Sole Man: City man's sneaker collection numbers about 250 pairs

Some might say the sneaker group of John McGoin is unbelievable. Others might think it's a remarkable ode to pop culture. The Scranton resident is an avid collector of brand-name athletic shoes, largely Nikes, but with a whole bunch of Adidas and Reeboks, New Balance . All in all, Mr. McGloin has an estimated 250-plus pairs of sneakers that he keeps at home and in storage. Although some have never stepped outside, about 20 of those are in the regular rotation of his wardrobe. The West Scranton High School grad, who also has a bachelor's degree in architecture credits his curiosity about design with fueling his habit. "Being in architecture, for me, it is about aesthetics," Mr. McGloin clarified. Furthermore, he said, the sneakers are almost fitting for any event. Sports that are good Mr. McGloin, 30, and his siblings, mature brother Paul and younger brother Matt, the famous local sportsman who plays quarterback for the Oakland Raiders, all grew up as sneaker aficionados, owing to their involvement in three sports each. The middle brother said that out of the shoes he is amassed over the years, his capsule Air Jordan group is the highlight of his targets of affection. "I grew up in the Jordan era," he said. "I always had some form of Jordan (sneaker) from about age 5." In reality, Mr. McGloin can still remember their exact look: a pair of Air Jordan V in teal, white and purple. Being "Like Mike" was a delight for young Mr. McGloin, who said it was exciting that "any time you see TV, you are wearing the same sneaker as your favourite player." Strings attached While he's kept many of his old shoes for the personal history attached to them (his mom, Cathy, remembers a particular pair of size 6 shoes her now size 12 mature son refuses to eliminate because they are his 1,000-points pair), Mr. McGloin also has the opportunity to revisit certain fashions with "retro" rereleases by specific brands in new colors, textures or stuff. "There is undoubtedly a sentimental side to the sneakers," he said. "Some I look at and I can recall them from 15 or more years ago, needing to visit the mall to get them before basketball season." His authentic accumulating started around 15 years ago, Mr. McGloin reckoned, noting that he simply buys shoes he locates visually appealing, and does not run out to buy the newest make and version just because it is in the shop. Previously, Mr. McGloin had to wait for the Eastbay catalogue to arrive at his house before he could find out what the latest fad would be, but now with the booming on-line retail market, he can find out what to anticipate six to 12 months in advance. For certain sneakers, Scranton is a demanding marketplace to be a serious shoe shopper, Mr. McGloin said. Many stores hold lotteries that consumers register for, and even then, there is no guarantee the right size will be available in case a customer's number is called. "It is competitive and dangerous even," Mr. McGloin cautioned, mentioning nationwide breakins, customer riots and street violence over enviable shoes. Throughout the last two decades, Mr. McGloin has spent upwards of $10,000 purchasing sneakers, he estimated. His collection features numerous special issues, including a Pabst Blue Ribbon shoe in the beer brand's logo red-white-and-blue color scheme, or his Pee Wee Hermans, immediately identifiable by their gray and white colour combo and a drawing of the comic strip on the inside sole. If he did, he had likely make a trade with his brother, Matt, who also accumulates sneakers. "It's a lot of conversation, though," Mr. McGloin acknowledged. "Neither of us really needs to part with (any)." "I learned from John," Matt said. "I wouldn' nike free run 2 black and white. understand half of what I do if it wasn't for him." For their mother, it doesn't make much difference either way.nike free run australia. "They're sneaker nuts." Contact the writer: pwilding@timesshamrock.com, nike free run 3.0 v2.@pwildingTT on Twitter Meet John McGloin Age: 30 Residence: Scranton Family: Participated to Michelle Williams. Son of Paul and Cathy McGloin; Paul, brothers and Matt Schooling: Objects of his fondness: Mr. McGloin gathers name-brand sneakers, largely Nikes, but also Reebok, New Balance and Adidas. He estimates he has more than 250 pairs.