Feature: Starks Interview & Giveaway

Footwear accessory company Starks has been supplying high quality laces for skaters and non-skaters alike for years. With so much attention placed on the sneaker itself, Starks saw a void in the industry and created laces that coincided with features/colors of different shoes, like their famous Jordan-inspired concrete print laces. Many are also unaware that Starks is proud to represent skateboarding and even has a tight-knit skate team. With a stronghold on the sneaker/skate industry, Starks is continuing to expand with toggles, belts, and a few secret collaborations. Check out the interview we had with Starks after the jump to freshen up on your sneaker etiquette and expect to see more big projects from Starks in 2008.

C to the JL and Starks have come together to bring you this lace giveaway. All you have to do is send an email here with your name and address, and we will draw the winner on Monday, June 23rd at 8pm EST. The following laces are included in the contest.

1 - 45″ Splatter Lace
1 - 54″ Purple Lace
1 - 45″ Tennis Classic Lace
1 - 45″ Crackle Lace
1 - 45″ Tribe Lace

Only one entry per user. Duplicate entries will be moderated and deleted. Thanks for your entries!

-Starks & CJL Team.

Info: Starks Laces

1. Most people have heard of or are currently wearing Starks on their feet, but for those are aren’t too familiar, can you please give us a little introductory about the company, and why the name Starks?

The name Starks is a bit of a secret, we can’t give that one up just yet. We been around for quite sometime. Bringing you: well thought out products, authentic, genuine, and out of the box accessories. Focusing on footwear of course… It’s incredible to us at Starks, that the footwear industry has gone this far and been around this long with little to no attention on the cornerstone of all sneakers: Laces!

2. With Converse recently joining the ranks of major shoe corporations tapping into the skate market, and every other streetwear brand putting together their own skate teams, how do you feel this is effecting the skate community? and is Starks a hater or supporter?

No time to hate. Maybe dislike… Cons has put out good products for a long time, and their approach seems to be genuine to the skate market. There is nothing to hate about that. I hear they are putting together a good roster, and keeping product subtle. Never a bad thing… I think the skate community is in such a crazy place now, that it really doesn’t change anything. Of course it sucks to have bandwagon jumpers, but real recognizes real. It will be grand opening-grand closing, for the majority of posers, same as it always is.

3. The Starks skate team is rather small and doesn’t have too many well known skaters, except Eli Reed. Why did you choose these skaters and is difficult getting guys on your team?

Mostly all Starks skaters are from New York City and grew up here. The skate team is family. Although we have some new skaters coming to the roster, it remains tight knit. We have had people write us about getting sponsored and although we are flattered, its a much different selection process to be on the team. Never to difficult to get riders down for the cause, skaters always need new laces, for replacements or belts.

4. Bill Cosby once said, “I don’t know the key to success, but the key to failure is trying to please everyone.” Has this quote had any relevance in your growth and do you have any outright haters? Explain.

Another comedian Katt Williams, said, “you aren’t doing anything, if you aren’t getting hated on!” You can’t be productive and worry about haters. It’s always a tough balance keeping the masses happy though. Often the products that creators and people behind the scenes appreciate, the consumer doesn’t. This is a topic that often comes up with friends. You would be amazed at what the youth wants to buy all day. The individual is few and far between in 2008.

5. On a final note, give Starks fans something to get excited about. What kind of project[s] do you have in the works for the future?

We have a lace toggle coming next month, plus belts on the way. And some very special footwear releases in the near future, but that’s all we are giving up for now. Have to stay tuned for the rest.

Text: Lars
Photography: Nic Fensom