Today we’d like to introduce you to Darnell Knox.
Hi Darnell, so excited to have you on the platform. So before we get into questions about your work-life, maybe you can bring our readers up to speed on your story and how you got to where you are today?
I’m Darnell Knox, born and raised in Detroit, and my story really starts with a lifelong obsession with sneakers, Michael Jordan, basketball, and fashion. In 2020, my wife suggested we start an Instagram page so I could share that passion instead of just talking about it. That page became Universole FootGear. At first it was simply a place to post information about different sneakers, highlight other people’s collections, and share a bit of history behind the pairs I loved.
What I didn’t expect was how quickly it would grow into a true community. Through UFG, I connected with collectors all over Detroit, built a network, and met some incredible people who helped shape the journey. Over time, Universole FootGear evolved from strictly sneaker content into a broader expression of my love for fashion and culture. My focus now is on curating a space where people can see that their passions are shared and that there’s a community for them too.
My wife and I also host The UFG Podcast, where we dive into the sneaker industry, sports talk, and the pop-culture moments that surround those worlds. Behind the scenes, we collaborate with local creatives and build relationships that allow us to create unique experiences for the community.
It’s been a process of trusting the unknown, learning on the fly, and staying rooted in the things I’ve loved since day one. And honestly, I feel like this is still just the beginning.
Would you say it’s been a smooth road, and if not what are some of the biggest challenges you’ve faced along the way?
It definitely has not been a smooth road. There have been plenty of moments of self-doubt and imposter syndrome, those times where you wonder if you are doing enough or if you even belong in certain spaces. I have also run into people who were not exactly who they presented themselves to be, and that can be discouraging when you are trying to build something genuine.
Those experiences have made me a little more guarded about what I share, whether it is ideas or how I am feeling in the moment, but they haven’t stopped me. I am still going to show up as myself every day. And even with the bumps along the way, I still believe there are good people out there. Shout out to all of you who continue to move with authenticity!
Alright, so let’s switch gears a bit and talk business. What should we know about your work?
In terms of what I do, I wear a few different hats. Creatively, I focus on building community through sneakers, fashion, and storytelling. I love curating spaces and experiences where people can enjoy the art and creativity of Detroit. Outside of that work, I am a building engineer, and I am currently in the process of becoming a basketball agent, which has been an exciting new chapter.
What I specialize in, and what people tend to know me for, is my ability to network and build genuine relationships. Connecting with people comes naturally to me, and it has become a core part of everything I create. My wife plays a huge role in that process. She is my creative director and social media coordinator, and she helps shape the vision behind our posts, projects, and collaborations.
One of the things I am most proud of is the community that has formed around Universole FootGear. It started as a simple way to share my passion for sneakers, and it has grown into a network of people who truly support one another and appreciate the culture. Building that kind of space means a lot to me.
What sets me apart is the depth of my connection to what I do. I am a student of my craft. I grew up in the Jordan era, played basketball through high school, college, and in the military, and coached high school and AAU. My history gives me a real understanding of the culture beneath the surface. Creatively, I lead with authenticity. Social media can get caught up in being flashy, but my work is rooted in real relationships and real experiences. I think that is what makes my creative world feel personal and genuine.
Can you talk to us a bit about the role of luck?
I do not really believe in luck. I believe in hard work, dedication, perseverance, and consistency. Those are the things that have shaped my life and my business. When opportunities come my way, it is usually because I stayed committed, stayed present, and kept putting in the work, even when no one was watching. To me, that matters much more than luck ever could.
Contact Info:
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/universolefootgear/
- Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/@universolefootgear
