That Sneaker Collection In Your Closet Is Probably Worth A Small Fortune

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Time to look at your sneaker collection with a hustler’s spirit. The U.S. sneaker re-seller market accounted for more than a billion dollars in revenue, according to data compiled by Highsnobiety and Campless. That means those orange Swoosh boxes in your girl’s walk-in are a trust fund for the seeds.

Sadly for the Nikeheads, the Yeezy Boosts led the way with absurd average prices and a total of more than $12.6 million across all models. Those ‘Turtle Dove’ joints your little cousin pepper-sprayed some innocent Craigslist seller for were the biggest draw. They clocked in at $4.3 million with other Yeezy models holding down the other top spots. Brad Hall’s favorite sneaker of the holidays, the Jordan 11 72-10, clawed in $1.4 million at a distant fourth.

Via Dan Freebairn/Highsnobiety

From Supreme x Jordan collaborations to Ronnie Fieg-Asics partnerships, the consumer surplus on this market is insane. People complained about the pricing on Jordan Retros and Yeezys. However, the value on the market shows what the kicks are actually worth in the wild. Basically, the consumer surplus derives from where supply and demand meet, followed by analyzing the secondary market on eBay, Craigslist, etc.

Picture this. If TSS released a limited edition pair of Nikes for $400, the c-section would complain about the price. Let’s say it sells out in flash. If it’s resold on eBay for double or triple that, then TSS x Nike could have jacked up the price in hindsight. Get it?

As secondary markets continue to soar, we need to stop complaining about growing MSRP rates and start questioning the consumers who are stifling supply by purchasing gear with the exclusive intent of selling online at a profit. Not only does this create an artificial market that drives pricing up, but it translates into higher prices from brands for future releases as they attempt to swallow up that consumer surplus.

Let’s hear from the TSS Crew. Did anyone end up copping any of the shoes on this list and actually rocking them, or put them on ice for future use?

(Via Highsnobiety)