The Things I Miss About Buying Sneakers
I first got into sneakers in the 90s when I worked at Champs for a brief time. Now back then there were no online raffles or draws. You could walk into the store and pick up the latest sneakers of the moment. I remember working my first Jordan Day and it was when I first understood what the hype was about. I remember ringing the guys out and trying to sell them extra shoe strings and 99% of the time they said no. They just wanted the shoe and to get out of there. Now we have raffles, draws, and the game of chance online to purchase shoes. Some think it’s easy but folks like me can’t stand it.
Nike Air Force 1 LO
Why can’t Nike or Adidas sell the shoes online without making the consumer jump through hoops? The whole hype beast culture and doing it for the Gram has a choke hold on everyone, and it feels like it will not go away. I had to conclude that If I didn’t get a certain shoe I just let it go. But I will admit I do have some FOMO (fear of missing out) on some pairs of Jordans that I wanted but I have to live with missing them. I vow not to ever go to a reseller to purchase a shoe because they don’t make sense.
Nike Jordan 1 High Twist
Now let's talk about resellers. Yes, I will admit I have gone to a reseller before and purchased my Nike Air Max 2 Light x Atmos. For some reason, I purchased them in the wrong size and I sent them back and they sold out quickly. I went to StockX (yep the site that Nike is currently suing for selling fake sneakers and NFTs showing their sneakers) and was able to pick them up a few days later in my size and for less than retail. It was crazy but I was extra happy I was able to get them. As I look back on it now would I do it today? The answer is nope. I do not see myself spending over retail for something that I put on my feet and could step into spit, pee, poop, and whatever else is on the ground. I do not see shoes as an investment. My condo is an investment! My sneakers, handbags, and sunglasses are not an investment but are things I like and collect but not an investment. I guess some people would say I’m wrong but I will stand by my opinion. I would rather invest in something like real estate that will appreciate due to the market and properties around it and not hype from a few people on the internet. In this age of social media and hype, it is crazy how sneakers have become this huge thing but just 20 or so years ago it wasn’t like this. You find out a release day, you line up at the store and you get the shoe. If you weren’t able to find your size you just lost out. Now the thrill is gone because of all the over-hype.
Nike Air Max 2 Light Atmos
Will I stop buying sneakers because of the way things are now….no, I am going to keep buying what I like.