Did you know that your favorite sneakers could be a huge investment opportunity?
With the global sneaker market expected to reach $120 billion by 2026, it’s the perfect time to diversify your investments by collecting the sneakers you love.
And not only does collecting sneakers have great money-making potential, but it’s a fun hobby, too. So the next time someone tells you that starting a sneaker collection is frivolous, you can point them to the slew of benefits that comes with this valuable pastime.
Ready to learn more? Here are some of the best reasons to start collecting sneakers!
Create a Unique Style
Remember that collecting sneakers isn’t about hoarding. Instead, it’s about hand-picking the perfect pieces for your collection.
And one of the best things about starting a sneaker collection is that you can create a signature style no one else will have. This is because most people only buy what they find at the store, so your collectible sneakers are sure to stand out.
Many collectible shoes have eye-catching patterns and designs. To create a unique look, you can build your outfits around your sneakers to make them the star of the show.
The best sneakers to help you create a signature style are lightly used ones. They should be in good enough condition to wear, but they’ll also be more affordable than a brand-new, limited-edition pair.
While you’re building your collection, think about which sneakers you’d like to wear and which you’d like to re-sell. For example, you might find a limited-edition or vintage pair of sneakers like the older Air Jordan models.
Keep the ones with the highest resale value in their box, and keep the ones you don’t mind wearing out for day-to-day use.
Plus, when you’re collecting sneakers, you’re always on the lookout for the latest and greatest sneakers. This means that you’re always up-to-date on the latest trends and styles.
Showing Your Love for Sneakers
Buying sneakers is also a great way to show your love and dedication to sneaker culture.
For example, many people start collecting sneakers as an homage to hip-hop culture. Another popular reason is to show their love for their favorite basketball players.
If you love Michael Jordan, then wearing Air Jordan 1s is the perfect way to show your appreciation for this iconic player.
Nike also does frequent collaborations with other well-known basketball players. One recent release is the LeBron XIX sneaker, a collaboration with the one and only LeBron James.
Another way to display your love for sneakers is to show them off as pieces of wearable art. For instance, some of the biggest sneaker companies (like Nike) often collaborate with well-known artists.
Nike also collaborates with high-end designers like Dior to create shoes like the Dior X Air Jordan 1 High sneakers.
Nostalgia
Another great reason to start collecting sneakers is that they can be a great source of nostalgia. These are the best collections because they have both emotional and monetary value.
For example, many people start collecting sneakers as an homage to their childhood or to remember a special time in their life.
Perhaps they were too young to buy the cool sneakers that their siblings had at the time. Or, they want to feel the nostalgia of the NBA’s 90s golden age.
Some of the most popular sneakers on the market today are actually re-releases of older models. This means that you can wear a pair of sneakers that you grew up with or that reminds you of a happy time in your life.
For example, the Nike Air Max 95 was originally released in 1995 and quickly became one of the most popular sneakers of the decade. It celebrated its 25th anniversary in 2020 and is still being released in new patterns and colorways.
A Fun New Hobby
Collecting sneakers can also just be a whole lot of fun. When you’re a collector, you start to see sneakers as valuable collector’s items (rather than only footwear).
As a sneaker collector, you’ll be on top of all the new releases. Some people even set up sneaker bots to buy limited-stock sneakers the moment they come out!
This way, when everything’s sold out, sneaker bot users re-sell the shoes at a higher price.
Strategies like this make sneaker collecting a fun hobby. Plus, it will challenge your mind and stretch your resourcefulness.
It’s also a great hobby for expanding your creativity. First, you’ll be thinking of new outfit combinations to try with your new kicks. Second, you can try out different sneaker display ideas to keep your collection looking fresh.
Learning About Investments
If you find the stock market boring, then learning how to buy sneakers is a great way to learn about investing.
This is because the sneaker market is similar to the stock market. Both are:
- Driven by supply and demand
- Can be volatile
- Rise and fall in value
- Can be very profitable (as long as you know what you’re doing)
For example, the Nike Dunk SB Low Paris features artwork from French painter Bernard Buffet. It’s considered one of the most expensive shoes in the world.
Since only 202 pairs of this sneaker were ever made, their rarity means the price skyrocketed to 149,385%.
You’ll also learn to keep an eye out for influencers and trends.
Let’s say a high-profile celebrity posts a photo on social media where they’re wearing obscure Nikes. Chances are the value of the shoe will jump quickly, creating a perfect investment opportunity.
Ready to Start Collecting Sneakers?
If you’re just starting out, think about why you want to start collecting sneakers. This will help you decide how many pairs you want to buy and whether you’ll be wearing them or keeping them for resale.
From the investment potential to the pure enjoyment of collecting, there’s no downside to this fun (and lucrative) hobby. So, what are you waiting for? Get out there and start collecting!
And for even more helpful blog posts, be sure to check out more articles from our lifestyle category!
