Posted on 11/29/2025 5:17:32 AM PST by yesthatjallen
After years of explosive growth fueled by hype, exclusivity, and social media buzz, the U.S. sneaker market is facing a sharp downturn. Analysts and resellers alike are calling it a “crash,” as resale prices plummet and demand cools amid changing economic conditions and shifting consumer priorities.
This crash is hitting New Jersey retailers and resellers hard as high priced shoes are now competing with high energy bills, high medical insurance rates and increases in costs of living in New Jersey.
It’s only expected that the least necessary luxury items are taking a hit.
What’s Behind the Collapse
Oversaturation:
Major brands like Nike, Adidas, and New Balance ramped up production of once-limited models, flooding the market with sneakers that used to sell out instantly. Popular releases such as Nike Dunk Lows — once prized for their scarcity — are now available at retail or even discounted prices.
SNIP
(Excerpt) Read more at shorenewsnetwork.com ...
My idea of a high end sneaker is a jogging shoe at $70. My daily wear ones run around $45. I have spent $100 on a running shoe - back when I was younger and did 5Ks and 10Ks for fun. But I’m on Medicare now and not too interested in running for time anymore.
I don’t give a rat’s rear end if NIKE goes totally broke. I stopped buying ANYTHING from them decades ago. And those “high-end sneakers”? Let’s just say I avoid any part of any city where those are popular...
Check
High end sneakers are typically made in Italy or France or the USA.
Don’t worry. Democrats will try to make high end sneakers more affordable:
“Cook County in Illinois has unanimously approved plans to give thousands of residents $500 a month in free cash.
America’s second largest county is committing $7.5 million to fully fund a permanent guaranteed basic income program for its poorest constituents.
Cook County was among several local governments which began testing the program in 2022 with the help of COVID-19 federal relief funds, according to FOX News.
Officials received $42 million from the American Rescue Plan Act and created the Cook County Promise Guaranteed Income Pilot, developed to ‘benefit low-income Cook County residents and families facing economic hardship’.”
https://www.dailymail.co.uk/yourmoney/article-15333701/chicago-cook-county-guaranteed-income.html
It might take some of them a few months to save up their free cash for a pair of sneakers!
They’re just a fashion statement like a Rolex or whatever.
Gucci or LV or the like.
Another version of an expensive purse.
Maybe Zips are in style now.
They’ve been tulips for so long time, never were worth hundreds of dollars a pair.
Reality finally starting to come home to the USA?
If I had to tie laces, I would need to put it on my schedule. Slip-ons rule.
EC
The article states over saturation as a source and I agree. Im amazed how many folks wear and collect Jordans. The whitest of the whites…. 50-60 year olds… sneakerheads. The manufacturers caught on and flooded the market with psuedo collectable shoes diluting the pool. If everything is “rare” than nothing is…. Like racism
Our sneakers are Avia or And1 from Walmart. Comfortable and Cheap...
Last ‘brand name’ Sneakers I bought was New Balance Bangor, a USA sneaker.
It’s the “Affordability crisis”, ie the 25% pay cut we all got because of Bidenflation.
“…or even discounted prices.…”
My guess is I’d pass on their discounted price.
True dat.
No kidding. I had to buy some when I had knee surgery. No going back.
Keeping my feet comfortable makes my life better, so I buy Hokas, the most comfortable sneakers I know. Plush is the best word to describe them. I have two pairs and alternate them every few days just to keep them plush as possible. They are expensive, I know, but my feet love me for it.
Less snap benefits to sell for cash to buy meaningless ghetto status bullshit?
Inquiring minds want to know.
There are sneaker heads that have pots of money such as rappers and BB players. They have a large closet for sneakers only
Disclaimer: Opinions posted on Free Republic are those of the individual posters and do not necessarily represent the opinion of Free Republic or its management. All materials posted herein are protected by copyright law and the exemption for fair use of copyrighted works.