"The Evolution of Sneaker Culture: Impact on Society"

The sneaker market is booming, with high-value auctions becoming increasingly common. In 2023, a pair of game-worn Nike Air Jordan 13s sold for $2.2 million, making them the most expensive sneakers ever. This record-breaking sale is just one example of the high prices of sneakers at auction. Limited availability is a significant contributor, with sure sneakers being released in highly restricted quantities, creating demand, and raising ridiculous prices.

In addition to limited availability and popularity, the value of sneakers at auction can also be affected by several other factors, such as the sneakers' condition, the sneakers' origin history, and the hype surrounding the sneakers. For example, a pair of sneakers that are in good condition and worn by a famous athlete or artist will typically sell for more than a pair of sneakers that are in poor condition and worn by an unknown person. I remember early in the 2010s, Kanye West had the sneaker culture on chokehold where every shoe he wore and was seen wearing would be posted on social media platforms, and people would go crazy and hype that sneaker. He once wore some running shoes from Nike that were retailed at $150, and as soon as he was seen wearing them, sneakerheads went crazy and cleared that shoe from all retailer stores. It reached the point that those sneakers were sold at sneaker conventions and online reselling sites for $600 to $750. That is more than tripled its original price.

The sneaker market, where sneakers often command high prices at auctions, has faced criticism for its potential price inflation and exclusivity. It is getting harder and harder to be able to afford these sneakers at their original retail price because of how corrupted the sneaker game has become. Despite this criticism, the sneaker market will likely keep growing. That's because sneakers are getting more popular as fashion items and collectibles, and it's easy to buy and sell them online, boosting the sneaker market.