BAES WITH KICKS SHAHD BATAL

Our latest “Baes with Kicks” feature takes us to Los Angeles to meet Sudanese-American YouTuber and content creator Shahd Batal. A true Nike fan, the influencer’s impressive collection currently has 50 pairs and counting. From her trusty Stussy x Nike Spiridon Cage 2 “Fossil,” to her extensive collection of Dunk Lows, Batal fuses her modest fashion style with her love for sneakers. “I was really just experimenting with my personal style and styling the hijab, and I think I just woke up one morning and decided streetwear is actually inherently modest and I should just wear what I want,” Batal shares with HYPEBAE, reflecting on when she started taking her sneaker collection seriously.

To get to know more about the LA creative, we spoke to Batal about her favorite footwear silhouettes, the inspiration behind her modest looks and more. Read on for our interview.

Name: Shahd Batal

City: Los Angeles

Occupation: Content creator

How many pairs of sneakers do you own?

Currently around 50 and building.

When did you start taking your collection seriously?

It’s hard to say, honestly. I got into sneakers during my senior year of high school back in 2014 and built a collection then. However, for some strange reason that doesn’t make sense to me anymore, I felt a little weird wearing sneakers once I put on my hijab. When I searched for fashion inspiration, all the modest outfits I saw back then were very feminine — lots of skirts and dresses. There were very few streetwear-modest fashion bloggers and far between. I was really just experimenting with my personal style and styling the hijab, and I think I just woke up one morning and decided streetwear is actually inherently modest and I should just wear what I want. That’s when I started rebuilding my collection.

Do you recall the first silhouette you copped or received as a gift?

I can’t remember exactly, but it had to be either the Nike Air Max 90 or Air Force 1 in high school.

Can you name your top three pairs and explain why you treasure them the most?

Nike Air Force 1: It’ll always be a classic and it matches with everything.

Nike Dunk Low: I love all my colorways of the Dunk Low. It’s probably my most worn shoes.

Stussy x Nike Spiridon Cage 2 “Fossil”: They’re so comfortable and I don’t think I have any sneakers like them.

What is the rarest shoe you own?

I still can’t believe I actually got my hands on the Dior Air Jordan 1.

Where do you usually purchase your sneakers from?

Either GOAT, other resellers like @kicksncollect or friend plugs.

We’ve seen a number of notable women’s exclusive sneaker releases in recent years. Which silhouettes stand out to you the most?

The Air Jordan 1 Mid “Fearless” by Melody Ehsani because of what it stands for and how fun they are. I’m bummed that I never got my hands on them.

“Inclusion gives voice and opportunity to everyone at the forefront and behind the scenes. It creates a safe and comfortable environment that fosters great work.”
Let’s talk about your YouTube channel. You used to make hair tutorial videos but started to wear a hijab around four years ago. Why did you decide to make the change?

I was just going through a lot in my life at the time and turned back to religion. I always knew I wanted to wear the hijab at some point in my life, and it just felt like the right time. I wasn’t thinking about the Internet or followers or anything external really. All I knew was that it felt like the right decision and I’d figure out everything else after.

You also have a great fashion sense. What are the inspirations behind your modest looks?

I’m definitely all over the place because I love versatility. A lot of my inspiration is from social media. I’ve been enjoying Pinterest simply because I find what I need minus the social aspect, which is nice sometimes. I also gain a lot of inspiration from my friends. Like I mentioned earlier, most streetwear is modest, so I just look at that and think about how I can tweak a certain style to work for me.

How do you think the footwear industry can further improve its diversity and inclusivity efforts?

For starters, understanding that diversity and inclusion aren’t the same things. Hiring different types of models in campaigns for diversity points is performative, boring and everyone sees right through it. We’re past the point of representation conversations. Inclusion gives voice and opportunity to everyone at the forefront and behind the scenes. It creates a safe and comfortable environment that fosters great work.