Believe it or not, back in the 80’s sneakers wouldn’t even reach the hundred dollar mark. Any shoe priced at that much would leave the older generation floored. And if they bought into it, maybe even broke. However, in today’s economy, brand name sneakers all go for an average of 80 – 100+ dollars. Precious Nike Air Max online now costs double the price.
Traditionally, a knee-jerk reaction to this pricing would be to withhold purchasing any new footwear. However, recent years have seen an uptrend in the sneaker market, with Millennials and Gen Zs at the forefront. These generations’ penchant for sneakers may be seen as counter-instinctive. Why do these young individuals buy into the sneakerhead lifestyle despite the absurd cost to maintain it? Read on to find out why modern folks believe that pricey sneakers are worth the investment.
- All Thanks to Hype
Sneaker collecting used to be confined to a few individuals. Over recent years, it has become normalized by hoopers, celebrities, media stars, influencers, and the like, creating what we call a “Hype”. A hype is a sudden spike in consumer demand that sets off a chain reaction. For example, your friend bought a planner, and you bought one too. A few days later, everyone else follows suit and planners go up in demand.
As humans, wanting to belong is a natural tendency. Feeding this tendency includes buying into what is popular and going with the crowd. That’s not to say that sneaker fans are crowd surfing, but consumer demand affects how we perceive the value of any product. Now, no one bats their eyelash at the cost of Nike Air Max online. In fact, these kicks are seen as worth every dollar!
- A Social Status Symbol
Apart from pillars of the industry – Adidas, Nike, Puma, Reebok, Converse etc – high fashion designers have tried their hands at the sneaker biz. With brands like Louis Vuitton and Alexander Mc Queen producing sneaker lines of their own, sneaker collecting has become a social status symbol.
Before, only those in the upper echelons of society can purchase these expensive, and at times, rare items. However, today, with credit cards, sales, layaways, and steady savings, even normal middle-class aficionados can buy any brand they set their heart on to show they are part of the “in” crowd.
- Bold Fashion Statements
Since the year 2018, old fashion trends such as streetwear and retro vintage style have been brought back to life. Sneakers are no longer for comfort and sports; they are for self-expression too: wearable art that sheds light on your personality. With all the styles and funky designs, companies are coming up with these days, consumers can purchase shoes that match and reflect their style. If you’re all gung-ho about sneakers just like we are, you likely have a collection that lets your personality shine through.
4. Hidden Sentiment
Finally, looking at the surface, sneaker collecting might seem like a superficial habit; however, there is more to it. For a lot of people, each sneaker they buy holds sentimental value. A long-time basketball fan does not just see his Nike Air Jordan as ‘just another sneaker’, but a show of love for the sport and a concrete reminder of the enjoyment he or she had when playing or watching b-ball.
When a famed artist collaborates with a sneaker brand for a collection, fans quickly purchase these goods as a show of love and support. Of course, there is also the historical value that goes along with a shoe line. Being a sneakerhead may seem like an ostensible hobby, but at the ‘sole,’ it is one that evokes memories and creates sentimental value. So, go ahead and buy those shoes.
