Community Collections checks in this week with a doctor from Kansas who uses his sneakers for a different kind of performance. Chris Downes is a registered Doctor of Medicine in Wichita who has been collecting sneakers since the turn of the century, using many of his pairs to stay comfortable in the hospital. Originally hooked on the Air Jordan 11 and Air Jordan 12, Downes has now expanded his repertoire to include Nike Basketball and running SKUs. On his feet for hours on end delivering babies and helping people, this sneaker enthusiast isn’t wearing Crocs around the hospital. Instead, Downes prefers his OG Air Jordans.
Navigate your way the pages to see Chris’ entire collection and some of his personal selections, including his Most Rare Pair and Oldest Pair. Type a line in the comment box at the bottom of the page with your feedback, and keep Nice Kicks streaming for everything sneakers.
Profile:
Name: Chris Downes
City: Wichita, Kansas
Instagram: @dryuhmudder
Started: 2000
Collection Summary
“I’ve always had an affinity for sneakers, thanks in part to my cousin who wore Nike Huaraches and Barkleys when we were growing up. I definitely couldn’t get my parents to spend that kind of money on sneakers back then, and his kicks were way too big for me at the time. Eventually I was able to save up my allowance and I started buying Jordans in 1997. It wasn’t until I got a pair of the 2000 Air Jordan XI “Concord” that I really took things more seriously. I’ve got mostly Jordans, Foams, Kobes, Lebrons and Nike runners. I used to be heavy into Dunks and AF1s, but that fell off after college, and med school tuition shut down sneaker purchases for the most part. I’ve steadily been building back up, and I’m now up to around 250 pairs. I buy what I like, although I’m mostly loyal to Nike. The way online purchasing is ruled by bots now, you almost have to expand your taste, especially in a smaller market like here in Wichita. Luckily, we have a House of Hoops out here and in Kansas City. Additionally, my fam in Vegas and NY hold me down from time to time.”
