In the last 20 years, sneakers have evolved massively; new materials, odd colors, and even laceless shoes – because, why not.
Aside from the sneakers themselves, sneaker fanatics, also known as sneakerheads, have changed their ways and methods of buying these sneakers. Fifteen years ago to buy a pair of nice sneakers, a store would have to have them on release. Nowadays, going out to buy sneakers isn’t really a necessity, for some the shoe doesn’t have to be ordered at all. Sites like Stock X and GOAT are platforms that allow people to buy and sell sneakers without going through the manufacturer first. Sophomore Nick Donato frequently buys and sells using Stock-X.

“I’m on Stock X pretty much everyday, I’m not always buying shoes though,” Donato said. “If I’m not looking to buy a new pair of shoes, or sell a pair that I have; I’ll be looking at the price drops on different shoes and looking at the market. As much as I like using Stock X, they do tax pretty hard [but] it’s worth it in the long run though.”

These third party sites often cause the price of certain sneakers to skyrocket, simply because there isn’t a large amount of said sneakers available to purchase. Since these limited sneaker drops have such low quantities, the price on these third party markets skyrocket supply and demand. Just recently in the last few years, replica sneakers often referred to as ‘Reps’ have gained immense popularity in the shoe game. Since these reps have flooded the market, with some being identical down to the threads, the third party market has taken a hit. Some of these reps are so close to the real shoe that they pass the ‘legit check’ and are being sold for a much higher price than it was bought for. Junior Brandon Reale is happier with real pairs of shoes.

“I personally don’t wear reps,” Reale said. “I have friends that do and they buy reps pretty frequently. I just would rather have the real pair.”

To some, shoes are seen as a material thing, something to wear and show off because you wanted to wear it. Others tend to use shoes as a collection piece and not wear them at all. This is what makes the market prices so high on the reselling apps. Some of these market prices are absurdly high because the buyers treat the shoes as an investment. 105.7 The Point Radio host Tony Patrico thinks that every shoe buyer does its job for the market.

“I would love to say that’s not fair, if it cost $120 when it came out, and it’s $300 now,” Patrico said. “But it’s all a part of the industry and the shoe games, it’s basic supply and demand.”