Name: Mario Reyes
Branch: United States Marine Corps
Rank: Sgt
Hometown: Chicago, IL
Currently stationed in: Was stationed in San Diego, CA
Years in the service: 4 years, 2001-2005
How long have you been collecting sneakers and how many do you have? Actually not too long…I would say it’s been only 2 or 3 years now. However, back in 1997-1998 I bought my first pair of AJ’s. I bought the AJ XIII “Breds.” I have literally worn them only two times.
Top five sneakers of all-time: AJ XI “Bred,” AJ XIII “Bred,” Air Max 95, Eggplant Foamposites, AJ XX3 Titanium Blue.
What sneaker started you collecting shoes? I got back into it after buying a couple Air Max Wrights…it has kind of grew from there.
What is the next shoe you plan to grab? AJ IX Retro, blue and white.
What is you our favorite sneaker in your closet? Tie… AJ XIII and Air Max 95
What is the worst part of trying to collect shoes and serve at the same time? Ha…well not having any damn room in your barracks room sucks.
Ever try to work sneakers into your military-assigned attire? Absolutely not. Maybe the other services have tried this, but this was an absolute NO-GO in the Marines.
What is the best part of being in the Armed Forces? Seeing all the crazy sh*t overseas.
If you could design an Armed Forces sneaker, what shoe would you use and how would you create it (colors, materials)? I guess I would use the Air Max 95 with a olive drab green. However, I would never wear this shoe in uniform, as I stated above.
Any good shoe-related stories?: I have a great friend who works at Foot Locker, so I never have to stand in line for anything. It’s awesome. Especially because I see all the sneaker heads line up HOURS before, like for the Space Jam release.
