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Highlighting the Wonderful Women of City Gear - Meet Monique

Lifestyle

Highlighting the Wonderful Women of City Gear - Meet Monique

Feb 29, 2024

In celebration of International Women's Day on March 8 and Women's History Month, we're highlighting the sneakHERheads that help keep the City Gear heart beating.

Monique Hicks at annual sneaker ball

What’s your name and when did you start collecting?

Monique: I am Monique Hicks and I have been collecting since 2004.


What is your connection to City Gear?

Monique: I'm a Regional Sales Manager for City Gear.

How did you get into sneaker collecting/into the sneakerhead scene?

Monique: I feel fortunate that I am able to work in the sneaker industry. I started working for Foot Locker in 2004 and fell in love with sneakers and now my love for sneakers has transferred to a career in sneakers.


Why do you collect?


Monique: It’s a hobby and an opportunity to explore the stories behind these shoes and discover how they came to be. I love sneakers, they are versatile. I can wear them with sweats and turn around and rock them with a dress.

Air Jordan 6 Retro "Gatorade" sneakers

How many pairs do you have in your collection, and what's your favorite pair?

Monique: I have 144; I’ve started over twice. My favorite pair: the Jordan 6 Retro "Gatorade."

What can you tell us about female representation/inclusion in sneaker culture?

Monique: Today, women’s sneakers are one of the biggest trends we see. Females are being represented within the industry more than ever before. Women are sidelined by the streetwear industry at every point of entry, from the lack of women’s sizing in sneakers to a serious drought of female creatives behind the scenes. I purchase a lot of men sizes. However, The female sneaker community is thriving.

monique-hicks-velour-green-sneakers

How do you think women have impacted the typically male-dominated sneakersphere in recent years?

Monique: As a humble shoe size 11, there are immediate limits to what sneakers I can and can’t wear. The industry has predominantly favored the needs of men over women, and it’s a problem that has existed for years. The sneaker industry has come a long way but still missing the mark when it comes to gender inclusivity. As women, we often miss out on exclusive collaborations because our size isn’t stocked. We often fall prey to the narrative that women can’t be sneakerheads.

Do you have any favorite females in the sneakersphere that you look up to, are inspired by or think have a positive impact on the industry?

Monique: Teyana Taylor because she connects with the average woman and occupies spaces with different industries. Teyana is on the ground level with real stories and experiences. I would love to see more female sneaker collaborations and more women in the field and in the community.

monique-hicks-black-and-white-outfit

What is the importance of women-inclusive sizing/colorways/etc.?

Monique: Change is coming. We’ve seen the women’s product range grow from season to season, and extended footwear size ranges. We have more access to men’s products and gender-neutral colorways.

What would you like to see for women in the future of sneaker culture?

Monique: Equality in the sneakersphere is very important. Women want to have diverse choices, and not be limited to what brands deem traditional choices for females.

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