One of my favorite movies has one of the truest quotes in my opinion. When Forrest Gump was sitting at the bus stop talking to the nurse, he says, “My mama always said you can tell a lot about a person by their shoes, where they’re going, where they been…” This is true for everyone but especially true for guys. I definitely use this in the dating world. Since I am a sneakerhead, I tend to look at folks from the feet up. When I meet guys, I definitely look at the shoes they are wearing. Not in a shallow way, but what folks don’t understand is that it all comes down to their life choices, and yes, what they choose to wear on their feet is very important to me. I know y'all over there puzzled like, “Really? Is it really that serious?” Just hear me out.

The sneaker culture has grown a lot since the early '80s. Our styles have evolved, as well as our pockets. Today, they have become more of a status symbol, and people wear sneakers any and everywhere.

The prices have gotten ridiculous (good luck finding a pair of real Yeezy Pirates Blacks for the suggested retail price of $85). This is no longer a kid and athlete fashion. Grown working folks are buying high end sneakers everyday!  So, what do these choices look like? Well, let’s take a look at the more common ones.

1. Jordans

Photo: Pinterest

You can’t have a sneaker article without mentioning the Air Jordan. You just can’t. This is the sneaker that pretty much changed the game. This shoe had folks waiting in line for hours, and even getting jumped for a pair.

However, you have to be careful. There are levels to this. One cannot live by the Jumpman symbol alone. Just cause you wearing a pair of Jordans, it doesn't mean that you automatically got the juice. There are different types of Jordans, just like there are different types of guys out there. If you run into a guy wearing team Jordans, look around. You better be at the gym or park, and there better be about 10 other guys wearing the same shoe. I mean, come on. It’s in the title that these are meant to be bought in bulk off of Eastbay.

Normally the guy that choose these is someone’s dad who doesn't know any better. However, don’t count him out completely. He’s probably focused on some other stuff, so he keeps his style basic. On the other hand, he may be the guy that’s just focused on the label. When you ask him why he wears them, he will simply respond with, “They Jordans tho.” Run away from this dude! That’s the equivalent to, “They 10s, but I keep 'em clean.”

The guy in the retros (Jordan 1–14), knows a little something about sneakers and fashion, but you are not in the clear just yet. Remember it’s about choices. If you have a whole grown man that can afford sneakers with the price ranging from $190 to $600 a pair, but they don’t have a car, you may need to reevaluate your situation. These sneakers cost the same as a Honda Civic car note. There is no reason for that type of foolishness in your life. All I'm saying is if you can afford that kind of footwork but don’t have the bare necessities, your priorities are all over the place and you probably don’t need to be dating right now.

Once they start wearing the exclusives like the collabs with Undefeated, Supreme and DJ Khaled, you might be on to something. Not only do these have a higher price point, they are harder to get. The guy that wear these will have a more exclusive lifestyle.

2. Nike Air Force 1

Photo: Regulation LTD

Nike is a huge sneaker company that has been at the top of the game for a while now. They are known for spending millions on their ads, but there is one shoe that would continue to make sales with little to no advertising. The Air Force 1 has been an urban fashion staple for years. This is the shoe for the summer. You want to be simple and stunt? Then grab a pair of crisp white on white 1s.

You can wear them with pretty much anything, but what kind of guy rocks this simple item? Well, just like the Jordans, there are levels to this. If he is willingly walking around in some "use to be" all-white 1s, he can’t be trusted. He doesn’t care about life at all.

White shoes, in general, are no good. Once they are scuffed, you either have to promote them to work shoes, or if you got it like that, throw them away and start over. So if you get a guy trying to approach you in some out-of-pocket white Forces, you need to see if he just got done working somewhere. If the answer is no, then you need to proceed with caution. Now this doesn’t mean you should just dead him right then and there. Who knows, he could be your “Ralph Angel” in disguise…or a 32-year-old selling his mixtape. You just never know.

3. K-Swiss / Saucony / New Balance

Photo: Trend Style

These are the “was dope back in the day, but not so much now,” shoes. The guy who wears one of these is still living in the past and they just won’t let go. Especially the K-Swiss gentleman. Yes, he is the “Mr. Steal Your Grandma” dude trying to holla. You try to give him the hint that he is way too old for you by continuing to call him “sir” and say how much he reminds you of your granddad. He normally tucks in everything. T-shirts, tank tops, button ups—you name it. He will be at Essence Fest with at least two rompers in his suitcase pressed and ready to wear, with his gray taco meat exposed. If you're looking for a sugar daddy, then this is your man. But if not, you better run like Nettie ran from Mister in The Color Purple.

4. IversonsPhoto: Kicks On FireThis dude is still holding on to his hoop dreams, back when he was all-city, but he hurt his knee and missed his pro tryouts. You definitely don’t need to worry about catching him in your romper on a night out. He don’t play that. He may be a little rough around the edges and stuck in the three times the size baggy pants stage, but that can fixed with a little shopping trip. Just don’t try and put him in skinny jeans. He will get rid of you real quit.

Also, he may need his hair rebraided. I don’t know, but it’s something about the guys that still wear Iversons…they stay in fuzzy braids.

5. Adidas Stan Smiths

Photo: EU Kicks

This is the “Classic Man.” Not like the K-Swiss guy. He’s younger, but has that nostalgic swag. He is not afraid to try different styles or play with colors and patterns. This is the guy that will wear one romper and make you rethink the whole thing because he actually looks good in it. I guess if I can put a face to this guy, picture Jidenna.

He may be more adventurous on your dates than the other guys and have you somewhere getting your hair wet, so be prepared.

6. Runners: Adidas NMDs / Asics / Nike Air Max 90s  

Photo: Nice Kicks

These are a cool casual shoe for just about anyone, but really for the guy that doesn’t really wear sneakers like that anymore. This guy been on his suit and tie game so long and realized that the oxfords don’t do well at the cookout, so these are his go-to. Especially because they go well with his ankle cut pants or joggers. They are also good for the new-wave hipster who needs more support than Chucks can give. If he's really bad and boujee, he will be in Yeezys though.


This was just to get you guys started in how to check a person by their footwork, but remember: still never judge a book by its cover. Pay attention to these small details and you should be fine. I mean, guys do the same thing. They don’t want no chick wearing flip flops with dirty feet, so why should we settle for a lazy shoe game?

Guys, now that you know some of us actually pay attention to these type of things, it’s time to make better choices.