The investment question

The sneaker resale market has produced genuine returns for specific pairs held over meaningful periods. The Jordan 1 Chicago OG. The Nike Air Max 1 in anniversary colourways. The New Balance 990v1 in original colourways

These are pairs where cultural conviction compounded into financial value over years. The broader market is significantly more volatile. The pairs that were bought primarily for resale value during the peak of the 2019 to 2021 enthusiasm cycle have had a difficult several years. The honest assessment is that sneakers function as a store of value for pairs with genuine cultural significance and deteriorate as a store of value for pairs that were purchased primarily for financial reasons

The collecting strategy with the best long-term record is the same one it always is: buy what you genuinely want to own, learn the market well enough to buy it right, and hold with patience.

CollectorGrade take

The sneakers that have produced the best long-term returns are the ones that people genuinely wanted. Cultural significance is determined by genuine desire, not by analyst predictions. Collect what matters to you.