Interview with Air Max collector SneakerheadsNL

Today, we sit down with Air Max 1 enthusiast, collector, and manager of the popular Air Max account Sneakerheadsnl, Rik Ter Hoeve. We’ll be discussing the origins of his love for sneakers, the number of pairs he currently owns, his most valuable pair, and the sneakers he still dreams of adding to his collection. Additionally, we’ll delve deeper into his personal experiences and the dynamics of the sneaker community.

Where did your love for sneakers, and specifically for the Air Max 1, originate?

In high school, I always knew exactly which classmates had which sneakers. I thought high top sneakers were cool at the time because your pants would rest more on top of the shoe, allowing everyone to clearly see what sneakers you were wearing. During that period, I was really into finding high Dunks and Air Force’s. Later on, I came across the Air Max 90 and eventually the Air Max 1. That’s when my taste started to shift a bit!

Can you still remember when you bought your first pair of Air Max 1? What made that pair special for you?

This was the Air Maxim 1+ x Parra. According to some collectors, it’s not considered a true Air Max 1. I actually bought these directly from the Nike website. I saw them on sale, and the logo on the tongue reminded me of the Nike Destroyer that Parra released together with Nike. The shoe I ordered from Nike wasn’t listed on the website as a Parra collab, and it remains one of the least known collaborations between Parra and Nike. The shoe, by the way, is made of terrible material to wear, the shape is awful, but the design is absolutely spot-on.

How many pairs do you currently have in your collection?

I always say around 300, but it could easily be 350+ by now. I haven’t counted in years. As for Air Max 1s, I’m pretty sure I’ve surpassed 200 pairs by now.

What is your most valuable pair, both in terms of monetary value and emotional significance?

That’s a tough question. A few pairs come to mind. The Air Max 1 x Parra “Cherrywood,” the original Air Max 1 Big Bubble from ’86, or the Air Max 1 I have from 1988. It’s hard to say which one is worth the most money, but personally, I’m always really proud of my three OG pairs from ’86, ’87, and ’88.

Are there any collaborations you would still like to add to your collection (or that you would love to see)?

I haven’t gotten the most recent HUF collabs yet. They’re still on my wishlist and relatively easy to find at the moment. I would love to see Atmos and Clot release another Air Max. They’re always great. Unfortunately, Clot has signed a contract with Adidas, so that’s not likely to happen anytime soon. The coolest thing, of course, would be if I could design an Air Max 1 myself through SNEAKERHEADSNL!

What has been your most memorable experience related to sneaker collecting?

A few years ago, I went to a release party at Sunika in Amsterdam with a friend (Wietse Hensema). That evening, we rode our bikes through Amsterdam, pretty tipsy and a bit rowdy. We ended the night on my balcony, where we ordered a Nike Air Max 1 ID. That pair is still one of my favorites to wear. The design? Inspired by the Nike Dunk SB “Pigeon.”

How do you think the sneaker community has changed since you started collecting?

When I first started collecting, I would often feel a spark when I looked at someone’s sneakers and was truly impressed. Nowadays, all upcoming releases are leaked in advance, so it’s rare to be surprised by a pair you’ve never seen before. This is unfortunate. Additionally, I get the impression that current collectors seem to value the status and exclusivity of a shoe more than how it actually looks. I discovered the Air Max 1 and then started looking for other colorways. It wasn’t until later that I realized not every shoe is released in the same quantities and that not every shoe is available in every store. I wasn’t aware of exclusivity in the beginning. Nowadays, you often come across a model because of its exclusivity. Take, for example, the way the current Cactus Jack shoe is marketed. Is it a bad thing that this has changed? It doesn’t really matter, we can’t do anything about it, but it is different.

What inspired you to start the Instagram account Sneakerheadsnl?

When I first became active on Instagram in 2013, I followed a lot of sneaker accounts. I realized that some people were getting free shoes just by posting about them, and I wanted to try that. Over time, my page has become a way for me to connect with others in the sneaker scene—a way to stay engaged with my hobby.

Do you have specific goals or plans for the future of Sneakerheadsnl?

Yes, I’ve been wanting to launch a website for a long time. Fifteen years ago, there was the Lacebag website, and that still resonates with me. I’m disappointed that Lacebag no longer exists.