Air Jordans have always held a special place in the hearts of sneakerheads. But what happens when the sneaker game becomes too expensive? Should we be looking at pre-owned Air Jordans? Here’s everything you need to know about buying secondhand and how they compare to retail sneakers.
Over the past few years, we’ve seen some exciting trends develop within the sneaker industry, not just in the US, which most people consider to be the cultural mecca of the sneaker world, but also globally. Before the COVID-19 pandemic, sneakerheads had to deal with the rollercoaster of limited releases and skyrocketing resale prices; during the pandemic, things changed as people had to find ways to cope with what is still considered to be the most significant period of the last 100 years.
The pandemic and its resulting lockdowns did two interesting things: firstly, it refocused people’s attention and introduced them to new hobbies and interests; secondly, for a good number of folks, it freed up the money spent on commuting and childcare costs, etc. and meant they had extra disposable income, which they could redirect towards those newfound hobbies and interests. One of the interests that grew significantly during the height of the pandemic was sneakers. Kate Marino of Axios, quoting research from Piper Sandler, reported in 2021 that “the sneaker resale market [was] now worth an estimated $10 billion… up from just $6 billion in 2019.” She went on to say, “The pandemic reasons are numerous: people were bored, needed to make extra money, had lost their jobs or side hustles – and also just love sneakers.”
As we navigate 2024, things seem to be a little saner (we hope), and while the usual excitement surrounding limited releases isn’t necessarily a thing of the past, there’s also a focus from consumers on being practical and mindful about how they spend their money. With markets dipping and prices seemingly going up all the time – making it harder for people to spend willy-nilly without watching their dollars – signs point to the “hype bubble” deflating, replaced by a much greater appreciation for quality, craftsmanship and overall value. People want good deals now. This doesn’t mean they like nice things any less than they used to before, but they don’t want to pay more than they really need to.
This is where pre-owned comes in. Let’s take Air Jordan Retro sneakers, for example. Most of us would prefer a shiny new pair of 11s or 3s, but sometimes it’s not possible. Two things might be likely to prevent us from getting them. Firstly, we might have our eyes on a pair of limited-edition kicks but don’t get to cop them because they’re limited and unavailable. Secondly, finances might not allow it, either because the asking price for a brand-new pair is just unaffordable or they’ve been marked up so much by a retailer or reseller out to turn a profit that it becomes laughable even to try.
At some point, however, a used pair might become available. So, is it worth buying pre-owned Jordans? The short answer is yes, but as with most things, there’s nuance, so please walk with me for a bit. I’ll start by discussing four reasons why buying pre-owned Jordans is worthwhile. Then, I’ll talk about what to look for (and look out for) when buying pre-owned. Finally, I’ll suggest some places you can search for them, compare prices and then bring up some guarantees you can get, which would secure your new purchase, whether you’re treating it as an investment or as a treat for yourself.
Why Buy Pre-Owned Air Jordans?
Even though, as I mentioned, it feels good to buy Air Jordan Retro sneakers brand-new, buying pre-owned pairs can be a pretty sensible and worthwhile choice. Here are some of the main reasons why. As you read this, remember that there’ll always be room for abuse and dishonesty in any marketplace and transaction, so you should always do your homework as much as possible.
1. Value for Money
True sneakerheads and collectors appreciate and respect their kicks. If you buy from a reputable seller or a regular person who wants to offload a pair to make quick, honest cash, you’ll find they’ve generally been good to their shoes. This means you’re likely to get something worn gently and, in some cases, can still pass as new. So, you’re going to get a valuable pair of Jordans sold to you for significantly less than you would have if you’d joined the mad rush when the shoe was first released.
2. Genuine articles
Sneaker lovers are big on knowing that what they’re getting is a genuine article. Buying your pre-owned Air Jordans from a reputable seller will mean getting something checked rigorously, and you don’t need to worry about being played. Community-based platforms like Reddit have subreddits like LegitCheck, where you can get help if you need to.
3. Sustainability
Now more than ever, there’s a greater and more widespread awareness that we must take better care of our planet. One of the most substantial reasons for buying pre-owned Air Jordans (or anything pre-owned, for that matter) is contributing to the circular economy. That basically means that you’re helping minimize waste by extending the shoe’s life, thereby promoting responsible consumption. You can wear your Jays knowing you’re part of a greater cause.
4. Pure joy
While the purchase is the ultimate prize, it’s more than that if you enjoy the fun of sneakers and the lore they carry with them. When you’re going after a pre-owned shoe as valuable and storied as an Air Jordan – especially a rare colourway or unique silhouette – you’re also in it for the journey. The satisfaction you get from uncovering hidden gems and finally finding the sneakers you were searching for from a seller in a place you’ve never even heard of can be exceptional in and of itself.
Suppose you will commit to buying a pair or more of pre-owned Air Jordans. In that case, there are specific things you can do to ensure that you stay ahead of the game, especially if you decide this is something you want to get into for the long haul.
There’s no substitute for doing good, solid research. The sneaker community has many reputable and trusted platforms where people go to get descriptions and clear photos and authenticate their potential purchases. Familiarize yourself with these, and even if you’re a newbie, you’ll find that you’ll become more knowledgeable and be in a position to navigate the space better. You can also find communities like the Reddit one I mentioned earlier or respected YouTubers like this who are experienced collectors. They will not only show you how to gauge a fair price but also point you to the particular things you need to spot on a used Air Jordan, like in this video.
It’s also good practice to compare prices whenever you’re about to make a significant purchase. Again, these platforms and communities are relatively safe spaces to ask questions about something you’re about to buy and determine the general response to the pictures you show and the price you’ll pay. Ultimately, the responsibility for the decision rests with you. Still, at least you will have done your due diligence and not made a hasty or emotional decision. Buying a pair of pre-owned Air Jordans may not be the same as buying brand-new ones, but they deserve to be approached smartly. If you do your part and all goes well, it is absolutely a worthwhile exercise.
Do you own a pair of pre-owned Air Jordans, or are you planning to buy one? What are your thoughts on this article?
