An Alternative Asset For The Modern Investor.
The rubber, fabric, and laces that cover your feet are no longer solely meant for keeping you comfortable, but for building wealth. Collectible sneakers have recently been all the rave among street wear “hobbyists” for their ability to produce large and quickly accruing returns. The top ten sneakers ranked by popularity on StockX (one of the most used sites for purchasing collectible sneakers) boasted an average return of 73.81% compared to their original retail price upon release.
The reason why these shoes create such value is because of their interesting designs, rarity, and association with public figures. The Nike “What the Dunk” pictured above obviously looks different from your average pair of sneakers, also it is rumored that Nike only made 300 pairs of this particular shoe. This is the type of shoe collectors look for, something different, something rare: not your run of the mill tennis sneakers. This skateboarding style shoe originally retailed for $120 and is currently being sold for $17,999.00 on StockX: a return that almost any investor would be happy with.
So, how can you get in on the action? By using apps such as Nike’s SNKR or Addidas’ CONFIRMED, you too can join in on the ridiculous gains that street wear professionals indulge in on a daily basis. New shoes are constantly being released, so it’s important to find the ones that will hit big. By using the search function in tools such as Google Trends and even Twitter you can figure out whether or not a shoe will be desired among the masses. As always, make sure to do your research when purchasing shoes as an investment. Since the market is relatively small, it can be influenced by a few sales: prices can change dramatically (possibly in your favor.)
Austin Conroy is not a financial advisor or professional. Please do not use this article solely to influence your trading and or financial decisions. Consult professionals and conduct your own due diligence before making any kind of investment.
