behind the sneakers : @elllanasu
We had the pleasure of sitting down with Ella to talk all things sneakers, styling, and the importance of female representation in the industry.
How did you first get into sneakers?
To me it feels like it has just been that way since I was a teenager. Ever since my mom gave me a monthly clothing budget, I would source Marktplaats (a second hand website in the Netherlands) to buy new sneakers. The budget wasn’t big – but I always made it work. My dad, who is obsessed with everything that has wheels, understood the obsession and the feeling of scoring an absolute steal and would drive me around the country to pick up a new pair.
So what’s your favourite silhouette and why?
Definitely the air max 1! This silhouette was my first love (I still have the first pair of AM1’s I ever bought in a real store) and I love the diversion of the shoe. The fact that it’s still relevant after all these years, the 90% chance of it being a Dutch person wearing them on holiday, all the different colourways: I mean I think it’s a classic! Even though the sb dunks have been creeping up on me for the past few years as well
How do you source all your sneakers?
Literally anywhere. Of course the obvious options like the SNKRS app, retailers and raffles, but I also take a look at the Nike app once a week (sometimes they drop very nice pairs and I didn’t even know they were coming out), I am part of a sneaker WhatsApp group as well but I also buy them second hand through Vinted or Marktplaats. Whatever is needed to score the perfect pair, haha!
Do you construct your outfits around your sneakers or choose them last? What’s a tip you use for creating a balanced look?
I just go with the flow, really. Sometimes I have a pair in my head I really want to wear and I’ll construct my outfit around it, but most of the times I just throw on what feels good at the moment and pick my shoes last. It depends on the day and how much time I have, haha. I think my tip for creating a balanced look is mostly confidence, and I know that sounds like the most boring answer ever haha but it’s so true! If you wear whatever makes you feel good – and most of all if you wear something that makes you feel comfortable, that will make every outfit a balanced look (most importantly in your head) 
How have you seen the representation of women in the sneaker industry evolve over the years? Is there still any changes that need to be made?
For me personally the change of representation of women in the sneaker industry was getting more visible through social media, so that played a big role. I didn’t really know many girls/women who were as interested in sneakers as me in real life growing up. Social media really showed me there are many women out there who adore the scene just as much as I do. There are of course changes to be made – the comment ‘oh are those your boyfriends shoes’ is getting really old – but overall I think women are getting more and more seats at the table we were supposed to be seated anyways. So I love that for us!
What trends do you see shaping the women’s sneaker community this year?
Omg I am so bad in following trends but I really hope the Nike Cortez is making a comeback in 2025!! I love the shape and the look of the Cortez, in my opinion you can wear them with every outfit: a cute skirt, jeans, barrel pants. Maybe the Cortez will be the follow-up Samba’s?