Scroll through any social media platform and we can guarantee you it will be awash with sneakers of all kinds. But look a little closer at who’s showing them off. You cannot deny it, women are making some serious waves in the sneaker industry, and frankly, it’s about damn time! Today we have the pleasure of talking to the woman behind one of our favourite accounts, uplifting and empowering women across the industry, Julia Lebossè. However, you may know her better as the founder of @SneakersbyWomen.

Julia is nothing short of incredible, setting up the account during the 2020 spring lockdown. As the sole manager of the page, she curates and creates brilliant content, conducts interviews with interesting women across the sneaker industry, sits on various prestigious panels herself, all whilst studying for a BA in Fashion Marketing & Buying. Her drive and commitment to the 9,000 strong community is frankly astonishing, and we are so excited to learn a little more about the women behind @SneakersbyWomen. So sit back, grab a drink and let’s get started!

Hi Julia, thank you so much for taking the time to talk to us today. How did your passion for sneakers start?

I’ve always loved shoes in general since I was a kid, and sneakers and the community that surrounds them have always piqued my interest. As a sporty girl who was also quite timid, I expressed myself by wearing a bright and colourful pair of trainers. My sneakers were something I took great pride in. Whether it was my first pair of Nikes or my knock-off £15 Van’s, I would always keep them clean. Some of my friends thought it was funny how I could keep my white kicks spick and span for months even when I wore them every day! Sneaker Culture was and still is not as mainstream in the UK as it is in the US, especially where I live, so I kind of discovered the world of sneakers online, and the majority of my knowledge comes from watching sneaker-related content on YouTube, like Jaques Slade, Complex, and The Full-Size Run Show, reading Sneaker Freaker magazines, and, of course, surfing social media.

What inspired you to set up SneakersbyWomen?

It was simply the result of built-up frustration — frustration at not seeing women acknowledged in the sneaker industry, or very little. I felt as if there was no room for me in the industry I aspired to work in. But after research, I discovered so many women behind so many sneakers we love, as well as Black women who continue to lead the music and streetwear scenes. It baffled me that there was so little coverage on these incredible women and what they do. I set out to combat this, thus Sneakers by Women was born. Sneakers by Women is an online platform and community paying tribute to females who shape streetwear and sneaker culture while shedding light on industry inequalities and problems women face.

We know that the sneaker industry isn’t always the most welcoming to newcomers and women, what do you think we could do to change that?

Being a newcomer in this industry is incredibly challenging, especially as a woman, as you are continuously expected to justify your passion for sneakers, which is ridiculous to me. First and foremost, we must ditch the “Prove your love for sneakers” mentality that many of those who have been a part of the community for a long time constantly preach. To change this, it is up to the leaders and those of us who are already a part of the community to open the door for those who come after us and ensure that everyone feels welcome and included.

Dunks are everywhere at the moment! We love them but I would be interested to know what you think the next ‘big’ silhouette is going to be?

Hmmm… it’s a tough question. I believe several companies have silhouettes that may be contenders, but I reckon the Jordan 1 Low is the one. The most popular and trendy sneakers are often the most wearable, and the freshly released Jordan 1 Low “Neutral Grey” can go with practically anything. I just hope Nike doesn’t go overboard with the silhouette and instead focuses on making each colourway accessible to everyone.

Dream sneaker collaboration? Who would you love to see get their hands on a pair of sneakers?

Although not necessarily related to sneaker culture, seeing Zendaya have her own sneaker would be awesome! She is someone I have always looked up to as a very hardworking and humble woman who continues to inspire young girls through both her stunning event clothes and her amazing acting. Now that our girl Yara Shahidih has teamed up with Adidas, it’s time for Zendeya to design a killer sneaker! Probably in partnership with Converse, as that’s what she’s often seen wearing.

I would love to know your opinion regarding WMNS only releases? Do you think this helps or just amplifies the in-equalities within the sneaker industry?

I feel that at this point in time, women’s exclusives are very necessary, as accessing sneakers is still much more difficult for women than it is for men, particularly in terms of sizing. To create a more even playing field in the sneaker world, we must first lift up, support and include women. Having additional releases for HER will help to spread the message that women are just as important as men and deserve dope kicks too! However, having all sneakers fully inclusive/unisex is the ultimate goal in the future.

What are your ultimate day-to-day sneakers, and how do you like to style them?

With the hotter summer weather, I nearly always opt for my New Balance Casablanca 327s or my newly purchased “Sea Salt” 2002Rs, because they are so comfortable and go with everything! I’m no fashion guru, but more of a sporty casual type of gal, so I’d pair them with a comfy pair of sweat-shorts, baby tee (cropped tee), white chunky crew socks, and a baseball cap, finished off with a couple gold necklaces and hoop earrings.

Thank you so much Julia for taking the time to chat with us today and sharing your thoughts and journey into the sneaker industry.