Vintage sneakers are like wine. They get better with age. In this blog we will explore the phenomenon of vintage sneakers, and look at ways to develop your vintage shoe collection.
Nowdays there are lots of sneakerheads and collectors who wait in line for the latest releases of the SB Dunk or other pairs of the Nike Dunk. Collecting and rocking vintage sneakers is a lost art that not many people take the time to appreciate. In Los Angeles, many people rock Vintage Chuck Taylors, aka Converse All Stars, in both new and beat-up condition. Vintage Vans have become a recent hit as well, with track bike enthusiasts and hipsters rocking them all torn up and worn. Sometimes people simply buy new shoes and wear them out so much that they look Vintage. These 2 shoes (Chuck Taylors and Vans) already have a vintage look anyway. Other modern shoes that have a vintage feel include the Nike Blazer SB, and the Nike Waffle Racer.
Where can you find vintage sneakers? The obvious and answer is vintage shops and thrift shops. This is for good reason, because if you are patient, dig long enough, and have a wide range of shops to choose from, there is a good chance that you will come across a pair.
You might be able to find some pretty good second-hand shoes at Crossroads, Beacons Closet, or Buffalo Exchange. However, if you want TRUE vintage sneakers,
then you'll need to dig in TRUE vintage stores. The only chain vintage store that comes to mind is Goodwill, and that works just fine. Drive around, ask around, and look around for vintage stores. In my hometown there are 2 independent thrift shops right by my house and I am really lucky. In time you will get to know the patterns of the store (when their weekly sale takes place, when they restock their shelves, and what their specialty is). For example, one store by my house has a half-off sale every Wednesday. The other store is really good at clothes, but bad at shoes.
At my first store, I found an excellent pair of New Balance 990s, in good condition. Now THAT is a classic shoe, and I was happy to pick up the pair for $8. If you are patient, eventually you will find vintage sneakers that are perfect for you, in your size, and a style that will have everybody else asking, "Where did you get those?!"
Where can you find vintage sneakers? The obvious and answer is vintage shops and thrift shops. This is for good reason, because if you are patient, dig long enough, and have a wide range of shops to choose from, there is a good chance that you will come across a pair.
You might be able to find some pretty good second-hand shoes at Crossroads, Beacons Closet, or Buffalo Exchange. However, if you want TRUE vintage sneakers,
then you'll need to dig in TRUE vintage stores. The only chain vintage store that comes to mind is Goodwill, and that works just fine. Drive around, ask around, and look around for vintage stores. In my hometown there are 2 independent thrift shops right by my house and I am really lucky. In time you will get to know the patterns of the store (when their weekly sale takes place, when they restock their shelves, and what their specialty is). For example, one store by my house has a half-off sale every Wednesday. The other store is really good at clothes, but bad at shoes.At my first store, I found an excellent pair of New Balance 990s, in good condition. Now THAT is a classic shoe, and I was happy to pick up the pair for $8. If you are patient, eventually you will find vintage sneakers that are perfect for you, in your size, and a style that will have everybody else asking, "Where did you get those?!"
