Skip to main content

The Manual may earn a commission when you buy through links on our site.

How the World Cup changed Curtis Brown’s career

Today we speak to Curtis Brown, founder of Kicks to the Pitch

I’ve been lucky to experience a host of cultures and experiences. I was born in Fullerton, California (North Orange County) and grew up in Southern California but spent some of my high school time on the island of Oahu, Hawaii, as well as some of my college days in Laie on the North Shore of Oahu. I grew up loving sneakers, basketball and Hip Hop.  I am of the Latter-day Saints faith and practice up to this day. My faith is one my biggest motivations and keeps me on track with my daily grind.

Recommended Videos

About 12 years ago I had the idea to start my own sneaker boutique in Whittier right outside of Los Angeles. During that same time I co-created Dunkxchange, the first buy, trade and sell sneaker convention in the world. I have always been a secret fan of soccer and it was always a dream to go to a World Cup, so in 2010, my brother and I decided to take the trip to South Africa. While I was in Johannesburg I started to see how many people loved the culture that I came from but also loved football/soccer. I came home from South Africa with a new idea but no time to execute the new concept.

In 2014 I was able to go to the World Cup in Brazil and test my “new idea.” I worked with the world’s largest sneaker and street based art exhibitors, Sneaker Pimps, where I hosted a small art exhibition pairing Adidas World Cup team jerseys with Adidas sneakers and Monster Headphones that matched each team. That was the day soccer/lifestyle hybrid creative force Kicks to the Pitch was born. Kicks to the Pitch is now a leader in the world of soccer culture and has branched out to add a soccer specific creative agency named “The Pitch Creative Group” located in downtown LA. We have executed numerous global events and activities for Major League Soccer and international soccer teams with the intent of fusing the global game of soccer with urban and youth culture. Our mission is to bring the beautiful game to every head on every street corner of the world.

As for my personal style:
Jeans: Levi’s 511s

Shirts: I am big fan of soccer jersey tops and I love basic blank Dri-Fit NIKE SB shirts. The fewer the graphics, the better.

Pants: I like chino pants and the fit of the Levi’s 511 chinos.

Suits: This is a tough one. I don’t wear suits at all, so I couldn’t really give a solid answer on this one.

Shoes: My absolute favorite sneaker is the NIKE SB Koston 1, then the Air Jordan 1 in black/red and black/blue and the Air Jordan 11 in any color. Cole Haan or a basic set of Sperry Topsiders are my other go-to non-sneaker options.

Accessories: I love head wear. New Era is my day to day for a fitted cap and I love Mitchell & Ness snapback hats. I am always in a hat because, frankly, I’m too lazy to do my hair!

Outerwear: Living in So Cal, outerwear is not that common for me. I love hoodies and lightweight jackets. My NIKE US Soccer jacket is my favorite – I get to rep my country and it’s all around nice. A win-win.

Favorite cologne: I used to really like Eternity for Men, but my skin is sensitive so I don’t use cologne anymore!

Your favorite app: I live in LA, so Waze is my most-used and favorite app. And of course, Instagram.

Favorite piece of technology: My iPhone is my absolute favorite piece of technology. I use it almost every second of the day. It’s one of those things that I feel incomplete without. I almost stopped using my laptop because of my iPhone.

Next tech purchase: I am in need of a new laptop, so I think my next purchase will be the new MacBook Pro. Or the iPhone 7 when it drops.

Cator Sparks
Former Former Digital Trends Contributor, The Manual
Cator Sparks was the Editor-in-Chief of The Manual from its launch in 2012 until 2018. Previously, Cator was covering…
Graphpaper and PUMA elevate the Speedcat Plus in a monochrome triple-leather
PUMA's Speedcat sneaker gets a minimalist upgrade
puma speedcat sneaker

In the last couple of seasons, PUMA’s Speedcat silhouette has slowly become the brand’s answer to Adidas’ Samba and Nike’s Cortez revival. As the other brands continue to reinvent and reimagine some of their iconic sneakers, PUMA has taken to designs like the Speedcat for another pass through the spotlight. As the sneaker continues to reach a new audience with playful prints and textures, the brand hasn’t slowed down on releasing new iterations of the classic sneaker. In their latest collaboration on the Speedcat, PUMA has joined forces with Japanese label Graphpaper for a pared-down and subtle take on the sneaker that’s equally as retro as it is elevated. While this partnership takes on the Speedcat Plus, the silhouette’s more statement version, the iconic shape and style of the original Speedcat remains, with remnants of its racing past still visible.

Graphpaper gives PUMA’s Speedcat Plus a luxe makeover

Read more
Zenith’s space-forged chronograph goes worldwide
Zenith's Space-Forged Chronograph Expands
CHRONOMASTER SPORT METEORITE

Zenith has expanded global availability for its Chronomaster Sport Meteorite, a timepiece featuring authentic space fragments integrated into the dial.
Previously exclusive to Japan, the 41mm chronograph now reaches international markets through Zenith boutiques and authorized retailers at $17,500. Each watch incorporates a dial crafted from genuine meteorite that traveled through space for millions of years before reaching Earth and Zenith's Le Locle facilities.
The meteorite dials showcase the Widmanstätten pattern, a geometric formation created when molten iron cools gradually in space's vacuum. Hand-finishing reveals these cosmic crystalline structures, ensuring each dial remains unique. Against this extraterrestrial backdrop, Zenith's signature tri-color chronograph counters in silver, light grey, and anthracite create visual contrast with circular azuré finishing.
The stainless steel case preserves the design language of Zenith's 1969 A386 chronograph while incorporating contemporary elements like a black ceramic bezel marked with 10-second graduations. Pump-style pushers and modern proportions blend heritage aesthetics with current styling, while 10 ATM water resistance ensures daily practicality.
The timepiece houses Zenith's El Primero 3600 movement, the latest iteration of the brand's high-frequency chronograph caliber that earned the 2021 Grand Prix d'Horlogerie de Genève "Chronograph" award. Operating at 5 Hz with a silicon escape wheel, the movement achieves 1/10th second precision with the chronograph hand completing full rotations every 10 seconds.
The caliber provides 60 hours of power reserve and displays refined decoration through the sapphire caseback, including a blue column wheel, horizontal clutch, and openworked rotor featuring the Zenith star emblem.
The package includes both an integrated steel bracelet and black rubber strap for wearing versatility.

Read more
Isotope’s new OVNI Jumping Hour is a retro-futuristic marvel
The Isotope OVNI Jumping Hour is a retro-futuristic masterpiece
OVNI JUMPING HOUR (FOUNDERS EDITION)

In the dynamic sphere of independent horology, where creativity is the ultimate currency, Isotope Watches has consistently distinguished itself through audacious design and mechanical playfulness. The British microbrand’s recent release, the OVNI Jumping Hour Founder’s Edition, is a triumphant culmination of this philosophy, offering a retro-futuristic spectacle that captivates the collector’s imagination just in time to commemorate the brand's 10th anniversary. This timepiece goes beyond the conventional to become a wearable sculpture, a conversation piece that masterfully blends mid-century modern flair with contemporary horological ingenuity, proving that true luxury resides in bold individuality and intellectual design.

A dial of profound complexity and whimsical charm

Read more