The Land of Opportunity
Trainers in the United States of America are big business. The resale market alone in 2019 is a billion-dollar industry, most of which circulates from the States. The term Sneakerhead originates from North America, and arguably, that is where you find the most radicalised incarnation of the phrase. These days if you like trainers you can be a ‘sneakerhead’. The trainer world is as diverse as it is unifying, and the scene welcomes all comers. Product is more accessible than it has ever been. Allowing enthusiasts, collectors and resellers alike equal opportunity at securing that desired pair. Trainer culture originates in the States, born out of an obsession with Air Jordan, the continued growth of Nike and Adidas, and the possibilities created by the release of the ultra-rare Nike SB Dunk Lows in the early 2000s. With the Sneakerhead emerging as a result.
A sneakerhead for every occasion
The term sneakerhead is a broad one. One that is no broader than when used in North America. Whether you are a collector, a reseller, or even just someone who appreciates the style, there are as many subsections of the trainer community, as there are types of ‘sneakers’. Whether its court shoes you crave, skateboarding that defines you, or one of the ever-growing population of Yeezy fanatics. The obsession with trainers has been nurtured into the lucrative market it is today. Sneaker culture really forced its way into genuine contention in America in the mid-1980s. Coinciding with Nike’s 1985 release of the first Air Jordan and Run DMC’s release of their single “My Adidas,” trainers became, for many, an indicator of prestige.
Trainers had achieved popularity in the mainstream as a result, but it wasn’t until the early 2000s that the culture really began to evolve. In 2019 exclusivity is everything, a fact that makes limited releases common practice. All stemming from a realisation in 2005 which came thanks to Nike’s release of the “Pigeon” Dunk Low SB. Only 150 pairs were released, and it was that rarity that people craved. When demand outweighs supply, everyone wants what no one can have. Sneakerheads were now looking for the thing no one had, the rarer the better. While for brands like Nike and Adidas, the hysteria and buzz created translated to dollar signs for them. Thus blooding a now common business model.
Sneakerhead & Reseller, two sides to the same coin
Sneakerheads began to line the streets for every drop, attempting to get their hands on the latest limited releases. To recure bragging rights, gain style points or something that was becoming more and more common, turn a profit. For every genuine sneakerhead, as the market grew. Spawned a reseller looking to capitalise on the obsession with getting their hands on this exclusive product. As the reality of the situation in North America more than anywhere else in the world, trainers are more assets than collectables, and these tradeable commodities have massive value. Making a distinction between a sneakerhead and a reseller is often difficult. As ultimately in 2019 you can’t have one without the other, and most people fall into both categories.
to recure bragging rights, gain style points or something that was becoming more and more common, turn a profit. For every genuine sneakerhead, as the market grew, spawned a reseller looking to capitalise on the obsession with getting their hands on this exclusive product. As the reality of the situation in North America more than anywhere else in the world, trainers are more assets than collectables, and these tradeable commodities have massive value. Making a distinction between a sneakerhead and a reseller is often difficult. As ultimately in 2019 you can’t have one without the other, and most people fall into both categories.
Accessibility is everything
Accessibility of these coveted pairs has really made nothing out of reach in North America. Brick and mortar stores like Stadium Goods and Flight Club. As well as online platforms StockX and GOAT have given sneakerheads not only the opportunity to buy almost every pair imaginable but allowed them to see at what price they should be buying and selling at. See as for in 2019 the American sneakerhead is informed, knowledgeable and very much entrenched in the world. Making them arguably vital to the whole scenes prosperity over the years. The trainer industry is built on hype, and the hype is generated by the sneakerheads.
Yeezys for everyone
The thing about the trainer world at the moment is the sheer amount of product that is available on the market. There are releases almost every day, so much so that it is often difficult to keep on top of. While sneakerheads try and stay up to date, in reality, it is the Yeezy brand that keeps everyone on alert. Kanye West has had a strangle like hold on the market since his move to Adidas in 2015 and has moulded the scene into what is it today.
Yeezys are the hottest trainers on the market in North America and the staple of a sneakerhead’s rotation. So when Kanye West promised to make it so everyone has a pair of Yeezys he isn’t giving up easily. Gradually increasing his brand’s production output, driving up sales with restocks, and a varying selection of colourways for all of his most popular silhouettes. Yeezys are almost universally appreciated by the American sneakerhead. In comparison to there namesakes in Asia, who value the importance of variety in the scene, for sneakerheads in America, the Yeezy brand dominates.
Laced’s online trainers platform is the best place for sneakerheads to stay ahead of the market and cop those rare pairs at the best prices.