Sole mates: Kunal Kemmu & Soha Ali Khan’s sneaker story

Kunal Kemmu and Soha Ali Khan’s sneaker collection occupies a place of pride in their Mumbai home. Neatly stacked like a piece of décor near the living room, the shoes are unmissable. Between the two, Kunal is more of the sneakerhead, while Soha is the more practical one with a modest collection. They gave us an exclusive glimpse of their collection.
How did you build your collection?Kunal: When I was in the obsessive phase, I wouldn’t leave a sneaker shop without buying a pair! Often, when we travelled, that would be a problem because I brought them back in their boxes, so we would always run out of luggage space. I had to buy extra luggage space and would get dirty looks from Soha.
Soha: I just enjoy the fact that I can fit into children’s size sneakers and get them at half price as a result (laughs).

Kunal, when did you turn into a sneakerhead, and when did Soha join in?Kunal: My love for sneakers began around five years ago when I discovered colourful, cool sneakers, which weren’t necessarily comfortable. I went on to learn more about them from sneakerheads around me who had amazing collections.
Soha: I buy sneakers for practical purposes like gymming and walking. Sometimes, I buy them simply because they look good with certain outfits. Now, I ask Kunal before making a purchase whether they are value for money, and in style. I wear my sneakers till they wear out and only then buy more.

Is it tough to maintain around 100 pairs of sneakers?Kunal: Maintaining sneakers is a different ball game, and I learnt it the hard way. I lost a couple of sneakers - the sole comes off if you keep them in the heat for a long period. With the moisture in Mumbai, sneakers get white patches and fungus. Basic care includes airing out your shoes and using protector spray as soon as you purchase them to elongate their shelf life.

How do your friends and family react to your impressive collection?Soha: When my mother (Sharmila Tagore) came to stay with us, she was perplexed by the fact that one would want to display their shoes as works of art in the middle of the room. And that too, in see-through boxes, she found it to be a strange concept. Our daughter, Inaaya, is fascinated, too, and enjoys wearing sneakers. Kunal buys them for her, and she runs to show him the fit.
Kunal: My mum rolls her eyes when she hears the price I pay for my shoes. She’s never discouraged me, though. She says, ‘If it makes you happy, buy it.’ My dad isn’t a sneakerhead, but my sister has now begun to take interest. I do have sneakerhead friends who find some pieces from my collection cool.
Pics: Prathamesh Bandekar