Lifestyle

Highlighting the Wonderful Women of City Gear - Meet Naomii

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.

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

Naomii: I am Naomii Herrington, and I started collecting in late 2020.


What is your connection to City Gear?


Naomii: I'm a City Gear store manager in Jackson, MS and a City Gear "Highest Gear" influencer.

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

Naomii: I have always been passionate about fashion, including clothing, shoes, and accessories. As a child, I was an avid collector of Bratz Dolls, eagerly waiting for the release of each season's new items. My sisters and I would excitedly collect our favorite dolls, complete with their shoes and clothes. Through this hobby, I learned how to pair different pieces together, and what shoes would complement an outfit best.

My love for fashion only grew stronger with time, and during my sophomore year of college, I decided to take the plunge and enter the retail field. I landed my first job at a women's boutique and learned valuable skills that would serve me well in my future endeavors. When I applied for the Manager's Training Position at City Gear, I aced the interview and secured the position.

My store manager taught me all about shoes, and I was amazed by the variety of styles and fashions available. I began expressing myself through my outfits, starting with my kicks, and have never looked back since then.

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Why do you collect?

Naomii: I collect shoes because I am a woman who believes that “YOU CAN NEVER HAVE TOO MANY SHOES AND CLOTHES!”


How many pairs do you have in your collection?


Only 171, last year I passed on a bunch of releases.

What is your favorite/most prized pair?

Naomii: My favorite pair of kicks are the Nike Air Max One Kasina, Won-Ang. It was my first win on SNKRS and my first pair of Air Max ones. The Air Max one gives a special touch with a matrimonial theme, inspired by Mandarin ducks symbolizing unity and love.

The design features vibrant details like embroidered ducks, rich textures in pony hair and suede, and exclusive elements such as a Won-Ang keychain and wooden dubrae - elevating the Air Max One into a unique, celebratory piece for every day.

My most prized pair of sneakers are my Air Jordan 1 Bio Hacks. That's where it all started. In other words, when I started collecting.! The colors speak to me and the message I get is to be bold and confident.

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

Naomii: Female representation in sneaker culture has been growing, with increased efforts by brands to create more inclusive designs and marketing. Collaborations with female influencers and athletes have played a significant role in challenging traditional norms. I'm excited to see how we create this through fashion.

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

Naomii: Women have made significant strides in the sneakersphere, influencing design, collaborations, and marketing. Their impact is seen in breaking gender norms, creating inclusive styles, and driving change toward more diverse and representative footwear collections.


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?


Naomii:Teyana Taylor and Megan Thee Stallion are influential in the sneakersphere due to their distinctive styles, cultural impact, and ability to seamlessly blend fashion with their personal brand. Their collaborations and unique approaches to sneaker culture contribute to a broader representation within the industry, resonating with diverse audiences.

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

Naomii: Women-inclusive sizing, colorways, and design options are essential for promoting diversity, empowering individual expression, and ensuring that the fashion industry caters to a broad range of body types and personal styles. It fosters inclusivity, allowing women to feel represented and confident in their fashion choices, irrespective of size or preferences.

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

Naomii: In the future of sneaker culture, I hope to see continued empowerment of women with more diverse collaborations, innovative designs, and increased leadership roles. It would be great to witness a sustained shift towards breaking stereotypes, fostering inclusivity, and celebrating the unique contributions of women in shaping the sneaker industry.