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Why do we love collecting sneakers?

Buying Guides

Josyula Sanshray
December 24, 2020

What drives us to collect kicks? For some people, they are enthusiastic about the prospect of having nicer kicks, while others are OG collectors who have been in the game for a long time and are strictly in it for the appreciation of history and the design greats that have graced the history of sneaker lore. Some have been brought in by the hype generated by the Kanye Yeezy era and the Virgil Off-White movement, which have captured the minds of new collectors and brought many new sneaker heads into the game. In any case, the biggest drive to collect more is a combination of hype releases and love for older releases that have a cool concept or point of historical reference.

via Brooklyn Magazine
via Brooklyn Magazine

As we move into 2021, we often reflect upon our habits and eccentricities in the form of New Year Resolutions. However, the sneaker crowd has their own sets of priorities. To buy or not to buy. More than just a spin on Hamlet, this is a guiding question for all us sneaker heads. Why do we all love to collect sneakers and is it really worth it?

via Hypebeast
via Hypebeast

What drives us to collect kicks? For some people, they are enthusiastic about the prospect of having nicer kicks, while others are OG collectors who have been in the game for a long time and are strictly in it for the appreciation of history and the design greats that have graced the history of sneaker lore. Some have been brought in by the hype generated by the Kanye Yeezy era and the Virgil Off-White movement, which have captured the minds of new collectors and brought many new sneaker heads into the game. In any case, the biggest drive to collect more is a combination of hype releases and love for older releases that have a cool concept or point of historical reference.

via GQ Magazine
via GQ Magazine

But is it really worth the effort, time and money spent on what others would call “just another pair of shoes”. On the one hand, the argument that we biologically only have one pair of feet and thus only need specific shoes for specific situations hold true. But on the other hand, each sneaker is unique and for us sneaker aficionados, having more kicks means more options to develop our own style. And as for the monetary sacrifice, buying and maintaining a pair of kicks is seen more of an investment as the value of certain models such as signature Jordans and rarer Air Max models continue to climb even after we wear them a few times. Being passionate about something is what drives us as human beings.

Ultimately, collecting sneakers is rooted in mankind’s unyielding need for personal expression and the appreciation of aesthetically pleasing objects of contemporary desire. Sneakers are a low hanging form of accessible hype that is rooted in urban fashion, sporting culture and the joy (or nostalgia) of youth. Something we can all identify with no matter what walk of life we hail from.

Now that you have been inspired to re-evaluate your sneaker collecting habit, it might be time to reorganize, clear out or expand your collection. Whatever the case may be Ox street  has you covered for your collection.You can even sell your own deadstock sneakers in the spirit of spring cleaning over at Ox street. For more sneaker news and market drops, remember to sign up as a user on Ox Street, and earn credits when you refer your friends to join our marketplace.

Josyula is a Singapore based bedroom DJ, Photographer, and Sneaker Collector. He loves all things culture and music, and writes in-depth articles on sneaker culture in Asia