Nike and adidas Shoes Develop Problem for Sneaker Culture Collectors

New York (PRWEB) April 14, 2006

A huge problem has arisen from the ascending popularity of sneaker culture; a problem phrased "demand value." When demand comes for a product, also comes a new price. Whatever is the subject of the demand is exploited by people with financial goals that aren't always with bad intention, but definitely against the wishes of those who enjoyed the subject before its popularity.

Today, with millions of fans, shoes themselves have become the object of some people's joy and daily shopping. Some even have time during their daily routine which involves doing something with shoes in general.

Even complete Internet sites have even been created to house these Sneaker Culture participants. ForcesAndFitteds.com, SoleCollector.com, and SoJones.com are just a few of the more popular sites. These sites came on-line with variable content that caters to the needs of the multi-faceted Sneaker Culture followers.

Everyday shoe transactions occur on these sites, with the possibility of a shoe that retailed at $90 being sold for $300.

Ebay.com, which is selling a lot of black market products as well, is also a huge source for finding these shoes that are well over their original price. This is only recommend if you can recognize fake sneakers.

While most retail Internet and physical stores owners love the markup on shoes, one trendy shoe collector got together a group of other business minded individuals to put a control on the problem.

"It's simple. We've started our site and club, SneakerCut.com to slow retail markup. Yes, we charge $90 for a yearly membership but any real shoe collector is probably spending this amount on 1 shoe that's been marked up by these resellers. It's going to be tough to get everyone behind us, but if we get enough, these shoe stores will have to stop this exploitation of the Sneaker World because we're working with stores and collectors that still care about their customer being happy over extra financial gain," said a co-founder of SneakerCut.com.

SoJones Publications' owner, who also is a co-owner of the Sneaker Cut shoe club, told horror stories of his shopping experiences around New York City. He told a group of posters on Sole Collector's forums how he went to the "Training Camp" shoe store in Manhattan, New York and was treated with no respect.

"I walked into the store and asked for a just-released, Nike Air Force 1 Easter shoe. The cashier told me the price $150.00 and I told her I would take the 2 pair available, hoping to bring them in for the shoe club. They brought the product to the desk and as I was paying, the manager comes and tells her to charge me $200 instead of $150. Right in my face this happens. I'm in shock it happened but nonetheless ask, how can you change the price you just quoted? The clerk responds she's sorry but managers have control, which was a reasonable response, but the manager blurts out, why are you even still discussing the price with him, as if he had no respect for me," the co-owner said.

Going into the story on the forums, others that responded had similar stories about different stores marking up the MS-RP $90 shoe to prices of $200 and greater.

'Michael K' owned store stores in New York city seemed to be an infamous name amongst the sneaker collectors for the price mark up. Stories said the company was back dooring the shoes early against Nike's wishes, for higher profit margins.

With no origin of date, Sneaker Culture probably became massive because of the internationally known shoe producers, Nike and adidas.

Ever since Michael Jordan walked onto a professional basketball court with his own "Nike Air Jordan" sneaker, fans behind the star have found a love for sneakers. The Air Jordan brand developed so many fans Nike has built a collection around the brand name that releases and re-releases popular shoe styles.

With adidas, ever since Hollis-Queens emcees Run DMC put on their classic Shell-Toe sneaker, fans embraced the way their shoes were worn, evolving into a need for other colors and styles. While Run DMC has switched into a new shoe brand for their official footwear (details on SoJones.com), they definitely proved the power of Hip-Hop's trends and fashion.

While high prices and demand will forever run hand in hand, many eager shoe collectors have joined SneakerCut.com to try and help their spending habits find some reserve.

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