Streetwear Fact #3
Sneakers as a status symbol – Why sneakers in streetwear can cost over €20,000
In the streetwear scene, sneakers are much more than just shoes. They are statements , collectibles , and, above all, a status symbol . Some models fetch over €20,000 on the secondary market—and for good reason.
What's behind it? And why do shoes fascinate entire generations?
The Roots: Sneakers & Streetwear
Sneakers have always been closely linked to subcultures —whether in hip-hop , skateboarding , or basketball . Brands like Nike, Adidas, Reebok , and later Yeezy and Off-White have turned sneakers into a platform:
Whoever wears the right model belongs.
In today's streetwear culture, sneakers are as much a part of the outfit as hoodies, oversized shirts, and caps. They tell a story – from style to self-esteem .
Why do sneakers cost €20,000 or more?
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Limited Editions
Many sneakers are only released in small quantities . First-comers get them at retail price, while everyone else pays the hype price later. -
Exclusive collabs & brand power
Collaborations with artists, designers or brands ( e.g. Travis Scott × Nike ) push the price up.
→ Limitation + celebrity factor = hype -
Collector value & resale market
Sneakers are now an investment . There are dedicated exchanges like StockX , where models like the Nike Air Mag (from Back to the Future) are traded for over €25,000. -
Culture & Identification
For many, the right sneaker is an expression of self-determination —a "I did it" moment. And that's exactly what we're all about: The Selfmade Way .
What does this mean for you & TSW?
For us it’s not about mass-produced goods – it’s about identity .
Our clothes, like your sneakers, should reflect you:
Your path, your style, your self-made mindset .
We believe every step counts. And sometimes the biggest step starts with the right shoe.