They say that collecting something is a form of self-care. That has a particular item you are passionate about can boost happiness, help lower stress and anxiety, and help you find community around a shared interest.
People collect all sorts of wild things, from antiques and coins to legos and bobbleheads, and everything in between.
But for those of us who aren’t weird or nerdy, we collect sneakers. If you are into the streetwear scene to any degree, you need to have a sneaker collection, plain and simple.
And while the guys on Instagram flex their giant closets filled with hundreds of pairs of sneakers, you don’t need to be rich to start a sneaker collection. You just need a few pairs of valuable sneakers and a way to show them off.
So how can you get started on your collection? Here are some tips.
Follow the Sneaker Enthusiasts
Sneaker collecting 101, the first thing you need to do is educate yourself. This starts with following other sneaker collectors to see what is valuable, why they pick up certain pairs, and how they manage their collections.
Sneaker collecting is big business, so there are plenty of people you can follow online for some tips. Whatever platforms you use to find new content, you’ll find accounts to follow.
This includes Instagram, Tik Tok, YouTube, and Twitter. The sneaker world is changing daily, with drops happening all the time. So you need a way to get constant updates in order to stay in the know.
Know the Top Brands
In 2022, the top brands are still Nike, Adidas, and New Balance. Nike has been slaying the sneaker game for decades, and they continue to deliver countless pairs that are worthy of your purchase.
But there are other brands you need to know about.
Classic brands like Converse, Reebok, and Vans have also become trendy once again, making these a great brand to buy sneakers from. Puma has also come a long way in producing top-tier sneakers as well, instead of basic athletic shoes.
Jordan, the brand that’s still part of Nike, is constantly dropping new pairs. And Yeezy, the brand started by Kanye West, is part of the Adidas family and is changing the perception of what sneakers can be.
Asics, Saucony, Vaja, Saloman, and a few others are also emerging on the sneaker scene. While not as popular, these underdogs might be the perfect way to get started in the sneaker scene.
List Out Your Favorite Sneakers
You’ll want to start your collection out by purchasing a few pairs of shoes, rather than buying a single pair that costs a lot. It’s best to have a few pairs that you can rotate on a daily basis so you don’t wear out any one particular sneaker.
So make a list of all the pairs you are hoping to get. Depending on your budget, try choosing three of the four pairs you can start out with.
And don’t just buy shoes because they look cool. Sneakers only have value if you wear them from time to time. But many high-end sneakers are actually very uncomfortable.
Instead, choose a pair like Adidas Tubular shoes that are both super comfortable and look really good. Having versatile sneakers is key to wearing your shoes on a daily basis.
You should have at least one pair of sneakers for every activity. If you run, get a pair you can run in. If you play indoor soccer or basketball, get a pair made for the court. And if you need shoes for work, get a pair that goes with your work attire
Buy Some New Sneakers
If you live in a big city, then there are probably a few stores you can visit in order to pick up some quality sneakers. But for the most part, sneaker fans are buying their shoes online.
There are countless websites that focus on shoes that sneakerheads love. When you visit a physical store, they are generally selling the generic pairs that budget buyers are looking for, rather than the unique pairs you want.
So spend your time browsing online. You can even buy used sneakers online, which is more common than you might think. Multiple marketplaces exist to help you buy and sell your sneakers. These sights help to ensure that the sneakers are authentic and not cheap knockoffs.
The knockoff problem is why you should avoid sites like eBay or Poshmark.
Most people who sell used sneakers have only worn them a few times and have likely kept them clean and in good condition. It can be a great way to start your collection without breaking the bank.
Also Read: From ‘macaronis’ to mohawks, men’s fashion has always been political
Display Your Sneaker Collection
Once you have a few pairs of sneakers in your collection, it’s time to put them on display. Whether you have space in your walk-in closet or want to create a larger shoe rack in your bedroom, your shoes need a quality rack.
Some people will dedicate an entire wall to their sneakers. They’ll buy floating sneaker shelves, like the kind you might see in a footwear shop. You can display the full pair next to each other. Or, if you have a lot of pairs, you can just display one shoe from each pair on the wall, and keep the others stored in the closet.
There are many other types of shoe racks you can get. Most are open, stackable shelves that let you clearly see the sneakers inside. But some will have transparent drawers, that add a layer of protection to the shoes but still let you see what’s inside.
Over time, as your sneaker collection gets larger and larger, you may need to add to your display shelves or move your collection to a larger room. And this is a good problem to have.
Become a Sneakerhead
Starting a sneaker collection is fun and will quickly expose you to a new community of like-minded individuals, with an eye for fashion and quality goods.
But just remember, collecting sneakers is all about collecting shoes you will actually wear. The best sneakers are both comfortable and slick.
Looking for more tips like this? Head over to our blog now to keep reading.
