Shoe Displays: The Psychology Behind Sneaker Collecting

Sneaker collecting has been a huge hobby for many people over the years, but is there really a psychology behind all of the massive pairs kept by collectors?

 

Sneaker collecting image

📖 Published on: February 5th, 2025

✍️ Updated: February 5th, 2025

⏳ 11 mins read

Sneaker revolution has been there for so many years, and there’s always indeed a promising reason why we always consider buying a new pair of shoes even if we have a good pair that works well and still doesn’t even have a crease in it. But as sneakerheads, can’t we really just get it over with at this point in time?

How the Sneaker Collection Trend Started?

The supply of sneakers were vast, and consumers then started to collect, trade, and even resell sneakers in the 1970s. However, what turned out to be quite a small hobby for some people went on to become a trend, and thus the sneakerhead subculture was born in New York City about a decade later.

Adidas Superstar image

Some of the most popular sneakers at the time were the Adidas Superstar and the signature Puma Suede – both of which were considered to be the most iconic and of legendary acclaim back then. These were popularized by prominent b-boys and hip-hop artists.

Puma Suede image

However, it was the Air Jordan that proved to be the game-changer in sneaker collecting as it became popular and was linked to the most popular player in basketball that time – Michael Jordan.

Michael Jordan image

This mere hobby proved to be a different twist – and it reached global scale by the end of the 1990s. From being popular among urban black youth and white skateboarders, sneaker collecting earned a massive Asian following by the 21st century. Most American fashion brands have remained highly covetable, and Japan was the biggest market where many limited-edition sneakers were released.

From being a mere niche hobby to becoming a global phenomenon, enthusiasts worldwide have been obsessing with either the latest releases or the rare finds – with even classics up for grabs. Whether it is Nike, Jordan, Adidas, Converse, Puma, New Balance, or any other popular brand, it does seem that some people just can’t get enough of the best kicks that they can get.

There are many brands that contribute to this culture, and of course, Nike turns out to be a massive force in this trend. Thanks to that trend, there has been a massive influx of resellers as well, with a 2021 estimate on the sneaker resale market being worth $10 billion. Imagine the number now considering how it has been four years since that estimate.

Evolution of Culture in Sneaker Collection

Sneakerheads – called to people who engage in shoe collection – usually enjoy online and offline activities that offer sneakers either as an exclusive prize or a freebie. Time after time, many collectible sneakers were resold well above its original prize – especially those that are considered signature brands or collaborated with artists.

Customization on the sneaker collection has also taken a massive leap now more than ever, and it is easy to say that even personalized shoes are also getting bigger recognition at this point. We have seen the rise of sneaker art involving fictional character designs, comics, embroidered symbols, and so on. If you are not impressed, there’s even a new trend among sneakers today with the customization taken to the next level as they combine various parts from different shoes or brands, which says a lot about how there is really a huge difference in the sneaker collection at this point in time.

Sneaker collector image

It is also worth noting that sneakers have some of the highest resale multiples among all of the retail consumer goods. Over the years, unique and collectible sneakers are resold for prices that are at least ten times more return than they originally had been sold for.

For instance, the 2024 study in America shows that there has been a massive spike among shoe brands which were preferred by people. The results have been quite impressive so far, and it goes to show how diversified the sneaker brands have been over the years after starting from a mere select companies.

The Favorite Brands in America (Based on 2024 Study by Statista)

Favorite sneaker brands in America (based on Statista 2024 study) image

Brand Like the brand
Nike 65%
Adidas 58%
New Balance 40%
Converse 40%
Jordan 35%
Skechers 35%
Puma 34%
Vans 33%

Based on this study, Nike still remains the prominent shoe brand as it has been for decades, with 65% of the respondents liking the brand over others. Adidas, on the other hand, has remained behind Nike steadily over the years. Jordan and Puma – who both have a massive fan following in the spike of the sneakerhead culture – is still pretty much relevant but has not been in the top mix for quite some time.

Vans ends up as the least favorite brand among the popular ones, and one can say that it still remains a relevant shoe brand at this point considering how it is still among the prominent shoe names we know of.

The Science in Sneaker Collection

You’re definitely wondering how sneakerheads come up with their decision to impulsively buy and buy, and buy and buy more sneakers from time to time. Well, this hobby has certainly evolved from time to time, embracing the rare finds, latest releases, and even scoring some handsome deals on the resellers and even getting some bazaar finds.

So what’s the science in sneaker collections? Well, there’s a whole lot of psychology on that end, and it definitely varies considering that people pursue a sneaker collection for a whole lot of different ideas, which offers a different direction as to how shoe collectors would be gladly taking one shoe at a time.

Thrill of the Hunt

There’s adrenaline rushing when you do the things that excite you the most, and sneaker collection is all about the chase as it is when it comes to the acquisition as well. This comes well in full-circle when you are collecting shoes that are on the limited-edition and those of exclusive collaborations with artists and even signature shoes from players.

Thrill of the sneaker hunt image

This opens up a competitive market that collectors come up with their presence as they vie for bragging rights in having the rarest of all pairs of shoes out there. Being able to beat others from getting the best pair fuels our dopamine receptors, thus igniting further interest and excitement for acquiring more pairs – thus the cycle repeats over and over.

Nostalgia of Life

Well, would you even remember what shoe Michael Jordan wore when he won his sixth NBA title? That’s the Air Jordan XIV, and he dropped a whopping 45 points on that while leading the Bulls to a promising 87-86 win to beat the Utah Jazz. That was the last dance for Jordan, and that shoe became a massive legend among many collectors, and it remains a massive hit as of the time of writing.

Sneaker nostalgia image

It is now one of the most collected shoes of all time – and it is mainly thanks to the nostalgia that Jordan’s sixth championship has brought. Iterations of this shoe now stands at at least $150, and that’s just the base design, and we are not even talking about the other designs and collaborations that the Air Jordan XIV has seen over the years. That’s just a classic nostalgia hit.

Validation Among Sneakerheads

If you have been here for quite some time, then you are definitely the sneakerhead. In this era where social media platforms and collectors have been showcasing their latest acquisitions, it is really worth collecting even more rare shoes to come up with the best praise from your fellow sneakerheads. Just imagine that it is the same when it comes to collecting action figures, figurines, discs from the ‘80s, and many other collectibles – it applies the same to collecting sneakers.

Being surrounded by fellow sneaker enthusiasts, it is safe to say that it does establish a sense of belonging among other sneakerheads. This amplifies the cultural relevance of the sneaker collection, and it further increases the influence of massive shoe brands in the long run as collection continues to run rampant.

Keeping up with the Sneaker Collections

The science of sneaker collecting is far more than just a hobby – it's a dynamic intersection of culture, psychology, and even economics. From the intricate design processes and technological innovations that shape each pair, to the emotional connection and social status they represent, sneakers are much more than footwear.

Whether you're drawn to the art of sneaker craftsmanship, the hunt for rare finds, or the financial investment opportunities, it's clear that sneaker collecting is both an ever-evolving trend and a sophisticated culture. By understanding the science behind it, you not only appreciate the sneakers themselves but also the world they represent.

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