Sneakers on the Brain
RED BANK, New Jersey (Achieve3000, March 17,
2021). What could you do with $615,000? You
could buy 600 of the very latest iPhones. How
about a PlayStation 5? You could buy more
than a thousand of those. But in 2020,
someone paid that price for ... one pair of
sneakers!
These weren't just any kicks, of course. They
were Nike Air Jordan 1s that once belonged to
basketball star Michael Jordan himself. These
were very valuable shoes. But who would
spend $615,000 on sneakers? A sneakerhead,
that's who.
Sneakerheads are big-time footwear fans. They
collect and trade sneakers. They know all about
them. They know which kinds are most
valuable. You could say they've got sneakers on the brain!
Photo credit: Nikki van
Toorn/Sneakerness International
Sneaker fans examine some of the
sneakers on display at the
Sneakerness Convention. Events like
this take place in cities around the
world where thousands of sneaker
seekers get together to buy, sell, and
swap shoes.
5 answers
But what makes a sneaker valuable? It's not just the brand or the design; it's the rarity and exclusivity. Limited edition releases, collaborations with popular brands or artists, and sneakers that have a historical significance often fetch high prices in the sneaker market.
The Nike Air Jordan 1s mentioned earlier are highly sought after by sneakerheads. They are not only iconic because they were once worn by Michael Jordan himself, but also because of their limited availability. This combination of a legendary athlete's connection, historical significance, and scarcity resulted in the $615,000 price tag.
For sneakerheads, owning rare and valuable sneakers is a way to express their style, passion, and individuality. They see sneakers as more than just shoes; they are a form of self-expression and a way to connect with a community of like-minded enthusiasts. So, while spending such a hefty amount on sneakers may seem extreme to some, for sneakerheads, it's all about their love for the culture and the chase for the most coveted kicks.
Title suggestion: "The Fascinating World of Sneakerheads: Passion, Obsession, and the Pursuit of Rare Kicks"