Q&A with an OG: Talking to Sneaker Dave

Last weekend TDT was able to make it out to the sixth annual Baltimore Sneaker Show. At the show we were honored to chop it up with none other than Cincinnati's own David Whitehead aka Sneaker Dave. Sneaker Dave is an OG in the game noted for his love of Penny Hardaway. With almost 16k followers on IG and nearly 9K on Twitter, Dave is a respected voice in the sneaker community. He's been profiled by sites such as The Shoe Game and has been a staple at various sneaker conventions over the years. It’s safe to say this is one of the biggest interviews we’ve done to date, so without further ado here’s my conversation with Sneaker Dave.

We’re here with the one and only Sneaker Dave

Sneaker Dave: What’s going on, what’s going on?

Sneaker Dave you out here shining, got the fronts in. This is one of my favorite sneakerheads to follow on Instagram. Been following you for a minute, you’re going hard for the Penny’s. So we know that Penny is your favorite player, who’s your second favorite player.

SD: You know what? I can’t even front, you know M.J. is always the GOAT. But Penny was my favorite player next to Mike obviously. Obviously, Kobe. I’m a 90's guy so I’m always rooting for those 90's guys still hanging on right now. So that’s my favorite player. It’s MJ and it’s definitely Penny.

Let’s rap about the new Penny line. How do you feel about the new joints coming out? The resurrection, trying to keep Penny’s line going, things like that? SD: I think it’s good. I know they made some changes about two years ago over at Nike so the inspirations could be a little better, but the fact that you know they’re still doing that line; it’s still prevalent, people want it man that’s still dope.

Who in the NBA are you rockin' with today? I know you watch a lot of ball so who are you watching?

SD: I’m from Ohio and I’m a huge fan of LeBron. We’re the same age so to see someone from my generation doing what he’s doing right now, its definitely LeBron and the Cavaliers. I know they got their woes right now and they need to figure it out.

Ahh, they’re still number one in the East

SD: That’s true, but the Warriors are coming for em.

They not coming, they gotta come for the Warriors

SD: And you know what? To be quite honest if they don’t figure it out…LeBron’s window, and you’re hearing this from me, LeBron’s window is a lot shorter because of these dudes...

Could you see LeBron leaving again?

SD: Nah, I think it’s just all speculation. I think he’s going to try to finish business at home. But it’s just you gotta understand, that dude, he’s one of the first social media superstars. So I mean where I’m from if he sneezes it’s breaking news you know what I’m saying? It just comes with the territory of being him.

What are your thoughts about The Baltimore Sneaker Show? How you feeling?

SD: Oh it’s my third time here so the third time’s definitely the charm. To have me out here. My homegirls Toya and Tia. John Geiger good dude. I didn’t even know he was from Pittsburgh! So it was cool to have them man and it was just a blessing. It was great.

You get anything you’ve been looking for this year?

SD: Actually I did, these Uptempo 97s. The Jesus Shuttlesworth.

They’re almost as old as me –laughs-

SD: Yes sir, and then the More Uptempos that just came out, but I got the 2010 version. I picked them up in here too. I’m happy.

What else you looking for? What else is on your list? I know every sneakerhead has their list

SD: I got a list man. I’m looking for Zoom Generations. I’m always looking for Original Jordan 1s from like ’85. Not really much into Penny stuff but I’m a big Nike Basketball guy so the mid 90's, late 90's, early 2000's; that’s all me, I’m always looking for that stuff.

Alright so one more question. Since we’re in Baltimore how do you feel about Under Armour?

SD: Under Amour is on it’s way. I see a lot of AAU kids wear that stuff. Like where I live THEY LOVE STEPHEN CURRY. All the soccer Moms are buying it. There’s kids wearing whole outfits, even adults. Plus from a performance standpoint people even like it. So it works hand in hand, I can’t hate ‘em.

At this point the DJ started blasting music giving me the cue to wrap it up. I want to give a big shout out to Sneaker Dave for lending your time to The Demo Tape. It was dope to talk about shoes, hoops, and Under Armour’s growing impact. Bless.

Follow Sneaker Dave on IG and on Twitter @SneakerDave

#Sneakers #BaltimoreSneakershow #SneakerDave #PennyHardaway #StephenCurry #UnderArmour