Filipino Sneakerheads Share Their 3 Worthwhile Shoe Investments

June 1, 2023

To help you find your next pair of sneakers, we hit up five Filipino sneakerheads to drop their top picks for kicks worth investing in

Every sneakerhead knows the thrill of picking a fresh pair to add to their rotation. However, with countless options to choose from, picking the right pair to cop can be straight up overwhelming. To help you out, here are five Filipino sneakerheads and their takes on which sneakers are actually worth investing in.

Marc Josh Veloso

Marc Josh Veloso, the creative director and founder of The Third World and local brand Episodes®, has some strong recommendations for this list. His top pick is the New Balance 2002R x The Basement Moss Green, a pair that holds a special significance for Marc because it was a present from his close friend and The Basement’s creator, Paolo Cimarra. Another favorite of Marc’s is the Rick Owens Ramones High Top Sneakers, which he confidently wears for both casual and formal occasions. And last but certainly not least, he highly recommends the Air Jordan 4 White Cement, a favorite among Filipino sneakerheads. Marc proudly admits to owning six pairs of this iconic model in his collection since 2012.

^{Photos: MARC JOSH VELOSO (via Instagram)}

Lharby Policarpio

With nearly 400k followers on the ‘gram, Lharby Policarpio has established himself as a style-setter. When it comes to his looks, shoes are everything, so it’s no shocker that he’s got some great ones in his collection. Lharby starts his list strong with the Balenciaga Track Sneakers. These kicks are the actor’s ultimate choice when he wants to exude an edgy and daring vibe. Next up are the Alexander McQueen low-top sneakers, which Lharby describes as clean, preppy, and the perfect pair of white sneakers in his closet. On his lazy days or when he’s in a rush, Lharby rocks the New Balance 1906r. These kicks are versatile and laid-back, making them a go-to pair for a number of situations.

^{Photos: LHARBY POLICARPIO (via Instagram)}

Jeff Ong

Widely regarded for his impeccable street style, content creator Jeff Ong shares several pairs of sneakers to highlight. He begins with the Nike Air Jordan x Travis Scott 1 collabs. According to Jeff, it’s worth it to splurge on every Nike Air Jordan x Travis Scott release due to their limited availability and unique style. His personal favorites are the Jordan 1 High Travis Scott Dark Mocha and the Reverse Mocha lows. Another standout in Jeff’s collection is the classic Nike Air Force 1. While they may seem simple to some, Jeff considers them a must-have staple that can be worn with anything. He also shared his preference for the triple white and triple black colorways. Wrapping up his suggestions, Jeff recommends wearing the Bapesta shoes. With their limited drops and sick designs, he believes that this pair would make a great addition to any sneakerhead’s rotation.

^{Photos: JEFF ONG (via Instagram)}

Justin Bangsil

Based in La Union, Justin Bangsil brings some serious heat to the sneaker game with his fresh aesthetic. When asked about his top kicks, the content creator didn’t even need to think twice before dropping some fiery recommendations. Kicking off Justin’s lineup is the adidas Forum Low, which he deems very comfortable and easy to style because of its understated design. Next on his list is the highly sought-after Travis Scott Reverse Mocha. Despite its higher price point, Justin knows it’s a worthy investment, as it perfectly completes his streetwear looks. Lastly, Justin suggests considering the Nike Dunk Low Retro Kentucky. He particularly favors the colored versions, as they add a vibrant touch to any outfit. It’s not only a fashionable choice, but it also presents an excellent opportunity to show off your color coordination skills.

^{Photos: JUSTIN BANGSIL (via Instagram)}

Christian Tiu

Content creator Christian Tiu takes a unique approach by suggesting the types of shoes that every man should have in his rotation, blessing us with even more great recommendations. According to Christian, essential footwear includes white sneakers, chunky sneakers, and colored sneakers. Christian’s sneaker collection is incomplete without a few pairs of fresh white kicks. They effortlessly elevate any outfit he wears, making them a must-have in his wardrobe. He’s all about the adidas Ozweego and Alberto Irving sneakers. When it comes to chunky kicks, Christian’s go-to choices are the New Balance 9060 and adidas Forum High Cut. Not only do these give him that extra boost, but they also improve his style and overall appeal. Lastly, the influencer emphasizes that adding a touch of color to their outfits is crucial, and for colored sneakers, Christian recommends the New Balance 327. As he points out, even with an all-black outfit or coordinating colors, these vibrant sneakers will surely capture people’s attention.