My Extensive Nike SB Stefan Janoski Shoe Collection Over the Years

My Nike SB Stefan Janoski Shoe Collection

As a longtime fan of Nike's skateboarding line, I've accumulated quite a collection of Nike SB shoes over the years. But without a doubt, my favorite model has always been the Nike SB Stefan Janoski. Designed by professional skater Stefan Janoski, these low-profile vulcanized shoes perfectly blend style and performance.

I first discovered Janoskis back in 2009 shortly after Nike released the inaugural model in a simple black and white colorway. I was immediately drawn to the minimalist style and flexible construction. While other skate shoes at the time seemed bulky and over-designed, the Janoski offered a streamlined skate shoe that felt like a natural extension of your foot.

The Origins of My Janoski Collection

I started slowly at first, picking up a pair or two of Janoskis each year in my favorite colorways. But over time, my appreciation for the silhouette grew and soon I made it a goal to collect as many Janoski models as possible.

What began as a casual interest quickly snowballed into a full-fledged obsession. I scoured eBay and online forums hunting for rare colorways. I monitored release calendars and made sure to cop all the new collab models that caught my interest. In just a couple of years, I had already amassed over a dozen pairs.

Expanding the Collection

By 2015, Nike started ramping up production of the Janoski and dropping what felt like endless color, material and collab variations. This was both a blessing and a curse for my burgeoning collection. On one hand, it gave me so many exciting new options to choose from. But on the other hand, it made it nearly impossible to keep up with and get my hands on every single release.

I did my best to stay on top of new drops, but had to become more selective. I focused on the colorways and collabs that spoke to me most, passing on iterations that seemed more like filler. This helped keep my collection controlled, while still allowing new gems to be added every few months.

The Core of My Janoski Collection

At this point, my Janoski collection numbers around 40 pairs strong. And while I love each one for different reasons, there are a handful of standouts that I consider the "holy grails" of my collection.

These include the extremely limited original black/gum sole colorway that started it all, the beautiful dark emerald green collab with diamond supply co., the Medicom Toy Bearbrick model, and the abstract art-inspired What the Janoski series. Having tracked down these rare grails over the years brought my collection full circle.

The Joy of Curating My Collection

Looking back, I'm amazed at how my modest interest in Janoskis turned into an extensive, carefully curated collection. But the joy of continually hunting down new pairs and expanding my stock is what kept me enthralled with the process year after year. It became just as much about the thrill of the chase as admiring the shoes themselves.

Owning dozens of colorways also allowed me to appreciate subtle details in materials and construction. Comparing various models side-by-side illustrated how Nike iterated on the classic silhouette over time. Each new Janoski told a story of its own.

While my collecting has slowed down in recent years, Janoskis will always hold a special place in my heart and my closet. When I lace up a pair, I'm reminded of the fun journey that led me to each shoe. And for that reason, I know I'll be rocking Stefan Janoskis for years to come.

FAQs

How did you first discover the Nike SB Stefan Janoski?

I first found out about the Janoski in 2009 shortly after it was released in a simple black and white colorway. The minimalist design immediately caught my eye.

What made you want to start collecting Janoskis?

After buying my first couple pairs, I fell in love with the silhouette and wanted to get my hands on as many colorways as possible. My casual interest quickly snowballed into a full collecting obsession.

Where did you buy most of your Janoskis?

Everywhere! I purchased from Nike, skate shops, resellers, eBay, online forums...anywhere I could find pairs, especially limited collabs.

How many pairs are in your collection?

Currently my Janoski collection sits right around 40 pairs, including some extremely rare and valuable models.

Do you still collect SB Janoskis today?

My collecting has slowed down over the past few years, but I still try to add a select new colorway or collab when it really catches my eye. Janoskis will always have a place in my collection.