|
| :: Featured Articles ::Featured articles at MOTH
Are those sneakers on your feet a collectible?
Each of us at Man of The House, Inc has a hobby collecting something. Our editor Matt collects Pez candy dispensers, Miss Meow collects treasure boxes, P-Luv collects robots, and rumor is that Loop collects boogers under his office chair. However, our ever-stylish Culture & Lifestyles guru, Mike V, trumps us all with a collection that keeps him ever-stylish and on the move……..
Mike collects SNEAKERS! Lots and lots of pairs of Sneakers!
So we sat down with our well-soled scribe to learn what it takes to be a “Sneaker Freak.”
MOTH: We all own sneakers. What's the difference between a collectible sneaker and a generic sneaker?
MIKE. V.: I think it’s important to look at what makes anything collectible. For many, it is exclusivity or limited supply to meet the demand. Others are on the hunt for that one piece to complete a series or edition. For me, it is all about the emotional connection. I tend to go after what looks good and is comfortable. That being said, many collectors are on a relentless crusade to find the ultimate sneakers for their collection. It could be a quick-strike (limited distribution) sneaker from Nike or an anniversary edition of the Adidas Superstar. Someone may covet the original Nike Air Jordans, while another enthusiast will search high and low for the original Reebok Pump high-tops. It is totally subjective and really plays off the personality of the collector.
Another value point for collectors is the unique nature of the sneaker. For instance, occasionally Nike will collaborate with a graffiti artist to design a sneaker and will only make 500 pairs. Collectors will wait in line for literally days at their favorite sneaker shop with the hope of getting one of the 30 pair available at that location. Doesn’t matter it if isn’t their size. As long as they can have them in their collection, then they have succeeded.
MOTH: Who makes collectible sneakers?
MIKE V: You name it. Nike, Adidas, Pony, Reebok, Alife, Converse, New Balance, Saucony, Timberland – all of these can be considered collectibles based on the individual. Nike probably has the greatest following as it caters to the collector audience by regularly launching exclusives and limited run designs. This drives demand and keeps collectors on the look out for the next big thing.
MOTH: Do you buy the sneakers to wear or do they stay in the box?
MIKE V.: Totally depends on the individual. I wear whatever I get. I have friends who buy two of everything to open one and save one, not unlike toy collectors. I know people who will buy 5: one to wear, one to keep in box and 3 to sell on E-Bay!
MOTH: Should a collectible sneaker be worn with a matching outfit or does it stand out on its own?
MIKE V.: Doesn’t matter. That’s the beauty of it: you rock them however you want. Companies like Nike and Reebok will create apparel to match the footwear. Many sneaker “freaks” will wear their favorite team jersey and matching hat so they are styling from head to toe. Matching is not uncommon, but certainly not required. The important thing is that you like what you have on your feet.
MOTH: Are collectible sneakers always new sneakers? Or do you seek out of production models?
MIKE V: Collectibles do not have to be new. I bought a pair of Adidas 35th Anniversary shell-toes and wore them out three times before I realized they weren’t for me. So I took pictures of them, posted them on E-Bay, and someone in San Jose, CA, who was looking for them for their collection, ended up buying them from me for almost $200. If someone wants them bad enough, they are willing to put up with a few scuff-marks or that “not so new” smell.
MOTH: If a guy is really into sneakers how does he evolve that into becoming a collector?
MIKE V.: That is up to the guy. I started by learning about the industry and getting tips from real pros. A couple of my friends have over 60 pairs of sneakers. Personally, I can’t afford to feed that level of hunger, so I keep an eye out for what I like and do what I can to find it. It could be obscure or simply look real good. Once I set my sights on something, I get fixated.
That being said, there are sneakers on the market now that sell for over $2,000. Not particularly what I am after, but if something is in high enough demand, then someone will pay the asking price.
MOTH: What resources are available to learn what sneakers are cool or where to get them?
MIKE V.: You can go online and find pretty much anything you are looking for. A couple of sites I like are pickyourshoes.co and vintagekicks.com. To really keep on top of things, you can check out magazines like Sneaker Freaker ( sneakerfreaker.com). Check your city for sneaker boutiques and keep an eye on their sale racks. You never know what you will find. And by all means, cruise E-Bay as often as possible!
MOTH: Are there different factions within sneaker collecting?
MIKE V: There are definitely factions out there. Some people will collect only Nike, others only Air Force one (Nike’s most popular design). Some collectors only want high-tops, and some only want athlete-endorsed footwear (Air Jordan, for instance). Overall, collectors are just doing what suits them.
“My take is this: If it looks good, buy it. If it feels good, wear it. And always keep your eyes open for what you want because you never know where it will pop up.
Peace and Pineapples,
Mike Verret”
Tell MOTH what kinds of things you collect, or what hobbies you’d like to learn more about - Hobbies@mothboys.org
|
