Is the sneaker market crashing?

Sneaker Market Sees Signs of Slowing Down

A recent video posted on TikTok proclaiming the demise of the sneaker market has garnered over 8 million views. But is it really time to say goodbye to these coveted kicks? Not so fast, according to experts.

In the past decade, sneakers have evolved from a niche hobby to a full-blown phenomenon, with limited-edition drops and celebrity collaborations driving the frenzy. The resale market has also grown exponentially, with prices skyrocketing at the height of the pandemic. As of 2024, the number of sneakers trading above retail on secondary platforms has decreased to 47% compared to 58% in 2020.

However, it's not all doom and gloom for sneaker enthusiasts. According to John Kim, editor-in-chief of Sneaker News, "Sneaker demand is still very high for the core sneaker community." Consumers have become smarter, waiting for markdowns before making a purchase. Additionally, sneakers are still selling well off retail shelves at full price.

Frédéric Godart, a professor of organizational behavior at INSEAD, agrees that the market isn't slowing down, but rather changing its trajectory. "The hype bubble has burst," he says. "Sneakers are not speculative assets; they're made to be worn." Economic pressures and shifting consumer tastes have also led to a decrease in demand.

However, Vinogradov, CEO of Sneaker Con, notes that the core collector community remains active and selective about what they're willing to pay for. "The bubble has burst, but there's still a strong desire for rare sneakers," he says.

As the market adjusts, it's clear that the sneaker industry is shifting towards more mainstream trends. With too much new product entering the market, older releases are losing their appeal. "There's just too much noise out there," Kim says. "Older releases won't appreciate in value because sneaker collectors are getting smarter with purchasing."

The fashion industry is notorious for its fleeting trends, and it seems that sneakers have reached peak popularity. As one expert puts it, "What was the It shoe one moment can quickly become the style that has oversaturated the market." With new fads emerging all the time, styles that once dominated the market may soon fall victim to a vicious trend cycle.

So, what's next for the sneaker market? Experts predict a long-term growth trend, but with more traditional shoes potentially coming back into fashion. As one expert notes, "The sneakers market in general will keep growing: it is a long-term trend, although more traditional shoes may come back into fashion and erode sneakers' newfound dominance."

While the hype may have died down, the sneaker market remains vibrant and dynamic. With changing consumer tastes and shifting trends, there's still plenty of excitement to be found in this ever-evolving industry.

oh my gosh yaaas the sneaker game is not dead yet lol 8 million views on tiktok says otherwise sneakers are always going to be a thing especially with all the collabs and new designs coming out and yeah i can see why people would get smarter about buying them during sales

the sneaker market isn't dead yet i mean, 8 million views on tiktok says something right? but seriously, experts are saying the market is just changing its trajectory it's like when a new favorite TV show comes out and then another one takes over sneakers were once that hot new thing, now they're more about being worn and loved than resold for profit and yeah, there's too much noise in the market right now but that just means new styles are emerging and old ones will take a backseat

I'm kinda surprised by the whole "sneakers are dying" thing . I mean, I've seen some crazy prices go up on those limited-edition kicks. But I guess it's all about supply and demand now . People used to get all hyped for a new release and then prices would skyrocket . Now they're just waiting for markdowns and being smarter with their purchases .

It's also interesting that the fashion industry is always changing, and what was "it" one moment can become overhyped the next . I've seen so many shoes come in and out of style already this year, from Yeezys to Adidas Superstars . The sneaker market might be slowing down a bit, but it's still got a dedicated community that loves what they love .

I think we'll see more mainstream trends emerging and sneakers becoming less of a niche thing . But hey, as long as people are rocking their kicks with confidence and style, I'm good ! The sneaker market will always have its moments, even if the hype dies down .

omg u guys 8 mil views on a tiktok vid about sneakers dying sounds kinda overhyped to me lol the sneaker market has def had its wild times but idk if it's time 2 say goodbye just yet i mean there r still ppl out there droppin cash on rare kicks and i think that's gonna keep the market movin even if the hype bubble pops a bit

i'm lowkey excited for sneakers to come back into more mainstream fashion tho like who doesn't love a good pair of kicks every now and then? and idk about all these "experts" talkin bout how sneaker demand is still high but consumers are gettin smart and waitin 4 markdowns i'm here 4 that tbh

anyway, i think the sneaker market just needs a lil shakeup and we'll be good 2 go

omg u gotta understand the sneaker game has changed people r like "oh no its over" but actually its just shifting gears more ppl r buying at full price and not getting caught up in the hype bubble. and dont even get me started on how much noise is out there rn, cant even find a rare pair without paying thru the nose

I'm not entirely convinced that the sneaker market is slowing down . Sure, we've seen a dip in resale prices and demand for limited-edition drops, but that's just part of the game. Sneakers are always gonna be a hype market, and I think that's what makes them so appealing to collectors .

I mean, have you seen the lines outside sneaker stores on launch days? That's dedication right there ! And don't even get me started on sneaker conventions like Sneaker Con - those things are still drawing in crowds and breaking sales records .

Of course, with too much product hitting the market, it's harder for individual sneakers to stand out. But I think that just means we're gonna see more innovation and creativity from brands . Maybe we'll even start seeing more sustainable and eco-friendly sneaker designs - who knows?

One thing's for sure: as long as people are passionate about shoes, the sneaker market will continue to thrive . And hey, being a sneakerhead isn't just about collecting rare kicks - it's about fashion, self-expression, and community . So, bring on the next big drop!

I'm getting a bad vibe from this... all these "experts" saying the sneaker market is slowing down? like what? 8 million views on TikTok saying the same thing? that's cute, but I still see people clamoring for those limited-edition drops. It's not about the hype bubble bursting or the resale prices going back down, it's about the actual quality of sneakers. Are they getting better? No. Are the materials and designs more innovative? Nope.

And another thing... what even is this "smarter consumer" business? People are just waiting for markdowns now? Where's the fun in that? The thrill of the hunt, the satisfaction of scoring a rare pair? That's what it's all about. And don't even get me started on how the industry is just churning out more and more "core" sneakers because they know people want them. It's all just a numbers game.

I mean, I love sneaker culture as much as the next person, but can we please not pretend like this is some kind of grand experiment in consumer behavior? The fashion industry has always been about trends and hype, and sneakers are just another casualty of that cycle. So yeah, maybe the market is shifting... but it's still all about us sneakerheads, darling

I THINK THE SNEAKER MARKET IS JUST GOING THROUGH A PHASE, YOU KNOW? PEOPLE'S INTERESTS CHANGE AND NEW THINGS COME OUT . I MEAN, WE'VE SEEN IT BEFORE WITH TRENDY CLOTHES AND HATS - THEY'RE HOT ONE MOMENT, THEN COMPLETELY OVER . BUT AT THE END OF THE DAY, PEOPLE STILL LOVE THEIR KICKS AND WILL KEEP BUYING THEM, EVEN IF THEY'RE NOT AS RARE OR EXCLUSIVE .

idk what's going on with sneakers rn they were like the ultimate collectible thing but now it feels like everyone's just trying to cop them for the 'gram anyone remember when we used to get hyped about a new shoe drop and then it would be all over in 2 secs? i mean, yeah the market is changing and people are getting smarter about their purchases but let's be real, who doesn't love a good pair of limited edition kicks?

omg this is so true!! i mean think about it, sneakers are still selling well off retail shelves at full price which means people still wanna cop those fresh kicks but at the same time i get what the experts say, the market has gotten a bit saturated with new releases and old ones getting stale anyway i'm all for the sneaker industry evolving and trying out new trends, it keeps things interesting

I'm not sure if I should be relieved or disappointed that the sneaker market is slowing down a bit . On one hand, it's good to see people being more cautious with their purchases and waiting for markdowns before buying. It means they're not getting caught up in the hype and can make more rational decisions.

On the other hand, I'm a bit sad that some of the rare sneakers might lose their value. I mean, who doesn't love the thrill of the hunt or owning a limited-edition pair? But at the same time, I get it - the market is getting saturated with too many new products and older releases aren't as desirable anymore.

I think what's interesting is that the industry is shifting towards more mainstream trends. Maybe we'll see more affordable options or collaborations with brands from other industries. It's always exciting to see how things evolve and adapt to changing consumer tastes .

I'm so over all the fuss about sneakers slowing down . I think it's just a matter of time before they come back as trendy again. The sneaker market is like any other – it goes through cycles and trends change, but people still love their kicks . What's new is that people are becoming more smart shoppers and waiting for deals instead of buying into the hype . And let's be real, there's still a ton of limited-edition drops and collaborations coming out, so the market isn't dying just yet . Plus, with so many new fashion trends emerging all the time, it's hard to say what will stick around for long . I'm calling it now – sneakers are due for another resurgence !

I'm low-key relieved that the sneaker bubble has burst lol . I mean, 8 million views on TikTok is just crazy for a video about how the market is slowing down . The resale market was getting out of control and it's actually good to see prices dropping . Don't get me wrong, I'm still hyped about new releases but it's nice to see some reality set in .

I'm low-key relieved the sneaker market isn't imploding like a certain dystopian movie . I mean, 8 million views on a TikTok video about the market slowing down? That's some wild speculation right there! I think sneaker demand is still pretty strong, especially for true collectors who are always on the lookout for rare gems.

It's crazy how quickly fashion trends can turn, like that iconic Air Jordan drop from '85. Suddenly they're all over and everyone wants them . But now, with so many new releases flooding the market, older kicks are losing their luster. Old-school sneakerheads getting wise to the game is cool, but it's also kind of sad for those who can't snag a pair of vintage Air Jordans .

The sneaker industry will keep growing, I'm sure. More traditional shoes might even make a comeback. It'll be interesting to see how that plays out. For now, let's just enjoy the fact that sneakers are still a thing and we can all rock our favorite kicks without breaking the bank.

The notion that the sneaker market is slowing down might be a bit premature . While it's true that prices have dropped somewhat and consumer demand has decreased slightly, I believe this simply indicates a maturation of the market rather than an outright collapse . As Frédéric Godart astutely pointed out, sneakers are not speculative assets but rather products designed for wear, so it's natural that demand would stabilize as people become more savvy consumers .

Moreover, the sneaker industry has always been about trends and hype, and I wouldn't be surprised if a new wave of limited-edition releases or celebrity collaborations comes along to reignite the passion . The fashion world is notorious for its cyclical nature, and it's likely that sneakers will continue to evolve and adapt to changing consumer tastes .

It's also worth noting that the sneaker market has become increasingly mainstream, which could potentially lead to a shift towards more traditional shoes coming back into fashion . While this might erode some of the dominance of sneakers, I believe it would also create new opportunities for innovation and diversification within the industry .

In any case, I remain bullish on the sneaker market's long-term prospects . With its unique blend of artistry, craftsmanship, and cultural significance, I predict that sneakers will continue to evolve and thrive in the years to come .

I think the sneaker market is just going through a normal correction . The hype was crazy high, and now people are being more rational about spending . But for collectors, rare kicks will always be sought after ! And with new brands coming out all the time, there's still room for innovation and growth . I'm actually hoping to see some older releases come back in style ... who knows, maybe we'll see a resurgence of 90s-style sneakers . The market might be slowing down, but it's not dead yet !

I think 8 mil views on TikTok is pretty crazy! I mean, you'd think people would be more skeptical about the whole sneaker market thing ... but I guess some people just really love their kicks . Don't get me wrong, it's been wild to see how hyped everyone's gotten over limited editions and collabs - I've even seen people buying up sneakers like they're going out of style! But at the same time, it's cool that sneaker enthusiasts are getting smarter about waiting for deals ... maybe we won't have a total bubble burst just yet .

Wow interesting that experts think the sneaker market has just shifted its trajectory! Like, people are getting smarter about buying shoes now . I mean, who wants a pair of kicks that's gonna lose value after one season? Not me, that's for sure.

I'm kinda surprised people think the sneaker market is slowing down ... I mean, sure, some of those rare kicks might not be as hot like they used to be, but that just means collectors are getting smarter about when to buy . And with new releases all the time, it's still gonna be a competitive game out there ! Plus, sneaker culture is all about self-expression so who cares what everyone else is buying? Let's just keep on collecting and rocking our favorite kicks !