How To Be a Sneakerhead Without a Lot of Money

If you don't have a lot of money, you need a lot of time.

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It's easy to think that in order to be a sneakerhead you have to have a lot of cash but that's simply not the case. The fact is, if you don't have a lot of money, you have to have a lot of time.

Using this time you can take advantage of the Internet, build a network, and travel off the beaten path. Remember: being a sneakerhead isn't just about spending a ton of money - it requires time and dedication, just like any other collector or hobbyist.

These are a few strategies you can use to get yourself started. Here's How To Be a Sneakerhead Without a Lot of Money

Take advantage of crazy online sales.

Stores like Bodega, Reed Space, and Karmaloop occasionally have ridiculous sales. This is the time to rack up on limited sneakers and collabs that slipped through the cracks. Often, you'll find the last size of something you were beasting over for up to 70 percent off. Who knows, you might find your new favorite sneaker that you'll wear on a daily basis, and only pay pennies on the dollar for it.

Wait for overseas releases to hit the States.

Occasionally, some sneaker releases come out in other countries first - they're often rare runners or collaborations with shops you'll never see in person. The problem is: Paying in Euros, Pounds, or Yen, and then having to pay for overseas shipping. It's best to wait these sort of releases out. Often, they'll drop at stores like Kith and Concepts, and you can pay in good old Greenbacks. You won't have to ever calculate a VAT (or know what it is), either.

Become an influencer.

Influencers in the sneaker game always get a ton of rewards. This isn't easy, but if you are dedicated and network well, you can get face time with important people who will send you shoes for free. One example of building influence is to start a blog with a different perspective than what's on the scene now. Don't be fooled: Some of these "influencers" are barely making enough to buy half the sneakers that they're posting on Instagram, but their exposure is worthwhile to the brands that are seeding them the sneakers a month before release day. But some influencers are the ones designing collabs, giving advice to sneaker brands and retailers, and working behind the scenes - while getting free sneakers.

Spend time at thrift stores and outlets

You can cop heat without spending retail. Make sure you keep an eye on bargain bins and outlet stores. They're good ways to pick up sneakers that somebody may have let go prematurely. The Hash Wall at Nike Outlets is notorious for having sample sneakers that can be hit with an extra 20 percent off - that is, if you wear a size 9. But check thrift stores in cities like Portland, Ore. or Maine. One is going to have never-seen-before Nike and Jordan heat, while the latter while have a ton of dad-level New Balances. And both are a major win.

It's important to remember that you don't have to own every shoe.

A great way to maximize your time and income is to pick and choose which releases are worth your time. You don't have to purchase every sneaker - and your favorite sneaker might be something that doesn't cost $180. Not every "sneakerhead" has to have a collection lined with Foamposites or retro Air Jordans. They can have a pair of New Balance 577s that mean more to them than a sneaker others lined up for.

Keep some kicks on ice.

Sneakers are on a perpetual re-release cycle. An Air Jordan will, usually, sell out every time it's release. But instead of re-upping every time a sneaker is retroed - keep your pair on ice or in good shape. The need to cop a second pair won't nag you, and you'll have an extra $170 in your pocket.

Be willing to travel to obscure and lesser-known stores.

If you live in a crowded city like New York City, it may make more sense to scope out the suburbs and other locations that aren't easily accessible. Doing this will remove a lot of competition and also open up the possibility of getting more than one pair. It's also nice to scope out rarely visited mom and pop shops. At times, they have heavily discounted sneakers that have been collecting dust - which you're dying to score.

Build a network of sneakerheads that you can use for information and collaboration.

Making friends with retail employees and other sneakerheads will help you build a network. Working with others will help you have a leg up. Your friends will always give you a fair deal on a pair of sneakers, hit you up when they see something at a good price that you might want, and be there to unload a pair onto when you bought the wrong size. And knowing a retail employee never hurts - trust us.

Take advantage of social media.

Twitter and Instagram can be a sneakerhead's best friend. Twitter RSVPs can be pure fuckery, but if you can secure a guaranteed pair of sneakers, then you won't have to wait on release day - and can, you know, actually go to work and make money. They're also tools that bring attention to deals on sneakers and give the consumer more purchasing power. Instead of going to the local mall and paying the sticker price on a pair of sneakers, see if a better price pops up on your Twitter or Instagram feed. Someone may be selling a pair on the low.

Use Craigslist and eBay to your advantage, but beware of fakes.

Craigslist and eBay are great networks to sell, trade and meet like-minded people. eBay is a great way to see how much pairs are going for so you can set a realistic price, and it's also a place where people can come-up on auctions that others aren't following. Ask any devoted head, they'll spin yarns about all the Jordans and O.G. Air Maxes that they scored for under $100.

Get a job at a sneaker store.

There's one thing better than knowing a guy who works at a sneaker store: being the guy who works at the sneaker store. Sneaker store employees get first dibs on sneakers, up to a 50-percent discount, and free sneakers from time to time. But the kicker is: You'll still be broke. You'll either spend all your money on sneakers, or pull in an hourly wage that's barely above minimum wage. But hey, you'll have them Js, though.

Re-sell.

If all else fails, become a re-seller. Although they're looked down upon in the sneaker community, re-sellers make a quick, easy buck by flipping the sneakers they don't care to hold onto. But re-selling isn't just limited to physical sneakers: It's just as profitable to sell a ticket that guarantees a pair of sneakers as it is the actual kicks. As long as there's a demand, there will be people looking to profit off it - and that person could be you.