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Unveiling the Sneaker Graveyard: Why Your Unworn Kicks Might Be Crumbling Away
Ever wondered if your prized sneaker collection, sitting pristine in their boxes, might be silently deteriorating? It’s a harsh truth many collectors face: some sneakers, especially vintage models, are on a ticking clock, destined to crumble if not worn.
The High-Stakes World of Sneaker Sales
For many, the world of sneakers isn’t just about fashion; it’s a serious business. One collector shared his most expensive sale: a pair of Brick Bar Brick Fours, which fetched a cool $500. Interestingly, even resellers sometimes have to pay a premium to acquire these coveted shoes, proving that the market dictates its own prices, regardless of whether you’re buying or selling.
The Personal Investment: Air Jordan 17 Lows
On the buying side, the most expensive purchase for one sneakerhead was a pair of Air Jordan 17 Lows, the UNC colorway retro that famously came with a suitcase. These set him back between $400 and $450. What’s more astonishing is that these rare finds remain ‘deadstock’ – never worn. This isn’t an isolated case; many collectors boast dozens of unworn pairs, a phenomenon some loved ones might even call a ‘sin’!
The Crumbling Truth: Why Your Sneakers Die
The real shocker for collectors comes when unworn shoes, often stored for years, literally fall apart upon their first outing. One incident involved a pair from 2006 that disintegrated during a trip to Six Flags in 2012. This isn’t just bad luck; it’s a design flaw in many older models.
The culprit? The midsole material. Specifically, Air Jordans from the 2s through the 9s, and even some retros made from roughly 2000 to 2016, used a polyurethane material that simply breaks down over time, regardless of wear. This process is akin to dry rot, where the material loses its integrity and crumbles.
The Solution: Newer Materials and Preservation
Thankfully, sneaker technology has evolved. Starting with the Air Jordan 10s, brands began incorporating more durable materials like Phylon cushioning. This change significantly extended the lifespan of sneakers, making them less prone to spontaneous disintegration.
For those still holding onto older, more fragile pairs, there are some preservation tips. While nothing can completely stop the inevitable for certain materials, keeping shoes in their original box with paper and maintaining a consistent, cool room temperature (around 71 degrees Fahrenheit) can help slow down the decay process. It’s about doing everything you can to protect your collection from the silent, crumbling enemy.
Disclaimer: The info in this article may or may not be true. This was taken from a conversation from The Grind It Up Podcast and should not be used as your reliable news source but rather entertainment.
This info can be found in this episode of The Grind It Up Podcast
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