More Than Shoes: What You Need To Know About The World of Sneakerheads

For us Sneakerheads, sneakers are about more than utility and comfort.

But what does it mean to be a Sneakerhead?

Does any sneaker count?

How much do they cost?

Question: How do Sneakerheads use their sneakers?

Answer: Some are just collectors that keep them on "ICE" (not wearing them).

There are folks who have closets of shoes, with a lot more in storage .

When they buy , the buy a couple , one to wear , and the other goes away in storage. (One to rock , one to stock)

But most sneakerheads cant resist the urge to wear aka "Toe them"

Question: Where do they wear them?

Answer: They wear them everywhere. However, the more expensive pairs owners tend to be more selective of the place as too avoid too much damage.

They also tend to save certain pairs for more special occasions. (Bringing out the "Heat")

In college, I had a spell where I would wear sneakers in rotation and sometimes go weeks/months without repeating a single shoe!

Sneakers are especially popular among us "Melanated folks" to express our style, identity and it doubles as a status symbol.

Question: What about dirty shoes?

Answer: Not a option. Most sneakerheads are well invested in cleaning products for their babies.

It’s all in the system.

From soap, water and toothbrushes, to "Crep Protect" and "Jason Markk" sneakerheads can rival Mr. Clean himself with the cleaning jobs they perform on their shoes.

There are even businesses that solely clean your sneakers and if things get really out of hand (crosses fingers) restore them to prime condition.

But the general rule is - Once worn , once cleaned.

Question: Will people pay what it weigh?

Answer: Yes. Yes. Yesssss.

Although, it depends on how exclusive and how badly the sneaker is desired. The market will reflect the demand and then some!

The "Louis Vuitton Nike Air Force 1 Low x By Virgil Abloh" retailed around $2900 and buyers didn't blink they sold out immediately, I'm talking milliseconds.

This was a more exclusive drop but when the hype is high, and the demand is even higher.

Spend we shall!

The retail average is anywhere from $150- $350, depending on the sneaker.

But aftermarket prices can range anywhere from $200-$60k.

Question: Can the average person just walk into a store and purchase?

Answer: Yes and No.

The sneaker market has hit a bit of a bear market so pairs that won’t normally sit on shelves are in stock and after market prices make it a lot easier to get a pair.

It also depends on where you are geographically, the more sneakerheads around you the harder it is to get pairs.

Think L.A, New York, Chicago, Miami. The other side to this is that these areas receive more pairs because of more demand.

So, living in less populated areas can mean disaster for local sneakerheads trying to get pairs at their local stores.

There are also local consignment stores found in almost every major city where you can buy pairs that are sold out.

At after market prices of course. (Yayyy..haha)

Question: What’s the importance of Sneakerhead culture ?

Answer: It’s all about community, belonging somewhere .

Creating a community around a brand or product allows people to connect more with everyone having this love for sneakers regardless of which brand or models they prefer.

In short, Game recognizes game.

There can be a communal, tribal, even cultish connection to certain brands or product lines.

Examples, skaters and their Nike Dunk SB's , Hoopers and their Kobes , MJ stans and their Retro Jordan's.

The community formed around these brands is so strong that mistakes and just straight up misses for the most part have almost no effect on customer loyalty.

Question: Does Sneakerhead culture embrace different types of athletic shoes?

Answer: It all started with Jordan, so basketball shoes is the still the juggernaut, but the community has really diversified since.

Running shoes - New Balance 9060's.

Skate Shoes- Nike Dunk SB's

Lifestyle Shoes- Yeezy's

Luxury Shoes- Off White

In recent a more important factor in the type of sneakers would be the collabs, popular musicians, influencers and athletes have influenced the landscape of the sneaker community.

Kanye West rebirthed Adidas, Travis Scott has everything with his name on it considered a "Grail", Kawhi Leonard and New Balance. Even Billie Elish taking the Air Force 1 model by storm.

Question: What should a Noob know about the sneakerhead community?

Answer: I would equate it to social media just to find out what’s trending and pay attention to that.

Of course, there are timeless staples every sneakerhead always comes bac

I would equate it to social media just to find out what’s trending and pay attention to that.

Of course, there are timeless staples every sneakerhead always comes back to but what's currently buzzing is a safe place to be.

Also, there isn’t some secret society (shhh) but the barrier to entry is right in your local mall. Start off with some Retro Jordan's (Models 1-14) or a neutral pair of Nike Dunks the color rhymes with Wanda.

One or two pairs and you're in the club! Well.... kind of

k to but what's currently buzzing is a safe place to be.

Also, there isn’t some secret society (shhh) but the barrier to entry is right in your local mall. Start off with some Retro Jordan's (Models 1-14) or a neutral pair of Nike Dunks the color rhymes with Wanda.

One or two pairs and you're in the club! Well.... kind of

Question: What's next?

Answer: Sneak "HER" heads, women are taking over the sneaker world and I'm here for it. Bae sizes (size 4y - 7Y/5.5W-8.5W) control the market and numbers don't lie.

Women know what they like and the sneaker market responds accordingly, they are setting the trends and pushing the boundaries.