakerhead. Some will try and say that’s not true but look at the “so called” “top” collectors on those dumb fucking message boards and they have the most money to spend. Now they may get deals. But even with hook-ups, backdoor product, and deals you still need a lot of money to get the best shoes. I had all that going on and the money to spend so I was able to acquire anything and everything I wanted. But that’s the key. Its all what I wanted. Not what others tell me to buy or what I feel others will like. Fuck the sneakerhead who makes himself into something he / she is not. Get over yourself. You’ll enjoy your shoes and collect longer.
Have You Ever Had To Travel To Get Your Sneakers? I Mean Like Out-Of-City Type Travelling, Or Purchased Any Shoes Off The Internet?
I used to solely get shoes by digging for them. Mostly in the Los Angeles area but if I was in another city I’d always look in the “Mom And Pop” shops. Once the internet came along I developed relationships with shoe people and stores all over the world. And I was able to network through all the shoe boutiques and “Mom And Pop” spots in the Los Angeles area. Once eGay (eBay) came along it was all too easy. A bit of patience and strategy and you could get it all dirt cheap. But I have never slept on a sidewalk or did the line thing. Actually there were never lines. And by the time things started to pick up a bit in the early 2000’s I was already well connected. And am still thankful to this day for those who took care of me considering I was a nobody who just likes shoes.
What’s The Highest Price You’ve Paid For A Sneaker?
Hmmmm…I’m sure I have paid a few hundred bucks for stuff. I actually think it might be a pair of the Command Forces I have. Those motherfuckers were around $300.00. I more so bought multiple pairs and those transactions could get into the thousands but the value was there at the time. And now the value is really there for all these fucking shoes I bought. I never bought recklessly. Always got a great value or at least what I thought to be. And by seeing what the shoes are selling for today I know I did well.
Why Are You Selling Them?
I’m selling them because I have no use for them. Frankly, I don’t wear them and don’t even look at them. To be honest 99% of them are fucking ugly. But I bought them because I like the style. So because I like the Air Burst I buy every single one even the colourways I would never consider wearing. Now if I was still doing that today it would be almost impossible for two reasons. First, they release too many fucking shoes for anyone to do that. Second, many releases are fucking disgusting looking. I mean even though I know I wont wear it at least I want to pretend like I wouldn’t look like I’m wearing a bag of skittles on my fucking feet. Basically, I don’t need them to have my memories of them. The people who store them for me don’t give a fuck about shoes and don’t want them taking up space anymore. I completely understand that. They’ve been holding them for years. Let someone else enjoy them.
Thanks for your time Corgi.
Yeah man, it’s cool. Peace, one love, Corgi.
Check out Corgi’s Blog at http://corgishoe.wordpress.com for daily updates of new sneakers for sale. Feel free to e-mail him with any inquires about his sneakers or collection to corgishoe@thehundreds.com.
