5 Sneaker Resellers Share Tips on the Game
“I’m not a reseller. I’m a reformed addict.”
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We all know that reselling is a controversial element of sneaker culture. It’s such a taboo subject, in fact, that many resellers are reluctant to adopt the title. But it’s a necessary and inevitable part of a game that is constantly evolving. As the sneakerhead community has grown, the number of limited releases has as well; combine those two factors with online-only releases (to prevent camp-outs and riots) and technological advancements like bots, and it’s no wonder that reselling has hit a fever pitch in recent years. At the end of the day though, resellers are, for the most part, just like the rest of us — enthusiasts and collectors — except they just happen to make money off their ability to buy (and sometimes sell) the hottest kicks that everybody wants but very few can get.
Since its inception in 2009, Crepe City has well established itself as the UK’s premiere footwear festival. It’s one of the only events in the region that serves as a forum in which footwear collectors can meet and socialize, as well as buy, trade and sell sneakers. We stopped by the convention a few months back and chatted with some of the attendees about how they got into the elusive world of reselling, as well as their tips for others in the game.
@Gerard_OG_VI
Where are you from?
Born in Belfast, grew up in Amsterdam, and live in London with my family.
How did you get into reselling?
Not really a reseller. I am more of a collector.
Favourite kicks in your collection?
Michael Jordan game-worn Dunk Sole 1s.
What’s the most you’ve ever paid for a pair of sneakers?
Over $5,000 USD easy.
What’s one piece of advice you can share with other resellers?
Not really relevant to me as I am not a reseller. As a collector, the only advice I can give is collect the items that mean something to you or make you smile. Simple as that. Definitely do not copy others or follow the hype. Be original and do your own thing!
@joshcole49
Where are you from?
I’m from Lewes, East Sussex.
How did you get into reselling?
I’m not a reseller. I’m a reformed addict. After getting clean of drugs in the late ’90s I became a photographer and a workaholic. After some degree of commercial success I became a spendaholic instead. I collected trainers for about 15 years and built up a collection of over 800 pairs of mainly vintage Nikes which became known around the world. I realized that I’d been spending all the money I earned and more on shoes, at my peak spending over £2,000 GBP (approximately $2,660 USD) a month. I tried to give up two or three times and failed. This nearly made me bankrupt, almost wrecked my marriage and my career. I then saw the folly of my ways and decided to sell up around two years ago. This is the last 50 or so pairs left from that collection which should also be gone soon too.
Favourite kicks in your collection?
They’re all sold now but it’ll probably be the Opium Limited Edition Windrunners resoled and wearable from 1988.
What’s the most you’ve ever paid for a pair of sneakers?
My DS, boxed Air Safaris from 1986 cost me around £300 I think.
What’s one piece of advice you can share with other resellers?
Stop now and spend your time starting a business or a proper career. Also if you decide to stop and sell up, sell your most treasured pairs first. Makes selling everything else a lot easier.
@jonnymeenagh
Where are you from?
Northern Ireland
How did you get into reselling?
I consider myself a reluctant reseller. I’ve never bought a pair of trainers with the intention of selling them on. However, I have long run out of space and seem to be in a perpetual process of refining my collection, buying and selling in relatively equal measure. Sadly, quite a lot of my shoes go unworn. I’ve been to pretty much every Crepe City since it started in Notting Hill.
Favourite kicks in your collection?
I particularly love the various adidas AZX Torsions that dropped a few years back. Also, the NB1500 Hanon, the Nike Dunk SBs and the Original Red Nike Terra Sertig.
What’s the most you’ve ever paid for a pair of sneakers?
I’m not particularly extravagant – the most I forked out was for a pair of Nike Yeezy 1’s, which were about £250 GBP (approximately $330 USD), when no one were interested in them. They have since gone up in price but I wear them too much to ever offload them.
What’s one piece of advice you can share with other resellers?
Buy what you like and ignore the hype – that way, you’ll have a collection you’ll wear and enjoy. I’m still finding sneakers from years ago that I have no idea why I pulled the trigger on.
@daddydav
Where are you from?
London
How did you get into reselling?
Sort of just stumbled into it as a source of funding pairs and also trimming down my personal collection.
Favourite kicks in your collection?
My all-time favourite shoe is the Jordan 4 Bred. In terms of silhouettes I love the Air Force 1, Air Max 1, Jordan IV, Jordan XI, Adidas Equipment Top Ten 2000, Nike Air Penny 1 and Nike Air Trainer 1.
What’s the most you’ve ever paid for a pair of sneakers?
£2,000 GBP (approximately $2,660 USD); I’ll let people try and guess the pair.
What’s one piece of advice you can share with other resellers?
Buy what you personally like and in time GR (general release) pairs are just as valuable as limited and collaborative releases.
@Prime030
Where are you from?
Suriname
How did you get into reselling?
It’s an ongoing thing that started in the early ’90s when I was looking for different stuff to buy extra so I could get my own pairs for free.
Favourite kicks in your collection?
My favorites are Air Max 1 Storm and OG Structures. Some old ’90s like the Valentines. Also Jordan 5 Black Metallic, which have been trashed a lot while playing basketball.
What’s the most you’ve ever paid for a pair of sneakers?
I think never a lot more than retail.
What’s one piece of advice you can share with other resellers?
Don’t believe the hype; stay on your own game.
