Derek, 20, Port Byron, IL
How long he's been Soaping: Three years.
Why he's not a pro Soaper: There's no such thing. Still regarded as a hobby, Soaping's not yet big enough to be a competitive sport. In the meantime, Derek organizes demonstrations at festivals in his hometown and in the common area of his school, Cornell College, in Mount Vernon, IA. "I set out about 30 pairs of shoes in all sizes and [put together] little rails for people to try them on. Usually, 60 to 100 kids stop by; at least five probably go out and buy Soaps." In exchange, Derek gets free shoes, shirts, and stickers from the company.
Number of Soaps he owns: More than 30. (He's wearing his favorites, navy-blue and white scorchers.)
Why girls, on the whole don't soap: Soap only makes shoes for guys... for now. Derek says, "A lot of times we get girls to try [sample ones] at demos, but they don't buy 'em too much."
How long he intends to Soap: Forever. "My ex-girlfriend used to always give me crap, like, 'Are you going to be 40 and still [doing this]?' Maybe. I mean, I won't be as hard-core, but I'm sure I'll still slide on things."
How long he's been Soaping: Three years.
Why he's not a pro Soaper: There's no such thing. Still regarded as a hobby, Soaping's not yet big enough to be a competitive sport. In the meantime, Derek organizes demonstrations at festivals in his hometown and in the common area of his school, Cornell College, in Mount Vernon, IA. "I set out about 30 pairs of shoes in all sizes and [put together] little rails for people to try them on. Usually, 60 to 100 kids stop by; at least five probably go out and buy Soaps." In exchange, Derek gets free shoes, shirts, and stickers from the company.
Number of Soaps he owns: More than 30. (He's wearing his favorites, navy-blue and white scorchers.)
Why girls, on the whole don't soap: Soap only makes shoes for guys... for now. Derek says, "A lot of times we get girls to try [sample ones] at demos, but they don't buy 'em too much."
How long he intends to Soap: Forever. "My ex-girlfriend used to always give me crap, like, 'Are you going to be 40 and still [doing this]?' Maybe. I mean, I won't be as hard-core, but I'm sure I'll still slide on things."
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