10 Things to Know Before You Start Sneaker Collecting

Did you know that the global sneaker industry is worth around $79 billion?

While most people buy shoes to look nice or enhance their athletic performance, some love the fashion or history of shoes so much that they start a collection. Not only can collecting be a total blast, but you could also end up earning tons of money if you ever decide to sell your sneakers in the future.

If you’ve been thinking about sneaker collecting, then there are some basic facts you should learn about first so you can get the most out of this endeavor. Read on to learn 10 tips that will allow you to grow the coolest sneaker collection possible.

1. You Should Only Buy Sneakers You Love

When it comes to starting any type of collection, your primary goal should be to have fun rather than make money. The reason why this matters is that nobody can predict whether or not their collection will be profitable in the future. As long as you’re having fun along your journey, then earning money later will be an amazing bonus.

2. Start Making a Calendar for Sneaker Drops

If you’ve never tried to buy an item that’s been hyped up in the media for weeks or even months, then you may not know the frustration of rapid sellouts. The moment a new line of sneakers drops, there could be a virtual line that’s hours long before you have the chance to make a purchase. This is why it’s important to pay attention to any upcoming drops and have a calendar that will prevent you from missing out on limited releases.

3. Explore Different Sneaker Stores Before You Make a Purchase

From resale sites to brick-and-mortar stores and online shops, the most successful sneaker collectors are the ones who have a variety of stores to choose from. Browsing multiple stores before you buy expensive sneakers is always helpful because you never know if you can find a cheaper deal somewhere else with a bit of hunting. If you’re not sure where to start your journey, you can always find sneakers on kickscrew.com at a fair price.

4. Don’t Forget About Vintage Sneakers

Beginner sneaker collectors often start with modern releases since they’re easier and more affordable to access. However, if you’re interested in buying shoes because of the stories they’ve told throughout history, then you’ll love diving into the world of vintage sneakers. Take some time to learn about how certain shoes have shaped our culture, sports, and other facets of our lifestyle so you can get excited to find some buried treasure.

5. Consider Joining Sneaker Collecting Groups Online

Since the sneaker industry is so explosive, it can feel like it’s an impossible feat to keep track of every new release or uncover old-school sneakers. If you’d like to connect with other talented sneaker collectors, then social media platforms are your greatest tools. When you join groups that are dedicated to sneaker collections, you can admire other people’s photos, buy from trusted collectors, and even learn about local events.

6. Collaborations Are Always Hot

Whether we’re talking about sneakers, food, makeup, or any other products, collaborations will always get the public excited. When two or more incredible celebrities bring their creativity together, the results are often mind-blowing. If you’re ever on the fence about buying a sneaker collab, the chances of your purchase gaining value over the years are high.

7. Educate Yourself on Lingo for Collecting Sneakers

One of the most effective ways that you can become a smart investor and avoid wasting your money on sneakers is to spend some time researching sneaker-collecting terms. Drop, colorway, game issued, brand abbreviations, grading, and provenance are just a few of the many words that you could start encountering once you become a sneaker collector. Familiarizing yourself with this lingo will allow you to navigate this massive industry with confidence.

8. Figure Out If You Want to Wear Your Sneakers

To wear or not to wear is the biggest question that shoe collectors need to ask themselves when they’re first starting out. This is a tricky subject because there is no right or wrong answer since we all have unique goals when it comes to our shoe collections. If you want to have fun collecting, then you should wear them, but if you’re interested in maintaining their value, you should only display them.

9. Be on the Lookout for Fake Sneakers

Now that technology and manufacturing have gotten better than ever before, it’s never been easier to create dupes that fool even the most experienced sneaker collectors. While accidents can happen to anyone, you can reduce your risk by only buying your shoes from trusted sellers or stores. Pay close attention to product photos and videos, along with the descriptions provided by the sellers.

10. Know How to Store Your Sneaker Collection

If you’re concerned about keeping your shoes in top condition while also showing them off in a cool way, then you should educate yourself on sneaker storage. You should inspect your sneakers on a regular basis and avoid exposing them to harsh elements that could wear the colors or materials down. Lots of sneaker collectors enjoy using racks with a glass case so people can look but not touch.

These Are the Top Things to Know About Sneaker Collecting

Sneaker collecting could become your new favorite hobby if you know how to approach each purchase. Now that you’ve unpacked these sneaker collecting tips, you can get excited to build a collection that will make you proud for many years to come.

If you’re a sneaker lover, then you might want to dive into other fashion industry articles. Take a lap around our blog so you can discover some more incredible content.