If you’re reading this, you already have a sneaker collection or you may want to start one. Either way, we’re super excited to share some of our best tips and tricks for getting started—and staying on top of the game.
Before we dive in, let’s talk about what makes a good sneaker collection. It’s not just about having the most expensive shoes or the rarest pair. It’s about having a collection that reflects your taste and style while still being functional and practical enough to wear daily.
And let’s be honest: starting a sneaker collection can be challenging. Especially if money is tight or you need more space for extra pairs of shoes. But don’t worry! This guide will show you how to build your dream collection without breaking the bank or giving up your living space. So let’s get started.
Learn the different sneaker terms
When starting a new collection, it can be unclear what all the different terms mean. We have created this glossary so you’ll always be on your game!
- Beaters: The sneakers that can be worn in any situation regardless of the weather.
- Bricks: Overpriced sneakers purchased solely for resale that are either not as successful as initially anticipated or do not sell at all.
- Colorway: A sneaker’s distinctive color scheme that sets it apart from other models of the same brand.
- Cop: To successfully buy a pair of sneakers.
- Deadstock: A pair of previously released sneakers that are still unworn and brand new.
- GOAT: The acronym GOAT stands for “Greatest Of All Time.” Usually refers to Michael Jordan and, most recently, Kanye West.
- Grails: Grails are the most desired sneakers, typically challenging to find either because they are pricey or extremely rare.
- Heat: A highly sought-after or hip pair of sneakers.
- Hypebeast: People who don’t seem to have their own tastes instead merely purchase the most popular styles and flit from trend to trend.
- Kicks: Another name for sneakers.
- Original Releases (OGs): A sneaker’s initial release in one of the colorways.
- On the ice: A pair of sneakers you still need to wear but plan to in the future.
- Player Edition: An athlete-designed shoe made available to the general public.
- Player Exclusive: A special version of a product created just for an athlete and never made available to the public.
- Reseller: Someone who buys sneakers to resell them for a profit.
- Restock: When a retailer receives a fresh shipment of a pair of previously sold-out sneakers.
- Retro: The release of a vintage colorway. Usually the same as the original; however, slight variations may exist.
- Sample: A sneaker prototype that footwear designers construct only for testing or promotional purposes.
- Size run: The range of sneaker sizes a retailer keeps on hand. A full-size run, or “FSR,” is defined as having sizes 6 to 12.
- Tonal: A single-color pair of sneakers.
- Trainers: Another name for sneakers in the UK.
- VNDS: A sneaker tried on or worn for a minimal period but still qualifies as deadstock.
To learn more terms, you can get involved in the sneaker community by reading up on websites dedicated to news about sneakers—such as Hypebeast and Highsnobiety. You can also keep up with accounts on social media that focus on sneakers. Or watching YouTube videos of people unboxing new shoes.
Know the purpose of your collection
Before you begin collecting sneakers, you must consider what kind of collector you want to be.
You can buy sneakers and resell them to make money or collect different pairs of sneakers because they have a history or tell a story. Neither is right nor wrong—there are two sides to this debate, but it is essential to know why you purchase sneakers to organize your collection better.
When you’re buying sneakers for yourself rather than selling them, make sure to do some research into each pair. Learn one detail about it—such as the designer or technology used in its making —and keep adding new knowledge to your collection.
Figure out the type of sneakers you want
Another critical step in building your sneaker collection is determining the type of sneakers you want. Do you want to collect all the colorways of a specific model? Do you want to assemble a collection of limited-edition sneakers that are only released in certain cities or countries? Or you may want to collect every pair of shoes from your favorite brand. Whatever it is, ensure that your goals align with what’s available on the market. If you want something yet to be released, then be prepared to pay a premium price.
Mark your Calendars
Although knowing the type of sneakers you want is one thing and buying them is another, being able to identify the precise date and time they will be released can help make your process easier.
You can search for release dates by visiting the website of any retailer or brand whose products you are interested in buying. Most companies will post their release dates there, but if they still need to, try searching Google for an unofficial date. It is also essential to know whether the shoe will be made available through raffles, in retail stores, or by competing with other sneakerheads online.
To receive notifications from Nike, download the SNKRS app. For other brands, there are websites like Sneaker News, Sole Collector, and The Drop Date. These sites are comprehensive encyclopedias that every collector uses for information about new releases.
Make links with other sneakerheads
Connections are essential no matter what you’re trying to do, so it shouldn’t be surprising that they’re especially valuable for finding rare sneakers and getting the latest intel on upcoming releases.
Sneaker collectors are everywhere, so if you’re interested in collecting sneakers—whether because of their design or the brand itself—you’ll likely find others who share your passion. If not, social media platforms like Facebook and Instagram can be a great way to connect with others who might share your enthusiasm for sneakers.
You can also join local meetup groups and Facebook communities to learn about upcoming sneaker releases and events where you can meet fellow collectors. For access to sneakerhead groups on Facebook, Clubhouse discussions, and Discord Servers where all the essential information is distributed, contact your sole sneakerhead friend.
Navigate the resale market
Regardless of whether or not you’re a reseller, it’s good that stamping out sneaker reselling will be part of the process if you collect sneakers at some point in your hobby. If you have the money, you can buy two pairs of designer shoes—one to keep and one to sell—so that you can afford a third.
Even if you don’t want to sell your sneakers, it’s a good idea to periodically check their value in case the secondary market is relevant and vital to you.
Beware of fake sneakers sellers
The most dangerous element in the world of sneaker collecting is the sneaker snake—someone who sells you a fake shoe that looks real. Fake sneakers can be hard to spot because they often resemble their authentic counterparts.
Such is the case when you buy sneakers on social media sites, where it may be impossible to verify whether they are authentic. It is best to request photos and videos of the shoes and box, or even better, to check them personally. You must be knowledgeable about every aspect of your goods: labels and manufacturing codes (SKUs). However, we recommend buying shoes from well-known resellers and authentic websites.
Educate yourself on storing them
You should know that starting a sizable sneaker collection is something you may grow to regret later in life. As it can take up much room and could become an expensive addiction.
Storing them takes time, effort, and money—as well as a mental commitment to their space. To avoid mold growth and leather cracking, store sneakers in ideal circumstances with the optimum humidity level. Along with dust sheets and storage bins, dehumidifiers are a wise investment.
Decide on wear or not to wear
After you have purchased sneakers, deciding whether to wear them is entirely up to you. If your goal was to benefit from the resale value, then then the sneakers will be more valuable as deadstock – never worn or even tried on before by anyone else.
Or you can be one of those people who want to wear their collection of sneakers both for display and as a way to protect them from degrading while being stored. Although it may seem counterintuitive. As wearing shoes can prolong their lifespan since the compacting effect of sneakers can extend the lifespan of materials like foam.
Invest in cleaning products
Give brand-new sneakers a quick spritz of water repellent to keep them looking new for longer. Give your shoes a quick wipe every time you take them off. This will help you avoid stains and reduce the number of times you need more deep cleans. For more severe damage, you should use paint pens and touch-up paints.
Now that you’ve got the basics, it’s time to build your sneaker collection.
To get started, all you need is a budget and some patience. You can find fantastic sneakers deals if you keep an eye out for sales and discounts, so take your time with everything.
The most important thing is to have fun! If you’re not having fun with what you’re doing, then why are you doing it?
