Awesome Sneaker Groups: Adidas Talk Philippines

It's been a strong couple of years for Adidas. From a business standpoint, the German sportswear brand still faces the huge challenge of knocking Nike off the top spot in terms of sneaker sales. But what numbers won't tell you are all the ways Adidas is trying to out-cool Nike. And for the most part, you could make the argument that it's actually working. 

A hard push for the Originals line, the introduction of key technologies such as Boost, and collaborations with everyone from Rick Owens to a guy named Kanye West have made the Three Stripes more than worthy of a spot in your sneaker rotation. That's not to say that Adidas was ever uncool in the first place. It's just that with more and more people wearing the brand, more and more people are gonna want to share that love. 

That's where Adidas Talk Philippines (ATP) comes in. From a group that started with around 600 people towards the tail end of 2012, membership has blossomed into one that's almost 30,000 strong and counting! It's run pretty well too, with heads more than willing to help folks out. Whether you're buying, selling, or just sharing a slice of that Three Stripe Life, you've got a place at ATP. 

Join the group HERE

Awesome Philippine Sneaker Groups to Join on Facebook.

A big part of my daily Facebook routine involves checking out what's new on a number of sneaker groups, both local and international. Though the main point of most groups is the whole buying and selling aspect of the game, I try to keep a look out for interesting discussions, insider info, and the occasional good deal.

Below are a handful of Philippine sneaker groups that I think are definitely worth joining in. Check them out for yourself, but always remember that the internet is public domain. Act like you would if you were encountering the people you interact with in a real world setting. Don't be the asshole that hides behind fake names just to troll people. Be nice, do your research, and if you're looking to buy stuff, be wary of scammers.

Awesome cover design by Ira Cordero

1. Sole Slam Manila 
Member Count - 21,529 as of 2/16/2014

If you're in the know when it comes to Philippine sneaker culture, Sole Slam Manila should be a familiar name. Antonio Aguirre Jr. founded what I think has become an institution in world sneaker culture. It's not just me who thinks so. Check out what The Shoe Game had to say. In fact, the group's just the tip of a pretty big-ass iceberg. Aside from a strong social media presence, Sole Slam Manila also has a legit brick-and-mortar store and a yearly event that's at par with many sneaker conventions around the world.

Expect lots of buying and selling, discussions, and pretty much anything about sneakers in general. I also appreciate the fact that the group's admins keep it as well maintained as a 21k strong group can possibly be.

Join HERE 

2. Kobe Section PH 
Member Count - 14,399 as of 2/16/2014

Kobe Bryant is without a doubt of the most recognized figures in basketball the world over. His following here in the Philippines is a pretty devoted lot, so it's no surprise that his sneakers are usually well received over on this side of the world. Save for the occasional errant posts (iPhones for sale in a sneaker group, really?), you'll find a good amount of release info, sneaker hookups, and a good amount of buying and selling of pretty much anything involving The Black Mamba.



Join HERE

3. New Balance PHL
Member Count - 3097 as of 2/16/2014

Retro runners are going to be big this year and New Balance is one of the brands that's been leading the charge. The group may not be huge in number yet, but you'll find a ton of good deals, release info and a whole lot of NBs that weren't released locally.

Join HERE

4. Strictly Off The Wall (Vans Talk Philippines)
Member Count - 3,785 as of 2/16/2014

Lots of deals, discussions, and release info on a load of Vans silhouettes. Arguably the best local Vans group online.

Join HERE

5. Sneaker Beaters Club
Member Count - 22,247 as of 2/16/2014

This group has a pretty interesting set of posting rules. Most of what you'll find here may be secondhand stuff, but there's always a good chance on coming up on a good deal here.

Join HERE 

6. Heat Hub PH
Member Count - 220 as of 2/16/2014

Okay, this one's a pretty shamless plug. I created this group for people to share the sneakers they wear. No selling here, just discussions and lots and lots of shots of really sick kicks. Feel free to join us HERE

There's a lot of other groups out there. Some really broad, and some that cater to niche audiences. If you know a group that should get some promotion, or if you've started a group as well, let me know in the comments section and I'll make sure to check it out!