Are you a sneakerhead? Or are you wondering what is a sneakerhead? A sneakerhead is someone that admires, collects, buys/sells/trades, even waits in line for the new release of sneakers. Sneakerheads are looking for that classic pair, latest release, or often limited-edition pair of sneakers. But how big is this really? The resale market, in North America, is $2 billion per year and expected to rise to $6 billion in the next 4 years. That is a lot of pairs being sold on the resale market. Nike is currently the top brand on the resale market.
Here at MHS we have students and faculty that consider themselves sneakerheads, some more than others. We spoke (through email of course) with Mr. Lowe, Matt Lorion, and James Mwangi about their collections, what got them interested in sneakers, and what pairs they would like to add to their collection.
Mr. Lowe - MHS Principal
What are three pairs of sneakers you would like to add to your sneaker collection that you currently do not have?
Carmine Jordan 6's - Just never got around to purchasing them throughout the years
White Cement 3's - Missed the last opportunity to purchase them about 5 years ago.
Space Jam 11's (2009 version) - This has the lower cut patent leather and number 23 in the back unlike the more recent release that was of a sample pair that had #45 and high cut patent leather.
Do you remember the first pair of sneakers that got you interested in collecting sneakers?
I remember seeing the Nike Air Mags in Back to the Future and I was amazed by them. After those were completely unattainable, as they were simply a movie prop at the time (and like $15k at the time when they first released via auction), I was always amazed by the early-mid 90's basketball footwear. Any shoe that Jordan wore was unreal because of his stature as my idol, when Mike Bibby debuted the Penny Hardaway Foamposite, (during the sweet sixteen against Paul Pierce before Penny even wore them in a game), Barkley, Pippen, Chris Webber, all had amazing shoes.
If there is anything else you'd like us to add about your collection?
Shoes are a lot like music to me. They are like memories and remind me of time periods in my life when growing up. It's interesting how it can almost set a tone or a mood.
Matt Lorion - Class of 2021
How did you get started collecting sneakers?
When I would scroll through social media when I was younger I’d always be amazed at how “unique” and “special” the shoes looked. I’d always wanted to stand out from the crowd in some way, and at the time fancy shoes were highly of interest to me. Once I started being able to afford the shoes, I went crazy and after I’d purchase one shoe, I had to get another... and another. Until it came to the point where I had too many shoes. That’s when my addiction to buying shoes started to die down. It comes in waves for me, one year I’ll buy a bunch, the next I won’t buy any.
What are three pairs of sneakers you would like to add to your sneaker collection that you currently do not have?
Air Jordan 1 Off-White. Yeezy Turtle Dove. Nike Adapt 2.0.
James Mwangi - Class of 2020
What are pairs of sneakers you would like to add to your sneaker collection that you currently do not have?
Travis Scott Air Jordan 1 and Off white Canvas arrow
Sneakerheads, let us know what pairs of sneakers you would like to add to your collection.