sneakers Archives - RESPECT. | The Photo Journal of Hip-Hop Culture

Sneakerhead Galore: Hand Wipe Cleans Sneaker Instantly

Brandon Robinson — Thu, 05 May 2016 14:39:03 +0000

Sneakers!! Ya can’t live without them and you surely can’t style without them either. You know that the sneaker genre is legit when CBS News is talking about it, too!

With the growing demand of sneakers and the need for exclusivity you need upkeep, right? TightWipes, a fairly new Staten Island, NY based company is doing their part to insure that. Developed by a Sneakerhead who was tired of the hassle of other sneaker cleaners on the market, the company’s goal was to create a fast and efficient way to clean and keep kicks looking fresh and new. With that idea intact, they went to a chemical engineer and developed a special cleaning formula: a pre-moistened, luxury, handy wipe that cleans and renews dirty shoes, boots, sneakers and much more. That’s like Purell for a sneaker! RESPECT. recently caught up with the brand to get the scoop on it.

RESPECT.: How did you come up with the concept of the product line?

TIGHTWIPES: The concept was created off of a word I grew up on. ‘Tight’ is a street expression for “looking good.” That car is Tight! That girl looks Tight! Sneakers are not just for sports, they play a big role in the Fashion, Urban and Hip Hop lifestyle. When you first meet someone footwear is one of the first things you notice. Kicks are major part of fashion and can put together a whole outfit and swag. Dirty kicks are not a good look. Keep your kicks looking clean and Tight! People understand it, they get “Tight Wipes!” They are feeling it!

RESPECT.: The “urban market” covers a wide demographic from Millennials to Hip Hop fans, X-gamers, etc. Did you know from the beginning that you wanted to give that market a new product or was Tight Wipes more of a personal quest for you?

TIGHTWIPES: I was always into Hip Hop. I was actually a tagger in my youth. Graffiti is a form of art. Hip hop, sneakers, grafftti and sneakers all co mingle. I always had my ear to the streets. If you respect the streets, the streets will respect you. I always loved sneakers and footwear! I wanted a product that I could use myself, something that was chill but actually worked to care for all my expensive sneakers. Something that when people saw it and used it, they would understand it.

RESPECT.: When did you launch the company officially? How long did it take to perfect your product before the launch?

TIGHTWIPES: I trademarked the product and launched the company on paper officially in January 2014 but I made sure my product not only met my standards, but exceeded them. After a year of testing and perfecting Tight Wipes, I brought it to the retail market in January 2015.

RESPECT.: What is it about your company and product line that stands out from your competitors?

TIGHTWIPES: We definitely are the original sneaker wipe! I know alot of other competitors saw what we were doing and bit off us.Biters! But others do not compare. We use higher end ingredients and materials that cost more money. We don’t water down our ingredients like some competitors. We don’t use just one ingredient, we researched and use a combination of several ingredients with different percentages to give a better cleaning effect. We don’t use shortcuts. We use the best of the best it’s that simple!” We keep it Tight!

RESPECT.: You’re based in New York and have an online ecommerce store, can people purchase the products in any stores?

TIGHTWIPES: Yes you can purchase Tight Wipes products in a lot of online stores and we sell exclusively on Amazon.com You can purchase in several brick and morter stores across the country and world. This is growing and changing everyday. We are currently adding a Tight Wipes locator to add to our website which will show you a Tight Wipes location in your city, state and location by where you live. The Tight Wipes locator option should be up and running live on our website tightwipes.com by this June.

RESPECT.: What is in the future for Tight Wipes for 2016?

TIGHTWIPES: Immediate growth and expansion of new Tight Wipes products. We are getting alot of attention from retail buyers, stores and consumers across the world. We should have 2 more Tight Wipes products added to the line and will be ready to hit the retail market by this June. We are anticipating several celebrity endorsement deals and have already been approached to partner with some big box retailers.”

RESPECT.: The hip hop market has a huge love for their kicks, are there any celebrities that have fallen in love with your product since launch? If so, whom?

TIGHTWIPES: We are currently working out some deals with some very well known celebrity’s, so at this time this is something we can’t disclose until the ink is dry, I’m sure you can understand; but we are open to entertaining any new celebrity offers.” Celebs and their managers love the product and love the concept and would love to work with us!!

RESPECT.: Do your products just clean kicks or do these materials help extend the life of leather and similar materials?

TIGHTWIPES: The Tight Wipes formula cleans and actually nourishes the material. It’s similar to how water is for the human body. You need it and absorb it! Tight Wipes protects the material from getting dirty. It makes it easier to clean the next time. Think of Tight Wipes as not just cleaning your sneakers but Tight Wipes is maintenance for your kicks and extends the life of the material”

Suggested Articles:

Make-up Artist Courtney Rashon Details New Make-up Line & Book

Taylor Gang: Entrepreneur Ashley Taylor & Teyana Taylor Open Spaces & Co In Cleveland

The post Sneakerhead Galore: Hand Wipe Cleans Sneaker Instantly appeared first on RESPECT. | The Photo Journal of Hip-Hop Culture.

Rihanna x Puma Release New Creeper Colorways

RESPECT. Staff — Wed, 18 Nov 2015 23:38:33 +0000

Christmas is literally right around the corner and what’s better than treating yourself or your lady to a new pair of kicks?

After the success of Puma x Rihanna’s first collaboration, the sneaker brand has once again teamed up with our favorite edgy singer to release two new colorways for The Creeper. The taupe or soft pink (with a hunter green detail) sneakers both paired with gum bottoms will run you about $120, if you can catch it in store.

Puma and Rihanna’s first collaboration sold out in three hours! By the looks of official Puma retailers such as Sneaker Politics, its safe to say these kicks will sell out quickly too. Don’t sleep!

The post Rihanna x Puma Release New Creeper Colorways appeared first on RESPECT. | The Photo Journal of Hip-Hop Culture.

Chris Brown Teams Up With Asics For Sneaker Collab

RESPECT. Staff — Thu, 23 Jul 2015 16:05:15 +0000

This year it seems as if the go-to sneakers have ranged from Saucony and Huaraches to Puma and Asics. Although it seems as if Puma has been on top of it lately collaborating with celebrities like Rihanna and Vashtie, they aren’t the only ones who are making moves. Recently, R&B superstar Chris Brown announced via Instagram that he would be collaborating with the highly versatile and color-way praised Asics. If you consider his dope artistic abilities, his raw taste in fashion, on top of his own personal sneaker style, this was definitely a match bound to happen. Whatever he decides to do with Asics, you can expect for it to be heat.

The post Chris Brown Teams Up With Asics For Sneaker Collab appeared first on RESPECT. | The Photo Journal of Hip-Hop Culture.

Swavor and Adidas Collaborate For A Limited Edition ZX Flux Sneaker

RESPECT. Staff — Thu, 16 Jul 2015 19:09:45 +0000

Just in time for the official kick off of Men’s Fashion Week, popular clothing brand Swavor collaborates with popular sports and lifestyle brand Adidas. Designed by Christofer Brito & Shek Tarawallie, the custom ZX Flux is now available exclusively via swavor.us.

The campaign features model Shyan Ranje captured by an ultra-crisp photographer, Dylan Millsap. Only 150 pairs are available, so be sure to grab yours today as apart of a limited edition bundle package that includes: a shirt designed by Tarawallie & Brito, extra shoe laces, and a hand painted dust-bag by Tarawallie himself.

Check out the lookbook of the one-of-a-kind footwear below and be on the lookout for more from the Maryland based fashion house coming soon!

The post Swavor and Adidas Collaborate For A Limited Edition ZX Flux Sneaker appeared first on RESPECT. | The Photo Journal of Hip-Hop Culture.

Nick Young & 2 Chainz Shop for Ultra-Rare Sneakers

RESPECT. Staff — Tue, 17 Mar 2015 17:44:35 +0000

GQ continues with an over-the-top version of “Lifestyles Of The Rich & Famous,” a series of episodes of the “Most Expensivest Sh*t” featuring 2 Chainz.

On today’s episode, 2 Chainz links up with NBA-Lakers Nick Young, AKA Swaggy P, and his son to hit RIF Los Angeles. Towards the end of the episode, Nick tries to convince 2 Chainz to cop a pair of $25,000 Jordans, but our 2-chained friend turned it down with the quickness.

Check out the episode below, and if you missed out on previous episodes, check it out here.

Source: GQ

The post Nick Young & 2 Chainz Shop for Ultra-Rare Sneakers appeared first on RESPECT. | The Photo Journal of Hip-Hop Culture.

Brooklyn Museum to Present ‘The Rise of Sneaker Culture’ Exhibit

RESPECT. Staff — Sat, 14 Mar 2015 19:11:00 +0000

The Brooklyn Museum has quite the gift for sneaker heads living in the NYC area. Starting on July 10th, 2015 the museum will host The Rise of Sneaker Culture exhibit, which will explore sneaker history with 150 or so sneakers acting as a timeline. Brands like Nike, Adidas, and Puma will be represented, and kicks from sneaker collectors are also set to be on display. The exhibit will run until October 4th. For more information click here.

The post Brooklyn Museum to Present ‘The Rise of Sneaker Culture’ Exhibit appeared first on RESPECT. | The Photo Journal of Hip-Hop Culture.

6 Sneakers You Need To Know About

Haleema Khan — Tue, 10 Feb 2015 20:46:08 +0000

Do we really need an ocassion to upgrade our sneaker collection? Not really. To keep a track of your favorite sneakers that should be added to your must cop list, we have put together few pairs that are on fire this season. Starting with ETQ Amsterdam SS15 Collection, Grey Mid Top (at the top). Check what else we picked out below.

ETQ Amsterdam SS15 Collection All White Croc Embossed Low top kicks.

ASICS Gel Lyte V “Valentine’s Day” available now at select ASICS retailers like Sneaker Politics with a sweet price tag of $130 USD.

The laser-etched high-top will be a a part of Jordan Brand’s “Laser” Pack that also includes the Air Jordan 1 and Air Jordan 4. Priced at $250 USD.

The adidas Yeezy Boost that are st to release on February 14 in New York.

Finally, the “Aunt Pearl” series. KD 7s x Kay Yow Cancer Fund collab sneaker. Get them on Nike’s online store on February 19.

The post 6 Sneakers You Need To Know About appeared first on RESPECT. | The Photo Journal of Hip-Hop Culture.