If you have a number of sneaks in your closet, it can be hard to pick just one. For many who have been drawn to sneaker culture and the shoes that occupy quite a bit of space in our lives, there's usually more behind our favorite pickup than just a fly colorway. If you dig deeper, you can discover that certain sneakers have stories, life experiences, and a history that often is more about a connection to the owner than the actual shoe. Welcome to my CNKDaily Sneaker Story.

When I was barely learning how to put one foot in front of the other, Michael Jordan was learning the INs and OUTs of the NBA. I had no idea he would be the kind of athlete to not only be labeled as arguably the best baller in the world, but also a man who transcended a whole culture of sneaker lovers. It’s safe to say I fit in that box of sneaker enthusiasts who are overly passionate about their kicks, but there was something more about an Air Jordan. Maybe because putting them on as an awkward teen ignited the same confidence in me that MJ felt when he stepped on the hardwood? Or maybe it was because I hail from Third Ward, Houston Texas where riding SLAB and rockin’ your Air Jordans is a badge of honor representing your roots.

NAME: CASSIDY EDWARDS // CNK MANAGING EDITOR

LOCATION: HOUSTON, TEXAS

SHOE: 2016 AIR JORDAN 1 "REVERSE SHATTERED BACKBOARD"

Even though I may have been a toddler when Michael Jordan joined the Chicago Bulls breaking the rules in his sneakers, I clearly remember how his sneakers changed the game and broke the barriers of a niche sneaker culture. The Air Jordan 1 was the Originator. The Icon. The classic pair that weaved it’s way through the very fabric of what sneaker culture is about. What set the Air Jordan 1 apart was that it didn’t matter if you were a basketball player or not. Anyone could and would rock Jordan 1s and feel extra fly. From ballers to skateboarders to fashionistas to artists and beyond - the Jordan 1 became a universal language for street style.

I fell in love with the Air Jordan 1 silhouette from an early age (shoutout to the Air Jordan 12 too). I couldn’t always afford to rock them early on, but that never decreased my passion of wanting them. Michael Jordan only wore a select few AJ1s on the court, but that didn’t change the popularity or the demand. The retro colorways that are etched in sneaker history - like the Chicago or Banned 1s - helped propel the beginnings of many shoe collections. My favorite Air Jordan 1s are the Reverse Shattered Backboard colorway. I have an affinity for vibrant hues like orange, and the contrasting compliments of black and sail colorblocking set off this pair perfectly. I was heartbroken when the original Shattered Backboards dropped - but didn't show love to the small feet tribe. Even though this Jordan release came out only a few years ago, I remember being just as excited to secure the Reverse SBBs for retail price versus resell.

I may not be able to accurately describe all of Michael Jordan’s defining moments - like the 63 point game against legendary Larry Bird and the Celtics. Hell, I can’t rattle off his game stats, but I do know the smell of that tumbled leather when I open the new shoebox. I do know AJ1s look fly on feet and as a female I can dress them up or down.

I can tell you that 2018 was an amazing year for the Air Jordan 1 and what’s even more exciting was the products that the Jordan WMNS Division was pushing in that same year. I know everyone remembers the SATIN Shattered Backboards last year that made all my sneakHER dreams come true. I can commend the WMNS Division for taking risks and being fearless as they reimagine retros for us and bold designs along the way. Sidenote: Ladies, make sure you pay close attention to the Jordan WMNS line this year.

From standing in line for hours to sitting nervously in front of the SNKRS App at 9am CST - all that excitement ties back to my childhood memories watching Jordan play, chasing sneaker releases and flexin’ with my friends. To this day, decades later, Jordans are still making big waves and I love it. Being able to pass the sneaker love and stories down to my children has been fun to witness. I mean... I didn’t name my son Jordan for nothing, right? TRUE STORY SHAWTY.