Meet the female 'sneakerheads' of Toronto and see why they are calling for shoe companies to step up

JamilaHusbands's black and copper Nike Foampositesneakers embody exactly why she and her friend KiahWelsh started their blog, she.lace.

She's been forced to wear kids' sizes because the shoes "don't come in women sizes," she said,pointing them out to Matt Galloway in an interview on CBC's Metro Morning."These are mainly catered towards men."

Welsh was amped for the Puma Coogisneaker launch back in May but as always, knew she would have to settle for a child-sized pair too.

"I had to settle for a [men's] size9 and the guy at the store told me I had to double sole my shoes," said Welsh. Even after spending $180 on the pair, she had to stuff thesneakers to make them fit, she remarks.

"I just don't feel represented," added Husbands.

Theirblogshe.lace is their answer to the female sneaker struggle.

"It's not just about sneaker collectors or 'sneakerheads,'" explained Husbands, it's more about women's equality.

"We just want women to feel comfortable going into sneaker stores and boutiquesand see themselvesreflected on the shelves,"she said.

Part of their push is to get more women designing sneakers. Welsh credits Nike and Puma's "Careaux" linedesigned by Dutch illustratorCarollLynn but, "there needs to be more."

Both women call themselves "sneakerheads" they keep some pairs of their shoes pristineinboxes, only to crack them open for ablogor a brag.

"I'm going on 40-plus pairs," said Welsh.

For Husbands, the love affair with sneakers started in Grade 2.

"I had my pair of KenGriffeyJr.'sand I loved them," she said.

The fashions haveevolved over the years, but their love for laces has always been driven by comfort and style.

"I love how you can express yourself with them. You can wear a very basic outfit and the sneakers speak for themselves," said Husbands.

Their Instagrampage is peppered with stylish photos featuring sneakers in front of cityscapes.

Husbands and Welsh point out thatshoe lines tend to be dedicated to male athletes, which often bleeds into the sneaker industry as a whole.

She.lace operates in anticipation of a feminist shoe revolution it's set up like a forum for women to share stories about their sneakers.

The idea is to shake up the industry and show that women love and wear sneakers just as much as men.

Meet the female 'sneakerheads' of Toronto

7 years ago

Duration 1:55

Jamila Husbands's black and copper Nike Foamposite sneakers embody exactly why she and her friend Kiah Welsh stared their blog, she.lace.