Image via Complex Original
The sneaker resale market just won't stop. Just when it seems like things are headed for a downturn, another boom hits, keeping the cycle moving and furthering the near-unattainable status of certain hard-to-find shoes.
While some so-called resellers nickle and dime with as many shoes as they can get their hands on each week, it takes a discerning eye to truly make your money work for you in the aftermarket. Whether it's a sneaker that's been slept on with the potential to really blow up, or an already pricey pair that just won't stop, certain styles can be far more lucrative than others to stash. Don't get us wrong, we're advocates for wearing your sneakers, but this is for that set of people who inevitably pop up on social media asking which pairs are and aren't worth reselling.
To get to the bottom of things, we sought out insight from StockX CEO Josh Luber, a man who knows a thing or two about treating footwear as arbitrage. The first thing Luber stressed was that restocks—especially to the magnitude of what's been seen with the Adidas Yeezy line—are highly detrimental to long-term value. It may seem like this goes without saying, but the repeated re-releases affect more than just Kanye's sneakers. Luber says this is also a big part of why comparably sought-after shoes which rarely (if ever) restock—like Virgil Abloh's Off-White Nikes—continue to be some of the most valuable.
"Restocks totally kill the value, totally kill the long-term hope," Luber explains. "Who knows what Kanye’s going to decide. I wouldn’t bet on any Yeezys for long term value until we see a change in that strategy...At the other end, Nike has done a good job. They haven’t re-released any of the Off-White [collaborations], the original 'The Ten' is going to be worth a lot."
For a deeper look into which sneakers could be worth keeping around, scroll down. However, keep in mind that while this list is based on real-time data and trends, the sneaker market is just as volatile as the actual stock market, so play with caution.
Nike React Element 87
Retail: $160
Despite having a ton of fanfare and even being named the 2018 Sneaker of the Year at ComplexCon, resell prices for the React Element 87 aren't too exorbitant—yet. Luber notes that while Nike may continue to roll out new colors and variations (such as the React Element 55 takedown), he foresees the OG lineup and Undercover collabs being a "safe bet" for the future.
Air Jordan 1 'Pine Green'
Retail: $160
Resale average: $262
When it comes to the Air Jordan 1, it's colorways like this unexpected "Pine Green" make up that have strong potential in the coming years. While the "Bred" and "Royal" colorway are fan favorites, Luber says that repeated re-releases stunt the long term potential of these OG make ups, whereas one-off colorways like the "Pine Green" could very well become the next "Shattered Backboard."
Air Jordan 1 'Court Purple'
Retail: $160
Much like the "Pine Green" colorway, Luber says this "Court Purple" Air Jordan 1 is notable because it's the first of its kind and presumably won't be seen again for quite some time. These factors coupled with OG-style color blocking and limited availability make this another one to watch.
Air Jordan 4 'Travis Scott'
Retail: $225
With Travis Scott's stock as an influencer at a high, it's only a matter of time before his first Air Jordan collab surges in price. Travis has already started teasing new "Catucs Jack" Jordans, which means the likelihood of the brand revisiting this pair is slim. Act accordingly and stash them now while the going rate is reasonable.
Pharrell Williams x Adidas NMD Hu 'Yellow'
Retail: $240
Luber singles out Pharrell Williams' ongoing collaborations with Adidas Originals as one of the lone bright spots in the Three Stripes' resell cachet. The StockX CEO says the entire NMD Human Race line has been strong and expects its debut yellow colorway to continue to gain steam with time.
Off-White x Air Jordan 1 'Chicago'
Retail: $190
Although it's already one of the most expensive Off-White sneakers on the secondary market, Luber still sees more potential in Virgil Abloh's rendition of the "Chicago" Air Jordan 1. Luber expects the original "The Ten" lineup to keep booming as deadstock pairs dry up, which could spell even bigger profits for those who have these in the stash.
Off-White x Air Jordan 1 'White'
Retail: $190
This European-exclusive colorway of the Off-White x Air Jordan 1 wasn't technically part of the original "The Ten" collection, but its highly limited availability makes it one of Abloh's most coveted designs. Like its "Chicago" counterpart, Luber expects this pair to continue to rise with age.
Off-White x Nike Air Presto (OG)
Retail: $160
Along with the Air Jordan 1, the Air Presto is arguably the most popular sneaker in the Off-White x Nike range, and Luber foresees a bright future for the OG "The Ten" colorway. The follow-up "Polar Opposite" pairs are smart choices, too, but this is really the one to have.
MoMA x Off-White x Nike Air Force 1
Retail: $175
In terms of sheer availability, the MoMA's Off-White x Air Force 1 may be the most elusive of all of Abloh's design. Some sizes are already nearly impossible to track down, which means it will continue to be a buyer's market from here on out.
Adidas Yeezy Boost 350 'Turtle Dove'
Retail: $200
Although Luber strongly advises against holding most Yeezys for the long play, he does note that the first round of Yeezy Boost 350s are an exception since they were some of the most limited releases from Kanye and Adidas to date. It's hard to bet against the OG "Turtledove" colorway, and now could be the ideal time to swoop in—prices are lower than they've been in months.