Thoughts for the Sole by HigherLXNG

Today we talkin’ Books!  CLASS Bookstore has become one of Houston's most important spaces for conversation, curiosity, and community. But long before the shelves were filled with books, there was a vision to create a place where knowledge could be shared, challenged, and celebrated. For this episode of Thoughts For The Sole, I sit down with CLASS Bookstore founder David Landry for a conversa...

Today we talkin’ Politics!  Twenty years ago, Sneaker Politics opened its first doors with a vision that was bigger than sneakers. Today, that vision has grown into a cultural institution built on community, relationships, and a commitment to always being on tour. For this special episode of Thoughts For The Sole, I sit down with Sneaker Politics founder Derek Curry inside the new Houston location...

Today we talkin’ Legacy! The return of the Houston Comets isn’t a moment, it’s a reminder. Back to back wasn’t luck. It was dominance. It was foundation. And being at the draft night experience at Kirby Ice House felt like standing at the beginning of something that’s already proven. Houston isn’t trying to build history. It’s picking back up where it left off. Then we step into Sneaker Con Housto...

Today we talkin’ Kicks!  Today we welcome back returning guest Samo. In 2024, Samo and I shared one of the most passionate conversations this show has seen. A conversation about trials, tribulations, and testimony. Now we reconnect at a very different moment. Daily Threads is officially open. A beautiful shop on the south side of Houston that stands as proof of vision, persistence, and faith. In t...

Today we talkin’ Kicks!  What does it take to turn an idea into a sneaker? We sit down with Khullen, CEO, Founder, and Lead Designer of Katalyst to find out. In this episode, he breaks down the creation of the Katalyst 1 and the realities of stepping into footwear design. From his journey from East Texas to Nike in Portland, Khullen reflects on the inspiration, the obstacles, and the discipline re...

Today we talkin’ Kicks!  This episode is a personal reflection on being part of the H Town Jordan 11 Jordan Brand project. It was a moment of pride, culture, and deep connection to the city that shaped me. I share the emotions, the meaning, and the weight of representing Houston through creativity, and what the experience revealed about culture, identity, and Houston’s undeniable influence on styl...

Today we talkin’ Kicks!  Fresh off ComplexCon Las Vegas, I reflect on the moments that defined the weekend, from the Jordan 11 activations repping Houston, Atlanta, and Vegas to the Sneaker of the Year panel and the LAAMS Air Force 1 pop up. As well as the Air Max 95000. This episode taps into the pulse of fashion, culture, and the energy that connects us all. Thank you for taking the time out to...

Today we talkin’ Kicks!  This week we are talking about the top 5 kicks I’m looking forward to for the rest of the year. A few kicks that define taste, tell stories and keep the culture moving forward. I also share a little more about what happened with the Nike GT Future leak at NBA All Star weekend earlier this year. Tap in and let me know if any made your list too or if you have your eye on oth...

Today we talkin’ BFF 2025! This week I’m sharing my experience at the 2025 Black Footwear Forum, presented by Pensole Lewis College. The weekend carried a theme that resonated deeply: own your power, define your future. Surrounded by brilliant Black creatives and leaders, I felt the weight and beauty of what it means to belong in a space built for us, by us. From conversations with artists and sto...

Today we talkin’ Kicks! I hope you’ve been well and if not, remember that all that is not will be.  This week on Thoughts for the Sole, I’m breaking down my favorite sneaker pick-ups of 2025 (so far), from surprise drops to long-awaited heat. It’s already been a strong year, and the best might still be ahead. I’m also sharing a powerful moment I had with the Adidas Cornerstone Community, a space c...

Today we talkin’ Kicks! Caught up with Mike G. from The Sneaker History Podcast, one of the historians  in the game. We talked about when he first fell in love with kicks, those early days working at the shop (when the check went straight to kicks and rent), and how he feels about the current state of this game we love. We also got into what it has meant for me to rediscover and redefine my passio...

Today we talkin’ Kicks! The NBA All-Star Weekend in San Francisco was even more legendary off the court as it was on it. From top-tier brand activations to unforgettable connections, the energy was truly next level. Jordan Brand and Nike stole the show with an insane showcase including the leak of a future basketball shoe banger. This week on Thoughts for the Sole, we’re breaking down how my photo...

Today we talkin’ Kicks! On this episode of Thoughts for the Sole , I’m taking you inside my recent trip to Portland and Nike HQ, where I had the honor of witnessing Wilson Smith’s send-off into his next chapter. Also recapping my time at Super Weekend in NOLA and linking up with the Sneaker Politics fam. Plus, with so many insanely good drops this month, I’m breaking down some of my thoughts on th...

Today we talkin’ Kicks! In this episode of Thoughts for the Sole, I’m breaking down my early must-have sneakers for the year, pairs that are setting the tone and making plenty of waves in the sneaker space this year. Are these kicks worth the cop, or will we be looking at a resale disaster? #pressplay Thank you for taking the time out to tune into today's show. Please do not forget to  subscr...

Today we talkin’ Kicks!   Short and sweet. Today we are talking about all of the happenings from September and October in the LXNG world. Worked on my first major campaign(Nike) and then another one! I’ve been tremendously blessed. And then we dive into one of my most memorable pick ups from this year and what I’m looking forward to the rest of the way. Some how I forgot to mention the Mocha Jumpm...

Today we talkin’ BFF 2024! This week I dive into my transformative experience at the Black Footwear Forum by Pensole Lewis College and FDRA. I speak on my profound sense of belonging and the connection that I felt within a community of Black creatives and leaders. From the artists to the CEO's, this past weekend was a true testament to the power of community and the pursuit of dreams. Dr. D&a...

Today we talkin’ kicks! In this episode, I’m sharing some life updates, diving into my thoughts on sneakers today, and talking about a few things I’m excited for. Plus, a special shoutout to ChicinSneaks for her anniversary! Thank you for taking the time out to tune into today's show. Please do not forget to  subscribe and leave a 5 star review. To keep up with the host: higherlxng.com Instag...

Today we talkin’ kicks! Join us as we sit down with Audrey, the managing editor and Head of global mass communication and partnerships for Sneaker Freaker magazine. Audrey, a true sneakerhead herself, shares her passion for the world of footwear and gives us an inside look into her role with the iconic magazine. We also discuss Audrey's personal sneaker collection and favorite pairs as well a...

Today we talkin’ kicks………and props! H-Town's own Sean brings you a unique blend of Hollywood magic and street style. As a seasoned prop artist crafting iconic film moments, he dives deep into the world of film, sharing behind-the-scenes secrets and industry insights. But that's not all. Sean's passion for sneakers, culture, and fashion runs just as deep. Get ready for a fresh take o...

Today we talkin’ kicks………and fashion! This episode is all about sneakers and style. We sit down with Houston fashion stylist,Samo, to talk kicks, culture, and couture. We take a dive into the intersection of sneakers and style and how he came to shape his identity and footprint in the fashion world. Samo shares this journey in fashion from the days when streetwear wasn’t considered real fashion to...

Today we talkin’ kicks! This episode dives deep into the Houston sneaker scene with O, a local legend in his own right. We trace his journey through the world of sneakers, from his YouTube channel to how the iconic 2011 Air Jordan Concord 11 got him back into kicks. His MJ 45 jersey if you will. Listen in for insights, stories,and a glimpse into the heart of the Houston sneakerhead community and c...

Today we talkin’ kicks! In this episode, we chat with H-Town's own CJarrell, a true sneaker connoisseur. We dive into when he fell in love with kicks and his experiences working in the sneaker industry. Jarrell also shares his insights on some of Nike's recent releases that he saw firsthand during a focus group.#pressplay Thank you for taking the time out to tune into today's show....

Today we talkin’ kicks! Today’s show celebrates both Women's History Month and Air Max Day!  Ki and Mo have a very passionate conversation on women in the sneaker space. They discuss the journey of ChicInSneaks and the evolution that is OurSoles. They also  share stories of influential women who are making a big impact in sneaker culture today. Tune in for insightful perspectives on the progr...

Today we talkin’ kicks! Today we are choppin it up  with Jae Tips, the creative mind behind some of today's most sought-after sneakers. We discuss his deep passion for sneakers, from his early days working in sneaker stores to now designing his own footwear in collaboration with Saucony. We also dive into Jae's unique color philosophy in sneakers and how music intertwines with, and influ...

Today we talkin’ kicks! This week we choppin' it up with Darren and Tony, two thirds of Tradeblock! We discuss the origins of their friendship, Houston sneaker culture and the progression of Tradeblock. They also give a little more details concerning Sneaker March Mania, with a grand prize of $25,000. To top it all of they also give their sneaker Mt. Rushmore, subject to to change next week h...