Why the sneaker game will never be the same.

[jamazing]

Question...do you guys buy the grails you want even though the quality has gone down on the particular pair that you want? For example, if your grail is the fire red III, did you buy it even though the paint peels like crazy? A part of me wants to pick up the CDP IV's (they're one of my grails) but I've heard they crack so bad; a part of me thinks it is not even worth it. What do you guys do? Do you guys buy your "grail" even though the retro quality is pretty crappy? Or, do you risk buying an older pair that you want even though they might not be wearable for very long?

 

[jojoluv19]

not bad not bad

 

[SteveSteve72]

It all started going down hill when people started calling it the "sneaker game. SMH

 

[nikekidwonder]

I think at the end of the day things will never be like before and that sucks i know but..

That's life


IMO i think resellers ruined the game because they made Jordan's cost more and they made them harder to get

Stop the reselling and a lot more people can get a pair and at retail instead of crazy inflated prices simple

The problem is everyone wants to make money and at any cost even if it means making it harder for everyone else

This is not a problem with just the shoe game but also the world that's why we have so much problems right now

capitalism vs. socialism look it up

peace

 

[rockwellfontana]

resellers will never stop, not can they, it is like dealing dope, quick buck, even if its $40 on an infrared pack...

 

[pwrend]

Im just gonna quote Wale here " Hip hop aint dead...the listeners are"
You can sit and blame Nike/JB all you want but its good business. Would you not cut quality and raise prices if you knew shoes would still sell out and you would make a bigger profit? Many times Ive found myself saying ima take a stand and not buy the retro because of the quality...but when release date comes its copped! I guess we gotta accept that the "good ole days" arent coming back and ya gotta move on. 

Also I would be interested to see what people would think of fusions if they were just nike shoes. Do people actually hate the shoe..or what the brand on the shoe is producing?

 

[anomaly]

Originally Posted by BigBallinBruce

Originally Posted by Darkwing Duck

young kids had their moms stand in line and cop back in the day too, this is no new phenomenon.

And kids still beg their moms to buy them shoes.

Inflation has made the price go up, we get paid more than we used to also.

agreed...minimum wage has gone up a lot. Minimum wage in 1988 was $4.25

Now, in 2010 it has almost doubled. I believe in illinois it is above $8.00. Good thing the retail price on jordans hasn't doubled....if that were the case, the CG's would be nearly $250.

Are you forgetting that in 1988, Air Jordans were $100?  The 2010 AJs retail for $170, so while the federal minimum wage has nearly doubled, so has the retail price of a pair of Jordans (despite a recession), rendering that argument invalid.

I've also mentioned several times why the "inflation" argument doesn't work when applied to retro Air Jordans.  You have to remember that the price for the originals included paying designers to come up with the design, the cost of producing initial batches/samples for research and development (trying a variety of materials, testing durability and comfort over and over again, reworking the molds for each improvement, etc), THEN comes the final costs of producing the molds, purchasing the materials, etc for the final version of the product.  With retros, this last part is the only thing to factor into the cost of producing the shoes.  Designing, researching and developing, testing, etc were all done a decade or 2 ago, and should no longer be taken into consideration for final cost of product.  All they have to worry about now is reproducing the molds, getting the materials, and paying someone $.80/day to put them together.  Factor in that they're cutting even more corners by using lower quality materials, and shaving off some of the more expensive trim, and you've damn near matched the cost of materials from a decade ago.  In other words, they could maintain the original $125 price tag of the shoes today, and make even MORE than they did when they were new due to the development costs being nearly non-existent for retros, and the cutting of corners on materials and trim.

Notice when they first started retroing shoes, the price tags were pretty close to the originals, if not exactly the same, even though a decade or more had gone by in many instances (so there was already inflation over what the USD was worth when the originals came out).  This is especially true for the Is, IIs, etc.  Despite being at original MSRP, they still didn't sell well.  On the other hand, those shoes that sold well, or had people foaming at the mouth for their release, carried a higher price tag than the originals that slowly crept up with each release/rerelease of that shoe.  What does this suggest?  The higher price tags are there on the more popular shoes ONLY because they know they can get away with it, not because of inflation.  JB learned very quickly how much they could charge for each shoe.  YOU guys determine the prices, not inflation.

 

[maxoman25]

I'm only 16, and I love sneakers and always have. I take offense at some of the comments that have been posted on this thread. Just because we never saw Jordan play in a Bull's jersey doesn't mean that we can't appreciate them the same as an older sneaker head does. I don't think that the time you have spent collecting, should  matter in whether you're considered a sneakerhead or not. I think it should be the appreciation and knowledge that you have of the culture. Us younger sneakerheads haven't seeing Jordan in a Bull's jersey means nothing whatsoever, most of us have seen him in a Wizards jersey and we have all saved up for the retro 17's and 18's (while MJ played for Washington.) A great deal of excitement came along for us kids when we got to see the man that our parent's told us about come back, so why wouldn't we have wanted to support him by sporting his sneakers? I work for my sneakers just as all of you do, so I deserve the same respect as a collector that all of you guys have/demand. My main point is that the amount of years don't count, it's your appreciation. In the sneaker community today, it honestly seems like a lot of the older heads are being hypocritical calling us snobs when you're being the same way. Along with the internet came alterations to the sneaker community, and that is inevitable.

 

[ninjahood]

Originally Posted by maxoman25

I'm only 16, and I love sneakers and always have. I take offense at some of the comments that have been posted on this thread. Just because we never saw Jordan play in a Bull's jersey doesn't mean that we can't appreciate them the same as an older sneaker head does. I don't think that the time you have spent collecting, should  matter in whether you're considered a sneakerhead or not. I think it should be the appreciation and knowledge that you have of the culture. Us younger sneakerheads haven't seeing Jordan in a Bull's jersey means nothing whatsoever, most of us have seen him in a Wizards jersey and we have all saved up for the retro 17's and 18's (while MJ played for Washington.) A great deal of excitement came along for us kids when we got to see the man that our parent's told us about come back, so why wouldn't we have wanted to support him by sporting his sneakers? I work for my sneakers just as all of you do, so I deserve the same respect as a collector that all of you guys have/demand. My main point is that the amount of years don't count, it's your appreciation. In the sneaker community today, it honestly seems like a lot of the older heads are being hypocritical calling us snobs when you're being the same way. Along with the internet came alterations to the sneaker community, and that is inevitable.

yeah its been a wrap for jordans (as far im concerned)...unless they put prices up 300%, boost da materials and quality up and make it into a high end designer brand then

i'll stopped caring along time ago.

 

[theadimac]

Originally Posted by ninjahood

Originally Posted by maxoman25

I'm only 16, and I love sneakers and always have. I take offense at some of the comments that have been posted on this thread. Just because we never saw Jordan play in a Bull's jersey doesn't mean that we can't appreciate them the same as an older sneaker head does. I don't think that the time you have spent collecting, should  matter in whether you're considered a sneakerhead or not. I think it should be the appreciation and knowledge that you have of the culture. Us younger sneakerheads haven't seeing Jordan in a Bull's jersey means nothing whatsoever, most of us have seen him in a Wizards jersey and we have all saved up for the retro 17's and 18's (while MJ played for Washington.) A great deal of excitement came along for us kids when we got to see the man that our parent's told us about come back, so why wouldn't we have wanted to support him by sporting his sneakers? I work for my sneakers just as all of you do, so I deserve the same respect as a collector that all of you guys have/demand. My main point is that the amount of years don't count, it's your appreciation. In the sneaker community today, it honestly seems like a lot of the older heads are being hypocritical calling us snobs when you're being the same way. Along with the internet came alterations to the sneaker community, and that is inevitable.

yeah its been a wrap for jordans (as far im concerned)...unless they put prices up 300%, boost da materials and quality up and make it into a high end designer brand then

i'll stopped caring along time ago.

I have a great respect for your oppionions hood but seriously *%% were you thinking on this one? 450 for a pair of jays? no thanks homie... 
but yeah maxoman's post made me laugh too. one day these young cats will find something else to get hyped about. I hope...

 

[ninjahood]

TheAdiMac,

i know doing that would make jordans alot more expensive and would turn off ALOT of people...but as far as da future it would definitely restore da essence of what

da line originially was..a luxurious brand of basketball products made for people who wanted to pay more for quality, style, and status...and like it or not doing that

makes lines last ALOT longer.

 

[smoke cobain]

Its true that the sneaker game will never be the same. As well with everything going on in the world today, but at the same time you have to realize that things change every 4 to 5 years on average...its either get with it or get out of game. But the funny part is...history repeats itself.

 

[bigpink187]

It has changed for sure...I'm the reason J's drop on Saturday. Back in the 90's, I would skip school to go get J's on Fridays when they dropped and go back to school and break necks all day.

 

[maxoman25]

Truth be told, you ALL make me laugh. Because you guys are being stuck up.

 

[smoke cobain]

 

[moneymike88]

 

[raptors29]

Originally Posted by Chief Ediri

Originally Posted by swishasweets

Ahh the bi weekly "sneaker game" complain thread

QFT.

You guys are bitter, its a new generation.  Things are bound to change.

Yup, I've learned to accept change. 

 

[u ttocs]

i've bought a lot more kobe's than jordan's the last few years. better quality, cheaper to get, and a lot less hassle. you guys can rant and complain all you want, but it's our own fault. as long as everybody keeps buying up all these shoes, they're gonna keep jacking up the prices. everybody camps out for $300 packs, so why is nike going to stop? it's not gonna stop until you guys stop buying them, and quite frankly i haven't purchased very many jordan's the last couple of years. it's not worth it to me anymore

 

[rapasaurus]

Yo im 18 yrs old and started collecting Jordans at age 13 so I had the chance to experience the Eastbay Catalog Period (remember circling the ones
you wanted and putting your initials on it when others liked them too), Not knowing what would drop later in the year, etc...BUT I also experienced
Standing in line with my Moms (Was very sick but I still went to stand in line for my Fire Red 3's). not having to Moe Lawns and Rake Leaves, etc...

I also rock Skinny Jeans and I hate when people Stereotype us and believe we are all "Jerks who only cop because the sneaker is new"
because I am a True Jordan head and I lovee Collecting them based on the History of the shoe, Colorways, Designs, Appearance, etc !!

So yeaa I feel the Sneaker Game has tarnished drastically but I will not let Young Kids who just want to be seen in the New Jordans and
all of the other negatives (bad releases by JB as well) force me to give up on Jordan Brand and my desire to collect because I have that
much love for the Brand

Peace

 

[fearthenut]

Originally Posted by Rapasaurus

Yo im 18 yrs old and started collecting Jordans at age 13 so I had the chance to experience the Eastbay Catalog Period (remember circling the ones
you wanted and putting your initials on it when others liked them too), Not knowing what would drop later in the year, etc...BUT I also experienced
Standing in line with my Moms (Was very sick but I still went to stand in line for my Fire Red 3's). not having to Moe Lawns and Rake Leaves, etc...

I also rock Skinny Jeans and I hate when people Stereotype us and believe we are all "Jerks who only cop because the sneaker is new"
because I am a True Jordan head and I lovee Collecting them based on the History of the shoe, Colorways, Designs, Appearance, etc !!

So yeaa I feel the Sneaker Game has tarnished drastically but I will not let Young Kids who just want to be seen in the New Jordans and
all of the other negatives (bad releases by JB as well) force me to give up on Jordan Brand and my desire to collect because I have that
much love for the Brand

Peace

1. Where are you getting this apparent trend?

2. But you rock skinny jeans. Opinion is void.

 

[theadimac]

Originally Posted by fearthenut

Originally Posted by Rapasaurus

Yo im 18 yrs old and started collecting Jordans at age 13 so I had the chance to experience the Eastbay Catalog Period (remember circling the ones
you wanted and putting your initials on it when others liked them too), Not knowing what would drop later in the year, etc...BUT I also experienced
Standing in line with my Moms (Was very sick but I still went to stand in line for my Fire Red 3's). not having to Moe Lawns and Rake Leaves, etc...

I also rock Skinny Jeans and I hate when people Stereotype us and believe we are all "Jerks who only cop because the sneaker is new"
because I am a True Jordan head and I lovee Collecting them based on the History of the shoe, Colorways, Designs, Appearance, etc !!

So yeaa I feel the Sneaker Game has tarnished drastically but I will not let Young Kids who just want to be seen in the New Jordans and
all of the other negatives (bad releases by JB as well) force me to give up on Jordan Brand and my desire to collect because I have that
much love for the Brand

Peace

1. Where are you getting this apparent trend?

2. But you rock skinny jeans. Opinion is void.

THIS!!!

 

[SteveSteve72]

^^

 

[malibusfinest310]

Originally Posted by TheAdiMac

Originally Posted by fearthenut

Originally Posted by Rapasaurus

Yo im 18 yrs old and started collecting Jordans at age 13 so I had the chance to experience the Eastbay Catalog Period (remember circling the ones
you wanted and putting your initials on it when others liked them too), Not knowing what would drop later in the year, etc...BUT I also experienced
Standing in line with my Moms (Was very sick but I still went to stand in line for my Fire Red 3's). not having to Moe Lawns and Rake Leaves, etc...

I also rock Skinny Jeans and I hate when people Stereotype us and believe we are all "Jerks who only cop because the sneaker is new"
because I am a True Jordan head and I lovee Collecting them based on the History of the shoe, Colorways, Designs, Appearance, etc !!

So yeaa I feel the Sneaker Game has tarnished drastically but I will not let Young Kids who just want to be seen in the New Jordans and
all of the other negatives (bad releases by JB as well) force me to give up on Jordan Brand and my desire to collect because I have that
much love for the Brand

Peace

1. Where are you getting this apparent trend?

2. But you rock skinny jeans. Opinion is void.

THIS!!!

 

[rapasaurus]

Originally Posted by malibusfinest310

Originally Posted by TheAdiMac

Originally Posted by fearthenut

Originally Posted by Rapasaurus

Yo im 18 yrs old and started collecting Jordans at age 13 so I had the chance to experience the Eastbay Catalog Period (remember circling the ones
you wanted and putting your initials on it when others liked them too), Not knowing what would drop later in the year, etc...BUT I also experienced
Standing in line with my Moms (Was very sick but I still went to stand in line for my Fire Red 3's). not having to Moe Lawns and Rake Leaves, etc...

I also rock Skinny Jeans and I hate when people Stereotype us and believe we are all "Jerks who only cop because the sneaker is new"
because I am a True Jordan head and I lovee Collecting them based on the History of the shoe, Colorways, Designs, Appearance, etc !!

So yeaa I feel the Sneaker Game has tarnished drastically but I will not let Young Kids who just want to be seen in the New Jordans and
all of the other negatives (bad releases by JB as well) force me to give up on Jordan Brand and my desire to collect because I have that
much love for the Brand

Peace

1. Where are you getting this apparent trend?

2. But you rock skinny jeans. Opinion is void.

THIS!!!

SMFH so because I rock skinnies my opinion doesnt matter ???
GTF outta here no matter what ANYONE says I will continue to rock them

Lames need to realize Baggy Jeans are soooooo played !!!

 

[blakmn89]

sad 2 say n say game will neva be da same & inflation has gotten crazy in coppin kickz smh. memba back den copin kicks & knowin ur spendin ya $$$ was worth it(as is quality was satifyin) but nowadayz u'll be lucky if u do due 2 various nonsense das released which iz a true.