SNEAKER COLLECTOR PRICE GUIDE

There’s a lot more product – is it harder to create a shoe these days with crazy resale value?
Most definitely. But the same criteria apply. Keep it limited, but limited enough where heads can get their paws on them! It’s a fine line. Now that the retail price is a lot higher, this has affected the potential resale value. Also, whenever production numbers are sketchy, it also causes collectors to spend a little more than perhaps they should have.

Has the pissweak US dollar changed things?
No doubt. There’s a major shrinkage of buyers out of Asia, where rare shoes and apparel are most commonly traded in USD. American buyers are now shocked by prices – little do they know that Europe and Australia have copped the same prices for years! This has forced resellers to calm right down, as the US market simply won’t spend like they used to. It also affects petrol prices, so shipping and logistics has become more expensive.

Has the volume of fakes harmed ebay?
Well, it certainly takes a lot longer to find legitimate product, which is sad. Air Max are just being slaughtered out there, as well as Jordans. Legitimate sellers have the rarest of semi-vintage styles, and they never realize their real value because of the perceived risk. Who knows what will turn up in the mail? The new group I mentioned are buying fake shoes, which I find deplorable, although it’s entirely their own fault. How can the industry grow when our new crop of buyers aren’t supporting stores or the manufacturers?

And lastly, what about the future?
I think the future is bright for all the brands. The sneaker thing is now far from underground and a new group of sneaker fiends are demanding a lot more bling. Lets hope all the companies try and work harder to better understand their different customers, so they can continue to drive the hobby to new heights. Importantly, I think with more specialised retail accounts being opened in China and Japan by the major brands, there is physically a greater demand on particular styles more than ever. In fact, this region has such a huge population, the increased exposure may drive and instigate hype to levels possibly never even reached before.

This article appeared in ISSUE 11 of SNEAKER FREAKER. BUY IT HERE!