Ep 7. Lena Waithe Goes Sneaker Shopping with Complex

Lena Waithe, the Emmy Award-winning writer, producer, and actor, joins host Joe La Puma at Stadium Goods in New York City for an episode of Sneaker Shopping. Waithe is known for her work on Master of None, The Chi, and Queen & Slim, and has been a longtime sneaker enthusiast, so La Puma tests her knowledge with various trivia questions about sneakers and sneaker culture.

La Puma and Waithe browse through the shelves at Stadium Goods, checking out some of the newest and most exclusive releases from Nike, Adidas, and Jordan. Waithe shares stories of her childhood, where she didn't have the means to buy the sneakers she wanted, but she still found ways to express herself through her shoe choices. She also talks about the importance of representation in the industry and how she hopes to inspire other sneakerheads who may not have felt seen in the past.

As they continue to shop, Waithe reveals her love for Air Max sneakers, pointing out a pair that she used to wear all the time. La Puma brings out some rare Air Max 1 and Air Max 90 collaborations, and Waithe is in awe of the designs and details. They also discuss the impact of Nike's "BeTrue" collection, which celebrates the LGBTQ+ community during Pride month.

Waithe and La Puma also touch on the topic of collaborations and the excitement that comes with a highly anticipated release. They discuss the Virgil Abloh x Nike "The Ten" collaboration, which Waithe admits she had to pay resale prices to get her hands on. However, as they shop, they both agree that it's important to not get caught up in the hype and to only buy sneakers that truly speak to you.

Throughout the episode, Waithe drops gems about what sneakers mean to her and how they can be a tool for self-expression and confidence. She also gives a glimpse into her upcoming projects, including her new movie Queen & Slim, which she wrote and produced.

In the end, Waithe walks away with a few new pairs of sneakers, including a limited edition Adidas collaboration and a classic pair of Jordans. As they wrap up their shopping trip, La Puma and Waithe reflect on the importance of staying true to yourself and your style, regardless of what's trending or popular in the sneaker world.

Overall, this episode showcases the intersection of sneaker culture and personal expression, as Lena Waithe shares her own experiences and perspective. It's a must-watch for anyone who loves sneakers or is interested in the role they can play in shaping our identities.