You can tell a lot about a person based on what they have on their feet. We also happen to be living through the glory years of sneakers, because manufacturers are releasing some of the most creative, must-have pairs you can find.
The sneaker industry is on fire, as it’s growing at more than a 7% rate right now.
Embrace a few foundational points first if you’re looking to start a sneaker collection.
Read on to learn how to amass an amazing sneaker collection.
Decide What You Love About Sneakers
People collect sneakers for several different reasons, so start by figuring out what you love about them.
Perhaps you’re a basketball enthusiast that knows what stats your favorite player dropped in each signature shoe they wore throughout their career. Sneakers are also a cultural statement, with everyone from Kevin Hart to Kanye West now coming out with signature lines of sneakers.
Maybe you just appreciate good old-fashioned color coordination and want to adorn your feet with the best. Start with the characteristics you appreciate, and use them as a foundation for starting your collection.
Start By Focusing on a Few Different Brands
Most people that collect shoes have a few brands that they support more than others.
People who love Nike staples might buy Nike Cortez or Airforce 1 sneakers. Converse Chuck Taylor All-Stars have been for decades. Vans have gone from skater wear to mainstream sneaker options.
Adidas has also become a sneakerhead mainstay, as everyone from the late Kobe Bryant to Damian Lillard has worn some incredibly designed options.
Once you begin exploring the different brands, make sure to also learn about the history. Phil Knight started the company that would go on to become Nike in 1964 and paid $35 for the iconic Nike swoosh check.
It later become the sneaker giant that we know and love today when a rookie player by the name of Michael Jordan signed a contract in 1984.
Some other popular brands include Puma, New Balance, Saucony, and Balenciaga. Study the signature lines and special releases of each company to see which ones jump out at you.
Follow the Publications and Chart Out Your Sneaker Release Calendar
Stay current with release dates as you build your shoe collection. Build your sneaker release calendar each year so that you know when your hot items are coming out, and at what price point.
Make sure that your calendar is laid out so that you can begin budgeting for the releases you want most, and planning for those that will be highly in demand.
For instance, your calendar might include limited releases like the “OG Brotherhood”, which honors Michael Jordan’s fraternity, Omega Psi Phi, or the Air Jordan 6 Carolina Blue colorway that honors his college, the University of North Carolina.
Forecasting sneaker releases will also help you to plan out your strategy for snagging a pair. Certain offerings will be hard to find, and will most certainly involve camping out or having a relationship with someone that deals sneakers.
Stock Up on a Few Staple Pairs
When starting a collection, you need to take care of the staple items first. Everyone wants to grab the craziest and most intricately designed pairs, but you need to take care of the basics.
At a minimum, you should have a solid white pair, a black pair, and another neutral color, like brown or tan. These are the pairs that you can wear with any outfit or occasion.
One of your pairs should also be more on the dressy side for when you’re wearing sweaters or button-ups.
Invest in the Best Storage and Care for Your Shoes
After you start building your sneaker collection, you have to also learn how to take care of them.
Keep them in their original boxes, stacked in a way that is easily organized. Prevent direct prolonged exposure to sunlight or high temperatures, so you don’t have to worry about colors fading before their time, or cracking and peeling.
You can also invest in new shelving space so that you can neatly categorize and store your sneakers.
Invest in a cleaning solution that is safe to use on leather, synthetic material, rubber, and textiles. Quickly rub away smudges, so that you don’t let stains and imperfections set in on your sneakers.
Many people use newspapers to stuff in their shoes when they’re not in use, so that they can absorb odors and stay fresh smelling.
Set Aside a Budget Regularly
Let’s face facts — sneakers aren’t a cheap hobby and haven’t been for a long time now.
It’s commonplace now to pay $100 or more for a new pair of sneakers. Create a budget for your sneakers, so that you can invest some money in new pairs regularly.
You’ll be able to pull the trigger on some fresh finds when you pre-emptively set aside money for your sneaker fund.
Before you make purchases, you should also keep track of cultural changes and sneaker values. This way, you can make finds that will appreciate in value, and will have a better idea of how much you fetch on the resale market.
Start Your Sneaker Collection on the Right Note
The tips above will help you when you’re looking to get the most out of your new sneaker collection. Start with these words of advice and begin creating a collection that you’ll be proud of.
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