Highsnobiety
Double Tap to Zoom

On the latest episode of From the Ground Up, we're diving into the world of extreme sports and its impact on sneaker culture. We met up with Nicky Diamonds out in Los Angeles to discuss Diamond Supply and Nike SB Dunks, before venturing across the pond to speak with a rare Vans collector. Lastly, we close out the segment with an interview with Nigel Sylvester, the first BMX rider to have his own Air Jordan 1.

Nicky kicks things off not only discussing the early days of his company, but also recalling mayhem surrounding sneaker releases. He then dishes on the famed Diamond Supply Nike SB Dunks and how Nike SB and Dunks in general set off streetwear.

Next we pay a visit to The Other Side of The Pillow in London, a shop that has some of the rarest Vans sneakers in the world, and also serves as the closest things to a Vans museum.

Finally, closing out this episode of FTGU is a conversation with BMX rider Nigel Sylvester. Nigel remembers the sneakers he preferred to wear early on while riding, then transitioning to his affinity for Nike SB. In addition, Sylvester touches on his historic Air Jordan 1 collab and how New York City has influenced him exponentially.

After watching our latest 'From the Ground Up' piece, follow here for all previous episodes.

We Recommend
  • Nike’s Clean Skate Shoe Works Hard Like a Timberland Boot (Looks Like One, Too)
  • Nike's Insane "Football" Dunks Are a Touchdown-Worthy Skate Shoe
  • Nike SB Isn’t the Villain. It’s One of Skateboarding’s Unsung Heroes.
  • A Nike Air Max Fit for the Michael Jordan of Skating
  • In "Sequoia," Nike's Plush Suede Dunk Is Almost Too Nice for Skating
What To Read Next
  • Oktoberfest Highsnobiety: Browse This Week’s New Arrivals
  • First, He Came for Your Closet. Now, Jonathan Anderson Wants in Your Kitchen
  • Are These Furry Air Jordan Skate Shoes Demonic or Just Horny?
  • There's a Loafer Revolution Happening — and Harry Styles Is the De Facto Leader
  • Vans' Skate Shoes Enter HOKA-Mode
  • A$AP Rocky & Moncler’s Puffy Ski Gear Is Anything but Dumb