Loving New Balance 550's & adidas Yeezy 700's featuring Luis

Our Trader Feature Series is the way for our community of Tradeblock members to let us know more about themselves, their passion for sneakers, and their take on the culture. Know a member with a sneaker story to tell? Let us know.

In this article, we're highlighting Luis Velazquez, aka @Lu_The_Sneaker_Don on Tradeblock. Here's his story:

Tell us about yourself, and let the Tradeblock community know more about you.

My name is Luis Velazquez. I’m from Queens, New York. I’ve been into sneakers since 7th grade, as one of my first memories involving sneakers is from that time. I like any sneaker that I find comfortable and has a good colorway.

How did you get into sneakers?

As a kid, I remember I had two older cousins who were both into sneakers at the time, and how the first memory I have is them getting the [Air Jordan] Aqua 8's that were released in 2007. But it all really started when I was in 7th grade, and I saw a kid who had on what looked to be Lebron's, and I asked him what type of shoe it was because I really liked the colors and how it looked. He responded, "Oh, don't bother; you'll never be able to buy this shoe." That memory was really what triggered my interest in sneakers.

What's your hot take or perspective on where the sneaker game and industry are today?

I do miss the good ole days, which for me are the times when Champs, Foot Locker, and Foot Action had the codes for stores that would let you get your raffle reserved with a 5-minute head start. At that time, I remember being able to get three pairs of whatever shoe was available through the system. I could get hyped shoes much easier at that time, keep two pairs, and sell the other one.

What's your shoe size?

10.5 M.

What is your favorite sneaker in your collection, and why?

My favorite sneaker in my collection is the adidas Crazylight Boost 2.5 "All Star". This is my favorite pair because it's one of the first sneakers I remember chasing for a bit just to get my hands on it. To me, it's a memory of one of my first chases, which is why I like sneakers.

What shoe are you looking for, and what would you trade for them?

I would be willing to trade any of the [New Balance] Aime Leon Dore 550's and whatever I have up in my closet.

What's one silhouette that's super slept on?

adidas Yeezy 750.

When and how did you find out about Tradeblock?

Two weeks before the app came out. Found out about it through Twitter.

What's your favorite or best trade you've completed on Tradeblock?

My favorite trade would be my adidas Yeezy 700 V3 "Azael," size 10.5, new plus $30 cash for navy New Balance 550 Aime Leon dore, denham air max 90, and adidas Yeezy 700 "Enflame," all deadstock, and size 10. At the time, I was unsure of letting go of my Azael's because they hadn't restocked, and it was one of my favorite models at the time.

A few months after completing the trade, I was able to cop the restock on the Azael's in my actual size, which is 11.

What's the worst offer you've ever received, and how did you respond?

The worst offer would be my A Ma Maniere 3's and Union Dunk Pistachios (both deadstock) for Mocha 3's and Supreme 5's White.

Whenever I get bad offers, I make TikTok videos reacting to the offers I get.

For new members using Tradeblock, what are your tips and tricks for closing a trade?

Make sure if you send an offer, it's fair on both sides and ship out on time. Also, communicating with the other trader for when you ship out your shoes is a nice detail.

Fill in the blank. I trade because _______________________________.

I like keeping a new rotation of shoes.

Why should someone join Tradeblock?

Keep a new rotation of shoes.

Thanks for much for answering our questions, Matt. How can people get in touch with you?

Tradeblock: @Lu_The_Sneaker_Don

Instagram: @Lui_vuitton_don

Twitter: @Lui_V_sneaks

TikTok: @lu_the_sneaker_don

New to The Block and considering becoming a member?

Start your Tradeblock Wallet with $5 AND get 50% off your first trade when you sign up for Tradeblock using Lu_The_Sneaker_Don's referral code below.

Tap HERE to use his referral code.