WHY THE IPHONE IS KILLING THE SNEAKER INDUSTRY

3. PRESSURE TO CONFORM
It’s also clear that price pressure is also influencing the types of shoes that are made, especially new models. With a few notable exceptions, the industry has definitely lost its appetite for fresh design and the investment required to build new models. Minimalism is cheap, so get used to it.

After declaring that independent retail was dead in a previous issue, this is another heavy duty subject that even some of our most hardcore readers might find too businessy to digest. However, since Sneaker Freaker represents all creeds of sneaker aficionados, I feel we have a duty to explain how things in our world are changing and why. Consider it more of a 360 degree view of the global village we now live in – one which might also inform some of your imminent buying decisions.

If you ever wondered why third-rate materials such as pleather, faux gum (fum!), ‘synthetic’ suede and other atrocities against good taste are being used in our shoes, then you’re in the right place.

Now let’s look at the reasons why...