Day: April 23, 2020

Image via SoleCollector.com

Among the top most desired items in a household in America circa April 2020, a new pair of tennis shoes is not even close to the top of the list. Toilet paper (!!), hand sanitizer and other discretionary cleaning supplies reign supreme as the world changes and shifts due to the demands of COVID-19. While oil prices have dropped drastically, the sneaker stock market has not seen much a shift in the way of Air Jordan’s reverting back to their 1980’s price point. Of course this hopefully means the sneaker economy will be able to rebound in 2020, but with changing release dates and times, should I really be prioritizing the latest sneaker release over the bare essentials? Well I guess it depends on who you ask.

With the upcoming release of the “Fire Red” Air Jordan 5‘s, my mind immediately gravitates toward the idea of owning this OG pair of shoes and adding it to my collection. However, with the economy changing almost every day and the future uncertain, is buying a new pair of sneakers the best move? Well, in my eyes yes because it is one of my favorite hobbies and the price is right. Indeed this is a time for anybody around the world to fulfill their hobby needs if it brings them joy and happiness. Also if it is within reason, of course.

While my wallet has certainly had its fair share of battles with sneakers, it seems only a global pandemic can slow down the likes of Jordan and Yeezy. Over the past couple of decades, tennis shoe prices have only gone up, with a new pair of Air Jordan or Yeezy V2 sneakers easily costing you over $220 retail for just one pair. This doesn’t even get into the fact that the values skyrocket up even more on the resale market (anybody looking to drop over a grand original 350 Turtle Doves?). Nonetheless, sneaker sales have been down this year and release dates have been pushed back as supply chains have shifted and companies batten down the hatches on their warehouses.

However, sneaker websites like StockX and GOAT have made it clear for their customers that they are there to support them during these restricted times due to COVID-19. Their brand is one of style and fashion so having to shelter in place is not ideal for their target market consumer showing off their latest kicks. Indeed though it does present an opportunity to make sure their customers are taken care of and know that they are still doing business during these uncertain times. Which somehow makes me want to buy shoes more. Maybe it is the cabin fever or that the timing is just right.

So let me know what you think on Twitter if you think buying shoes or spending on your hobby is a good idea right now.