Reason First: Why are Exclusive Sneakers so Coveted?

Next year will mark the sixtieth birthday of Michael Jordan. This is a man who has championed the sneaker culture more so than any other human being in history. He still makes millions of dollars a year off of footwear that was popular decades ago.

The colorways, the styles, the price tags for unblemished unworn pairs of sneakers make his Jordan brand all the more popular. But what is the driving force behind other classic sneakers like Nike Air Max 95 sneakers, Converse Chuck Taylor Classic Chucks, and sneakers formerly known as Yeezys?

The draw may still be dollar signs for collectors. Some sneakers fetch for tens of thousands of dollars in mint condition. At one point. some said that the sneaker culture was represented by the gay mafia. That the people who traded in this space were ga(y)nstas who would shoot you over a pair of Cool Gray Air Jordan 11 shoes.

Ideas by legends like Tinker Hatfield have graced shelves, boxes, and feet. The whole subculture features a world with multiple facets of quality, precision, and ingenuity.

Though they’re not art, the aesthetic value runs high. Take for instance arguably the most loathed Jordan sneaker, the Jordan II. This design was maligned by the public at first but has gained in popularity over the years.

Through color changes and restructuring of the design of the Air Jordan itself, it has grown in modest demand through time.

Something that has surged in either ironic or earnest popularity are Crocs. Though technically not sneakers, they are footwear that young people wear to mow the lawn, go to the store, and even play street basketball.

The advent of this particular style of shoe has prompted people to step out on the good foot. With wild styles and a panoply of colors, the footwear has risen in popularity across the globe.

Over the years, Michael Jordan has been disparaged about his Air Jordan sneakers for being too pricey and being a target for criminals to attack or even kill for the in-demand shoes.

What remains the same is that although Crocs may never be as popular as an Air Jordan, both are enjoying a growth.

The original Air Jordan is the sneaker du jure. With multiple colors available, the classic look sets the template for a beautiful, monumental sneaker.

Adidas is in an awkward position this year with the departure of the artist formerly known as Kanye West. The billions of dollars generated from the sale of Yeezys has challenged the entire industry. They have created a demand that people would pay top dollar in order to match with their fly outfits.

By taking into account Ye’s implosion, the company still reserves the right to sell the sneaker without Ye’s name. The company will definitely still be able to survive and thrive whether the troubled musician and fashion designer is a part of the brand or not.

The way that major footwear companies have been able to entice individuals to buy their products for decades. From the conception or a spark of an idea to the production line to the store shelves, it’s possible to say that the sneaker culture will prevail.

There’s no way the mafia behind sneaker culture will cease to make the shoes unfit. When the thought behind the various businesses that research and display the data that indicate the numbers that will be available is put to good use, other brands will win.

There’s still no comparison in Air Jordans. It may be debatable to say that MJ was the greatest basketball player of all time, there is no question regarding him as the best business mind as an athlete ever.