Every person who has to frequently fly our friendly skies has to always deal with this circumstance.
“Do I dress for convenience and practicality, or do I dress to impress, never knowing who or what I might see?”
This has been a personal pain point of mine, as I’ve traveled with a broken leg and flown across the country where it goes from hot to cold in a blink of an eye. However, as I’ve become older, I realize that the airport is a great place to do some people-watching, and I like to travel with some style. One important accessory are my shoes, and even if I have to take them off during security, it always feels good to get a watchful eye when someone sees my kicks.
Marcus Troy has taken this thought and blown it out the water. Troy, the style connoisseur and appreciator of cool culture, has created an online hub for showing off your footwear choices while jetsetting across the globe. Kicks on a Plane was created last year, and everyone from your favorite sneakerhead to your favorite rapper’s favorite rapper have shown off their mile-high shoe game.
Marcus was nice enough to answer a few questions about the project for TSFJ and touched base on the controversial $300 LeBron X. Check out the Q&A after the break.
Eddie Maisonet, TSFJ: When was the first time you decided that you have to do Kicks on a Plane?
Marcus Troy, Kicks On A Plane: I started documenting my footwear travels since 2002. When I saw the movie (Snakes On A Plane), that's when I knew what I had to do. Kicks on a plane.
Ed: What's the process been like from start to finish?
Marcus: It's been fun, man; just working on the ios app as we speak, which should enhance everyone's experience. The app should be in the itunes app store in a few weeks. It's been fun to have my friends and peers be a a part of the movement.
Ed: Most people travel in the airport and think functionality and practicality. Security sucks, but it's great as well. Yet, KoaP encourages folks to wear their favorite kicks when jetsetting, right?
Marcus: Yes, I always spend my time people-watching at the airport. This is an opportunity for you to share what you love when you are flying. Why not wear your great shoes? You never know who will be watching.
Ed: How long do you think it'll be until someone wears the $300 Nike+ LeBron X's on the plane?
Marcus: All of the people who get them early are going to wear them immediately. The airport is a great way to stunt on people.
Ed: Any thoughts on the LeBron X's?
Marcus: A bit bulky for my personal style and taste, but I appreciate the shoe, nonetheless.
Ed: What are your favorite shoes to jet set in?
Marcus: Comfort and functionality are paramount for me. These days, flyknits are an important part of my travel.
Ed: In a previous conversation, you talked about rewarding folks who participate in the #KicksOnAPlane hashtag. Is that in motion?
Marcus: Yes, there will be flight points and heat points, and you will be able to redeem them for cool things! Wait for the app.
You can follow Marcus on Twitter and keep up with the jetsetter extraordinaire on MarcusTroy.com. All photos courtesy of Kicks On A Plane.
Eddie Maisonet is the founder and editor emeritus of The Sports Fan Journal. Currently, he serves as an associate editor for ESPN.com. He is an unabashed Russell Westbrook and Barry Switzer apologist, owns over 100 fitteds and snapbacks, and lives by Reggie Jackson’s famous quote, “I am the straw that stirs the drink.”