
COVER FEATURE
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Text by Matthew Samson, Copyright 2022
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The Sneaker King
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Sneakers to me are more than an item of clothing. It’s a way for me to express myself. I’m never the most outspoken person in the room. It’s often my sneakers that speak for me. My love of shoes started at a young age. My grandfather would send me a pair once a year. Upon his passing, I had a pretty nice collection. Unfortunately with his passing so did my love for shoes. It was many years later I met my friend Herb Simpson. His exact words to me were “You’re a good dude but you need better shoes”. The next day he came to work with the newest Jordans for me. With that one gesture, the love for shoes was back. For a while, I would often run my purchases by Herb. If he approved I would purchase it. I eventually developed my style and direction. My collection started as only Air Jordans. I branched out to Adidas, Reebok, Fila, Puma, Vans, and Asics. If I felt it was nice I got it. Like many people during the pandemic, I had a lot of free time. So I decided to try something different. I began recording YouTube videos about sneakers. I did vlogs of me shopping in stores. I also did reviews of the newest sneakers. Things started to pick up for me during that time. With the notoriety from my videos, I began selling shoes. It started slow but I became everyone’s sneaker connect. Sneakers have allowed me to do things I would’ve never thought of. From traveling to different events, being on podcasts, modeling for K.Vaughn, and now even being on the cover of Tony Ward Studio. In closing, if you have a passion, no matter how big or small follow it. You never know where it might take you!
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About The Author: Matthew Sampson is a full-time father of a wonderful 16-year-old daughter who also loves shoes. He recently started creating content in 2020 and posting to IG and YouTube. Matt also has become the sneaker connect for multiple people in Philadelphia. You can his sneakers for sale on his Instagram sampson_matt_. Feel free to reach out if you need items sold as well. This is Matt’s first contribution to TWS.
Matt’s YouTube channel:
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ovYBh_odqJg&authuser=0
Editor’s Note: Matt is wearing a KVaughn scarve, Winter collection. Photographed at the Rittenhouse Grill in Philadelphia on November 27, 2022.
Mr. GQ himself aka the Sneaker God! You did ya thing here bro ~ congrats proud of you.
#1 fan ❤️🔥❤️🔥❤️🔥
Seen this guy on YouTube. Great to hear about his story on where it all started.
Glad you liked it. There will be more about Matt coming up in another post in January.
I’m so proud of you Bro Reading this I didn’t know about your grandpop. Keep grinding!!!!
Matty!!! This story is so beautiful never knew it was your grandfather that started you off. You’re definitely my sneaker connect and I wish you nothing but success! So proud of you!! Xoxo
Amazing article! You were always the sneaker king! So proud of you friend!
Amazing Read Love it
Great read. Encouraging people to follow their passion is always inspiring. Especially teenage boys that are crazy about their sneakers.
Just wondering what shoes you were wearing when Herv saw you lol and s/o to gramps 🙏🏾
True sneaker king! Bro been doing his thing!
I always love a story on how someone recognized that passion. Better yet, taking action on it. All the best, Matt!❤️
Amazing article about a young legend. This article was dope and inspiring, I’m looking forward to reading more about Philly’s own sneaker King.
My brother from another one of the best people I know love you bro so proud of you my guy 💪🏽🙏🏽❤️💯
Excellent post!