Kicks and Cause: Shoefiend Los Angeles' Owner Talks About The Sneaker Scene

So what role does the sneaker game play in our community? Does it really help us become more inspired to grind hard to get what we really want in life like fashion and stuffs we didn't get to have when we were young? Or is it just for flexin? How does the American sneaker scene influences the Pinoy sneaker fashion? These are the questions that typical people have in mind and we're lucky that we had a chance to somehow clear the smoke and enlighten the minds of these people who believe that sneaker game is just a fashion.

Earl John Verzo, owner (CEO) of SHOEFIEND LOS ANGELES one of the most trusted sneaker dealers in the US and in the Philippines and also the trusted reseller of Pinoy Celebrities like Vice Ganda, Vhong Navarro, Teddy Corpuz and many more, gave us some words to actually explain how diverse the sneaker game is and how he and the brand that he represents overcome some challenges and how they give back to the community, proving that wearing something that looks good on feet doesn't mean you just wanted to flex and show off but it is to inspire the people around you and educate these innocent minds about the Sneaker Game.

For a guy who spent most of his life collecting sneakers in the Philippines and in the US, we asked EJ about the difference between the sneaker scene abroad and locally.

"The difference would be the extravagant shoe collections in the US. There is nothing like it compared to what the Philippines has to offer. Numerous selections and variety of shoes. hands down US  still has the best sneaker scene World Wide. But the Philippines has the potential to match that because Filipinos are hard working and ambitious 40% of the sneakerheads on the events are Filipino. Imagine bumping to a filipino sneakerhead every 5 minutes. Trust me we’re getting there. "

With the wide range of available varieties in the US, I must agree that they've got the best sneaker culture in the world but like what EJ said, Filipinos are everywhere and I won't be surprised if one day we'll be recognized as one of the world's biggest sneaker community, maybe not the top but being known as one of them is something to be proud of.

One more question that we asked EJ is, how he and his brand overcome challenges like explaining to people that sneakergame is not pure luxury.

Powcast.net : "How hard it is to change the mentality of other people who are not into sneakers and looks at sneakerheads as luxurious individuals? "



"It’s quite challenging because you’re selling an idea that you believe in and most people don’t see that vision. Empathize with them, Let them have a glimpse of your life. show them your love and desire, establish to the people that what you wear reflects who you are as a person. Let them know that the first thing a person will notice are your shoes, make them realize that its not all about the luxury of shoes. It involves meeting new people who shares the same interest as you. A community, a family. The key ingredient is consistency and persistence, Influence them." Mr. Verzo explained.


How does this brand actually helps the community? Is ShoeFiend LA your typical sneakers dealer? We asked the brand CEO Mr. Verzo about the things they do to pass on the inspiration to other people and how important it is for them to give back to the people around them by practicing the brand's "Shoefiend LA Mentality".


"We give back to the community by Inspiring people thru words and actions. We use the #shoefiendlamentality.
This is how you can turn negativity into positive and it’s satisfying to see a person being inspired
Whenever I see people who really appreciates the shoe culture I tend to give in to that emotional state.
Two weeks ago a friend of my uncle stayed at our house, he was a tall Indonesian basketball player. We shared the same passion for basketball and was able to talk about his love for the shoes as well, It is essential when you play basketball. Which led to us talking about my shoe collection. I gave him the opportunity to witness my collection and saw excitement in his eyes. I eventually end up giving him a limited edition Shoe for a have the price because I felt that he deserved it.
Another way we give back is by posting positive way of thinking that will help you achieve your desire and goals in life that will boost determination.
We also hand out toys to the street children on Christmas Eve. Along with my Brother In law who runs a local clothing brand prime wear. 
Furthermore letting them understand that Shoe Fiend Los Angeles is more than just a brand. It’s a life style." SFLA said.


Well, there you go. It is not all about showing off for this brand, it is to inspire people that if you work hard, you'll eventually get what you want and deserve while getting other people involved and inspired to do more too. Earl John Verzo, one perfect example of a sneaker enthusiast turned businessman who inspires people with his brand's #ShoeFiendLAMentality.



Check out their social media accounts:
https://www.facebook.com/ShoeFiendLA/
https://www.instagram.com/shoefiendla/