In the middle of Dubai Design District, we visited the UAE's largest footwear, art, music and lifestyle festival, Sole DXB. Over the past five years the event has grown from a local gathering of likeminded people, to an international hub for street culture fanatics. It is also a place where the biggest brands get to showcase their latest and greatest. Amongst some of the more immersive experiences for instance was the House of Jumpman Dubai, a space overlooking the Sole DXB basketball court. Here, visitors could learn about customisation techniques with the likes of Melody Ehsani, attend talks with legends such as Ray Allen, and get access to exclusive products dropping every 23rd minute in the hour.
As the number one destination for the culture to come together annually, the event is home to the most avid sneakerheads hailing from all parts of the globe. As expected, Dubai represented big time and showcased some real dime pieces.

Edmund lives in Dubai, and works as an illustrator, designer and art director.
‘Apart from the design, I love that these Tom Sachs x Nike Mars Yard are meant to be worn to death. It looks more beautiful the more you beat them up. Tom Sachs is one of my favourite contemporary artists, so when these came out I was ecstatic!’

Ishraq is from Sudan and studies Environmental Sciences at the American University of Sjarjah.
‘I grew up watching The Fresh Prince and playing basketball, and ever since then I simply grew up loving the Air Jordan 1. They will never be out of style no matter what, trends can change for any other shoe but not the classic AJ1’s.’

Guadeloupe-born Herbby lives in Paris and works as a consultant in sneakers, street culture and basketball.
‘I love the Nike Air Raid “Urban Jungle” because it shows that you can create an iconic piece for the community, and at the same time make a powerful statement. These sneakers are the first Nike Basketball sneakers ‘for outdoor use only’ as mentioned on the heel tab, and the ‘Urban Jungle’ colourway is inspired by the 1992 anti-racism ad “Live Together, Play Together” directed by Spike Lee.’

Tamila is from Uzbekistan and works in the UAE.
‘My whole life I’ve only felt comfortable wearing all black. Melody Ehsani, who designed these Jordans gave me a pair and I love how this collaboration really pops out and breaks my all black look.’