Estimated at 79 billion dollars, the sneaker industryhttps://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Industry is nothing to sneeze at! While sneakers were once something you had to wear for gym class, shoes have evolved onto a cultural phenomenon.
Someone who is into collecting shoes – a sneakerhead – is big into the different brands, models, and the lore surrounding each new release. From sneakers release posthumously to shoes that may never hit the market, staying up to date on what’s hot is crucial.
If you’re unsure what to consider when shopping for your next pair of kicks, you’ll want to keep reading. You’ll learn everything you need to know about buying sneakers like a pro.
1. Price
One of the most crucial things to stay up to date on when trying to expand your collection is price. It’s no secret that being a sneakerhead is an expensive hobby, with most name-brand shoes running a few hundred dollars per pair.
Though you may feel like you need to spend big to have the best, this isn’t true. Starting small and diversifying your collection is recommended over splurging big on one pair of sneakerhead shoes.
However, that’s not to say you should never go big! If you’ve had your eyes on a pair of shoes for a while and you have the funds, go for it. But when starting, it’s better to focus on expanding your shoe game.
You’ll want to stay up-to-date on releases and drops. This allows you to buy straight from the source rather than a third-party seller. Buying from the retailer can save you money, as resellers often jack up the price to make a profit.
Though buying and selling sneakers has become a side hustle for many, taking the time to decide whether or not you want this collection for personal use is paramount. If you’re starting a personal collection, this opens up your options, as you can focus on purchasing what you like.
2. Quality
With sneaker culture flooding the market and mainstream media, this once-sacred space is being overrun by scammers and fakes. This means you’ll need to know what to look for when purchasing from third-party sellers.
Though you should try to buy from retailers when possible, this isn’t always a viable option, especially when it comes to shoes that are no longer in production. This only further emphasizes the need to know what to look for.
When assessing the quality of sneakers, you’ll want to pay attention to the small details. This includes the logos, colors, laces, structure, and location of labels.
However, some sneaker sites do the dirty work for you. For example, if you wanted to buy a pair of Air Jordans, you may be hesitant. Luckily, some sneakerhead websites provide a guarantee of authenticity when you look at each of their shoes – check it out!
3. Comfort
Though it seems like sneakerheads could care less about comfort and only focus on the name-brand aspect of collecting, this is far from the truth. Many sneaker collectors love wearing their shoes, as it allows them to show them off.
Many collectors will pass up a pair of shoes if they aren’t comfortable! Though they may be rare or in limited release, comfort is essential. After all, you don’t want your shoes to sit on the shelf, never worn!
First and foremost, you’ll want to avoid buying shoes not in your size. Though this seems like a no-brainer, you’d be surprised by how many will buy shoes in the wrong size just to say they have them!
Ensuring the shoe has quality arch and ankle support is a great place to start. Similarly, the shoe shouldn’t feel cramped around the toes or uncomfortable on your heel.
4. Style
Next, you’ll need to look into the style of each sneaker you’re interested in.
Though a shoe may look great, if it doesn’t fit your style, it may not be worth the money. After all, a personal collection is meant to be worn, so you don’t want to spend big on shoes you’ll never wear just because they’re a big brand.
You’ll need to consider the silhouette of each pair before buying. This is a significant factor, as it depends on your taste. With so many choices – chunky, sleek, retro – you’ll find something you like.
Another aspect of style you’ll need to consider is the color scheme. Shoes come in nearly every color nowadays, giving you plenty of options. If you’re looking to maximize how often you wear them, try to choose shoes that match a majority of your outfits.
5. Space
Finally, as a new collector, you’ll need to consider how much space you have. Though it may not seem like it, shoes take up a lot of space!
You can invest in a sneakerhead shoe rack to help you display your favorite pairs of sneakers. Not only does this give you a place to store them, but it also allows you to show them off.
You’ll also need to look into sneakerhead shoe storage tips to ensure the shoes that aren’t on display are secure. This includes finding a cool, dry, dark location to store the boxes to prevent the material from getting most and warping.
Become the Ultimate Sneakerhead With These Tips
If you were wondering, “what is a sneakerhead, anyway?” this guide has you covered! Keeping these tips and tricks in mind when expanding your collection can help you make the most informed purchases.
Are you ready to become a sneakerhead, thanks to the help of this guide? If so, you’ll want to check out the rest of our website. There, you’ll find more of the best fashion tips and tricks to help you look fly.
