'Friends in the Flow' Creator Spotlight - clozedonsondayz

This week, we’re thrilled to feature the incredibly talented Derek McDaniel - @clozedonsondayz. Derek was an invaluable part of our journey in 2024, crafting stunning visuals and videos that we’ve proudly showcased across social media, our website, Amazon, and beyond. His work consistently elevates our product, presenting Fresh Flow Shoe Trees with an artistry that captures their design and purpose for all shoe lovers.

Beyond his creative brilliance, Derek’s thoughtfulness, organization, and timely delivery make him a true standout. His dedication to exceeding expectations and his eye for composition continue to leave us in awe. We’re equally inspired by Derek’s faith, devotion to family, and his unwavering commitment to uplifting others across the sneaker community. Starting 2025 with Derek as our featured creator is the perfect beginning to our ‘Friends in the Flow’ series this year, and we can’t wait to collaborate even more in the future.

Social handle: @clozedonsondayz

How did you get into sneakers/shoes/fashion: I got into sneakers from watching MJ on tv. From the commercials to the highlight reels, I wanted to fly like Mike. He mesmerized so many of us that we just knew “it had to be the shoes” lol. However, I was raised by my grandmother, and she could barely make ends meet so I rarely got any name brand sneakers. Most of the J’s I had growing up were hand me downs from my best friend, that was twice my size, or from trading things. It wasn’t until the early 2000’s that I was able to get my collection going. I started working at Footlocker and eventually the House of Hoops Orlando. I accumulated quite a bit over the 7 years I was employed with them. As far as fashion, I’m a big hip-hop head and 90’s fanatic so I believe those have shaped my sense of style.

Favorite shoe/sneaker of all time: Air Jordan 5 Black Metallic

Favorite go-to pairs of shoes (shoes by the door): YZY slides, ASICS Gel-Lyte III OG, and the Retro 12 Playoffs.

What shoe best embodies you and your style? Why? I think my all time favorite, the Air Jordan 5, embodies me and my style. The silhouette is made up of simple materials and I’m a laid back, simple kind of guy. The design isn’t too flashy but unique enough to stand out which is how I would describe my style. I also feel like the 3M tongue is relatable to myself and many others, especially my fellow artists and creators. We’re often kept in the dark or get overlooked time after time but once the light shines on us we shine brighter than ever and just can’t be ignored anymore. 

Describe your shoe care regimen: I’m OCD with my sneakers. I keep crease protectors in every pair. I bring cleaning wipes with me everywhere I go. After wearing a pair, I clean them from top to bottom before putting them away. And lastly, it’s an ABSOLUTE MUST that each and every pair is protected and stored with Fresh Flows in them. (No, they did not pay me for that statement!) As soon as I bring a new pair of sneakers home, the cardboard or tissue gets tossed out and replaced with Fresh Flow Shoe Trees.

Other passions/hobbies outside of shoes/sneakers/fashion: I actually love fishing. Growing up in Florida, I’ve learned to love and appreciate the area and what it has to offer. I enjoy freshwater and saltwater fishing. I love to cook and grill as well, so I really enjoy trying out new recipes on all the different types of fish I catch. I enjoy drawing and sketching although it has been a while since I picked up a pencil. A more recent, new found love has been lifestyle and sneaker photography. As if y’all didn’t already know lol.

Random fun/interesting fact about you: I can just about recite the entire Forrest Gump movie. It’s one of my all-time favorite movies.