Trainer collectors come in different forms – some collecting because they like the shoes and want to wear them, some for nostalgic reasons and others because they have a serious passion to build a valuable collection.

In this first article of our new collectors series, we bring you an exclusive interview with New York collector Nick Gonzalez. New York is a hot bed for valuable trainers and Nick is one of the area’s most famous collectors, a true expert in his field.

TRAINERSHACK: How did you get in to collecting trainers?

NICK GONZALEZ: The right sneakers are very important when you’re growing up as a kid. I spent most of my leisure time on the basketball courts and if you weren’t wearing Jordans you might as well not even show. I kept the first pair I owned and it went on from there.

TS: How many pairs do you have in your collection?

NG: I must have over 500 by now I guess. I only wear about five or six pairs myself, the rest are boxed up in the spare room.

TS: Do you have a favourite pair?

NG: I’ve always had an affinity to the Air Jordans but my collection is so vast it’s hard to choose just one pair. I guess other than those, it would have to be a pair of the Air Force 1s. They have got me through a few scrapes on the courts.

TS: Do you collect all the brands?

NG: I was brought up with Nikes but I love anything as long as it’s got some sort of appeal to me. I’ve got a good selection of Adidas Stan Smiths and have a soft spot for the Reebok Pumps I own – going back to my court days I guess.

TS: What sneakers are you wearing now?

NG: I woke up with no clothing direction this morning so I went for Superstars – they go with anything.

TS: What has been your best find?

NG: When I was visiting relatives in Chicago they took me to this store that was closing down. The owner had a pair of original Air Max 95s and he only wanted 35 dollars for them. They were in my size and I took them away. I gave him an extra 50 bucks for them though.

Trainershack.co.uk sells authentic trainers from Nike, Reebok, Adidas, Puma and more online with free delivery and up to 50% off High Street prices. http://www.trainershack.co.uk

The methods and structure of airsoft play are quite simple. The airsoft sport is the creation of a very realistic simulated armed combat battle. Unlike paintball that is played on a paintball field, airsoft plastic pellets can be used for combat in almost any area such as a forest, desert or other place that private citizens will be intrude or become frightened. In Asia, this sport is very big, but it has only recently begun to become popular in the United States and Europe. In part, this is because there are laws regarding the importation and ownership of Airsoft guns to the U.S. and some other countries. In part, this may be to protect some of the established markets in these countries.

U.S. law states that all Airsoft guns have Day-Glo orange markings on the barrels to make them clearly differentiated from dangerous gunpowder firing weapons. Some states have attempted to ban Airsoft guns entirely.

Airsoft play is no more dangerous jogging or skateboarding. Unlike metal BBs used in the traditional BB gun, airsoft pellets are plastic and are fired by air, gas or electricity. They have a low velocity making them unable to cause any pain much greater than a small stinging sensation. Of course, safety precautions must be taken to protect the eyes. Some choose to wear a full paintball facemask.

The play of airsoft depends on the group you are planning on joining. Some groups perform military combat simulations, sometimes spending entire weekends at the sport. Other groups prefer target sharp shooting. The play is limited only by the imagination of those participating and their specific tastes and preferences. Some of the combat groups use full combat gear, appearing to be real military groups, while others simply play in jeans and t-shirts. The specific rules of the engagement are created and agreed upon by the group before the event.

Airsoft play can be quite a fun sport and hobby. Because these weapons are safe and rather inexpensive compared to traditional weapons and the pellets are quite inexpensive, anyone can afford to spend a weekend firing all the rounds they could possibly want to without breaking the bank. If you want a really unique experience, search for an airsoft play group in your area and learn their specific methods and structure of airsoft play. You"ll find yourself having a really wonderful time!

Peter Vermeeren is the owner and webmaster of: Ganar dinero con adsense - Airsoft Tienda España- Kamikaze News and information