What Happened to the Sneaker Community?

We've evolved.

Throughout the past half-decade or so, the sneaker world has evolved into something more than it has ever been before. Not only as an ever-expanding marketplace (there's even a sneaker stock market!; see StockX.com), but also as a subculture. There are more and more ways for sneaker enthusiasts to communicate, whether it be through forums, blogs, social media or even eBay. Unfortunately, we haven't leveraged that for the better, but instead, have become increasingly discordant.

Just think about scrolling through your Twitter timeline or Instagram feed; you typically see more negative comments than you do uplifting ones, right? Instead of a community that connects one another, it's become a sneaker battlefield where people are constantly getting clowned for their lack of knowledge, collection choices, or inability to conform to what sneaker personalities want.

It can be different.

I've met some of what I consider to be my closest friends through sneakers. These are guys that I talk to literally every single day. We all come from different backgrounds. We're different races and religions. We have different political affiliations and vastly different personal lives. But what we do have in common is sneakers, and from that, our relationships have evolved into much more. We are also willing to do what we can to help one another out both within and outside the realm of sneakers. We've created our own "circle of trust," (cue Robert de Niro) knowing that we are all actively looking out for one another, or at the very least, being truthful with one another about our intentions. Trust and selflessness are two of the major keys (word to DJ Khaled) in all relationships, so don't exclude them from your sneaker relationships.

Thanks to the OG.

I wouldn't have started collecting "limited sneakers," or even know about limited sneakers, if it wasn't for someone reaching out to me after I commented on a pair of his shoes on Facebook. It's not that I wasn't into sneakers before-I've always liked sneakers- I was just ignorant about the full scope of sneaker culture. And not only did he write back explaining how the shoes were only available in limited quantities, but he also helped me get a pair for retail. Rather than making a quick $50, he took the time to introduce me to, and educate me about, something that has devoured my free time ever since.

We have the power.

We can each help to make a difference. We have the power to make changes in all sorts of ways. We have the ability to impact product, brands, stores, and the lives of others. Rather than taking the time to clown a sneaker-noob, take the time to educate them. Rather than conforming to what sneaker personalities want, make your own decisions. Rather than complaining about not being on the most recent list, work harder to make yourself undeniable. Share your knowledge and your style. Don't feed the machine, but instead, change it.




Let us know what you think about the current state of sneakers and pay tribute to someone who has impacted your personal life through sneakers by getting in the comments below or hitting us up on Twitter.