Marques Brownlee Goes Sneaker Shopping With Complex

Complex

20 May 202412:53

Summary

TLDRIn this video, Joe from Complex takes tech expert and content creator Marquez Brownlee sneaker shopping at Flight Club in New York City. They discuss Marquez's love for Jordan 1s, his experience designing his own sneakers, and the importance of wearing and using your possessions. Marquez shares insights into sneaker culture, his collaboration with indie brand Adams, and his thoughts on technology in footwear. The episode also features personal stories, including Marquez's memorable first interview with Kobe Bryant and his admiration for iconic sneaker designs. The video concludes with Marquez purchasing new sneakers, including a pair of Kobe's and Bruce Lee-inspired shoes.

Takeaways

👟 Marquez Brownlee visits Flight Club in New York City to shop for sneakers and discusses his favorite pairs.
🗽 Marquez explains the concept of 'daily drivers,' referring to shoes he wears regularly.
📅 Marquez has been wearing his 2016 Jordan 1s frequently, appreciating their wear and patina.
👞 He emphasizes the importance of using and wearing shoes instead of keeping them pristine.
👟 Marquez collaborated with Adams to design his own sneaker, the 251s, learning about the intricacies of shoe production.
🧵 He discusses the balance between design and functionality in sneaker creation.
🌟 Marquez reflects on the influence of Kobe Bryant, who gave him a pair of sneakers, and his appreciation for Kobe's impact on his career.
👨‍💻 He comments on tech's role in sneaker design, including Tim Cook's custom Air Max and Nike's AI-designed prototypes.
🦾 Marquez expresses skepticism about the necessity of tech in shoes, preferring traditional designs for comfort and practicality.
🎯 He achieves a 'grail' by designing his own sneakers and feels content with his collection, although he plans to purchase Kobe's Bruce Lee colorway shoes.
🛒 Marquez browses the store, planning to buy several pairs, including the Sabrina 1s and the Kobe 5 Bruce Lee colorway.
💳 He completes his purchase, totaling $2,874.53, and shares his sneaker journey on social media platforms.

Q & A

Who is Marquez Brownlee and what is his background?
-Marquez Brownlee is a tech expert, content creator, Ultimate Frisbee champion, and sneaker designer.
What is Marquez Brownlee's term for the shoes he wears the most?
-Marquez Brownlee calls the shoes he wears the most his 'daily drivers.'
What kind of wear does Marquez Brownlee appreciate in his Jordan 1s?
-Marquez Brownlee appreciates the patina and wear that his Jordan 1s develop over time, making them look vintage.
What did Marquez learn from designing his own sneakers with Adams?
-Marquez learned about the complexities of product design, including material costs, manufacturing processes, and the importance of combining aesthetics with functionality.
What is Marquez's opinion on incorporating technology into shoes?
-Marquez believes that while tech is popular, shoes should remain a pure product that connects the wearer to the ground without unnecessary gadgets or screens, except for special cases like Nike Mags.
What pair of sneakers holds significant sentimental value for Marquez?
-The 1985 Jordan 1s hold significant sentimental value for Marquez because they are a classic design that has aged well.
Why does Marquez believe people should 'wear their kicks'?
-Marquez believes that shoes, like other items, are meant to be used and enjoyed rather than kept pristine. He compares it to driving a car or using a phone.
How does Marquez feel about partnering with an independent brand for sneaker design?
-Marquez feels that partnering with a small, independent brand like Adams allows for greater creative input and the ability to influence the final product while still benefiting from the brand's expertise.
What iconic shoe did Marquez receive from Kobe Bryant?
-Marquez received a pair of shoes from Kobe Bryant during his farewell tour, which he treasures and does not wear.
What does Marquez think about AI-designed sneakers?
-Marquez has mixed feelings about AI-designed sneakers. He finds the idea cool but believes that shoes should primarily focus on comfort and functionality without overcomplicating them with unnecessary technology.

Outlines

00:00

👟 Sneaker Shopping with Marquez Brownlee

Joe from Complex meets up with Marquez Brownlee, a tech expert and content creator, in New York City at Flight Club. They discuss Marquez's sneaker preferences, specifically his well-worn 2016 Jordan 1s, which he refers to as 'dailies.' Marquez explains the concept of daily drivers in the tech world and how it applies to his favorite sneakers. They also look at a pair of 1985 Jordan 1s, appreciating their vintage appeal and the wear and tear that adds character to the shoes.

05:01

👟 Creating Custom Sneakers with Adams

Marquez discusses his collaboration with Adams to create his own sneaker, the 251s. He shares the challenges of designing a functional and comfortable shoe, the importance of materials, and the cost of production. He emphasizes the value of partnering with an independent brand that listens to creators. They also talk about the variety of sneaker brands seen on the streets, beyond the dominant Nike and Adidas.

10:02

👟 The Impact of Kobe Bryant and Tech in Sneakers

Marquez recalls his first interview with Kobe Bryant during Kobe's farewell tour, highlighting the significance of that experience. He talks about the importance of wearing your sneakers, even the special ones. They discuss the trend of tech executives wearing fashionable sneakers, and the potential future of designing sneakers on iPads. Marquez expresses mixed feelings about the integration of tech in shoes, preferring a focus on comfort and functionality over unnecessary gadgets.

Mindmap

Keywords

💡Sneaker shopping

Sneaker shopping refers to the activity of browsing and purchasing sneakers, which are a type of athletic shoe. In the video, Marquez Brownlee is taken on a sneaker shopping trip at Flight Club in New York City to explore and buy new sneakers, discussing his preferences and experiences with different pairs.

💡Jordan 1s

Jordan 1s are a specific model of basketball sneakers designed by Nike for Michael Jordan. In the video, Marquez discusses his fondness for the 1985 and more recent editions of the Jordan 1s, highlighting how he wears them frequently and appreciates their durability and vintage aesthetic.

💡Daily drivers

Daily drivers are items used regularly in everyday life. Marquez uses this term to describe the sneakers he wears most often, comparing it to the tech world's use of 'daily driver' for gadgets like phones or backpacks that are used every day. He explains how his Jordan 1s serve as his daily driver sneakers.

💡Sneaker design

Sneaker design involves creating the aesthetics and functional aspects of sneakers. Marquez shares his experience designing his own sneaker with the brand Adams, detailing the complexities and learning process involved in making a comfortable and stylish shoe that can be used daily.

💡Tech in sneakers

Tech in sneakers refers to incorporating technological advancements into the design and functionality of sneakers. Marquez discusses his views on the role of technology in sneaker design, such as Nike's AI prototypes and the Adidas 4D shoe, expressing a preference for maintaining simplicity and functionality over adding excessive tech elements.

💡Indie brands

Indie brands are independent companies that operate outside the major corporate umbrella. Marquez highlights his collaboration with Adams, an independent brand, to create his sneaker, and discusses the growing popularity and variety of indie brands in the sneaker market, despite the dominance of giants like Nike and Adidas.

💡Vintage aesthetics

Vintage aesthetics refer to the visual style that evokes the look and feel of older, classic designs. Marquez appreciates the vintage look of well-worn sneakers, particularly his Jordan 1s, and admires the aged appearance of 1985 originals, considering them stylish and timeless.

💡Kobe Bryant

Kobe Bryant was a legendary basketball player whose influence extends beyond sports into sneaker culture. Marquez recounts his first interview with Kobe and the impact it had on his career. He also talks about the significance of the Kobe sneakers he owns, which he treasures and refrains from wearing.

💡AI prototypes

AI prototypes in sneaker design are experimental models created using artificial intelligence to generate new designs. Marquez mentions Nike's AI-generated shoe prototypes and reflects on the potential and limitations of AI in creating functional and aesthetically pleasing sneakers.

💡Simplicity in design

Simplicity in design refers to creating products that are straightforward, functional, and aesthetically clean. Marquez values simplicity in both tech products and sneakers, noting that the best designs often appear easy and minimalistic but require careful consideration and expertise to achieve.

Highlights

Marques Brownlee's introduction as a tech expert, content creator, Ultimate Frisbee champion, and sneaker designer.

Discussion about Marques wearing Jordan 1s and their vintage look due to continuous use.

Marques explains the term 'daily drivers' for items used frequently, like shoes.

Marques' opinion on the 1985 Jordan 1s and their good condition despite age.

Emphasis on wearing and using purchased items rather than preserving them.

Marques' collaboration with Adams to create his own sneaker, the '251s,' highlighting the two-year process.

Challenges and learnings from designing a functional and aesthetically pleasing shoe.

Insight into the complexity of designing even simple-looking products like sneakers.

Marques' perspective on working with an independent brand versus major brands like Nike and Adidas.

The influence of Kobe Bryant on Marques' career, including his first interview experience with Kobe.

Discussion about tech integration in sneaker design, including Nike's AI prototypes and the potential future of custom design.

Marques' mixed feelings on incorporating high-tech features into shoes, preferring simplicity and functionality.

Marques' excitement about seeing more variety and independent brands in the sneaker market.

Marques' personal sneaker 'grails' and his decision to buy more Kobe sneakers.

Marques selecting new sneakers at the store, including the Bruce Lee colorway and Sabrina shoes.

Final transaction and total purchase amount of $2,874.53.

Closing remarks, emphasizing Marques' influence in tech and sneaker culture.