A Spring in Your Step

It’s time to put a fashionable spring in your step.
And a spate of hip, new metro Detroit sneaker boutiques is making that easy.
As a former Detroit Piston, Derrick Coleman has a natural affinity for athletic shoes. Now, as the owner of Snyx Sneaker Studio in Detroit, he’s even more credible as a shoe authority.
“Personally, I like white-on-white Air Force Ones, because they go with everything,” Coleman says. “But for the kids, I think the more colorful shoes will be the biggest sellers.”
Coleman’s recommendation for spring is Nike, of course, because that’s the brand sold exclusively at Snyx. Its stock includes high-end exclusive Nikes not typically found at mass-market chains. The selection includes signature styles from Rasheed Wallace, Kobe Bryant, and LeBron James. Snyx shoe prices range from $70-$280.
In Royal Oak, Rick Williams, co-owner with Roland Coit of Burn Rubber sneaker boutique, says Jordans will be a trendy buy this season.
Both shoe retailers agree on one thing: Athletic shoes are becoming more popular as collectibles. But, with warm weather coming, the smartest purchase might be a pair that can handle a little grown-up playground time.
— Alyssa Webb

This article appears in the April 2008 of Hour Detroit.
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