10 Things Working in a Sneaker Store Teaches You About Life

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As a sales associate, it's your job to explain to customers what would suit them best, and, in turn, you're supposed to tell them the truth. If only things were this easy. Nobody likes to be lied to, but when someone is given the truth or an honest opinion about something they don't feel the same way about, things can get murky.

Example: A customer walks into the store and says, "Hey, I'm looking for a great pair of running sneakers, I really need to get a pair of Nike Shox." Now, any reasonable person knows that Shox can be given the label of the most overrated running technology that sold at a pricepoint not equivalent to other products of equal value on the running market. You tell them it would be unwise to make that purchase, and show the customer a pair of ASICS Kayanos; a much better product for their needs. Following the logic that's pervasive amongst retail customers: They don't believe you. Instead, they think you're no help and leave without making a purchase. Who knew the truth was so painful?

The sneaker industry is a victim of over-marketing. This can be called smart tactics by brands who want to pump out their latest most-vaunted sneakers to the consumers, but to everyone else it goes by a one dirty word: hype. Unfortunately, a lot of sneakers don't live up to the hype. There are many ways a sneaker can fail to meet expectations: Some models receive flashy ad campaigns and window displays and are clunkers when it comes to sales, while other sneakers fail to make a lasting impression on the sneaker community.

Working in a sneaker store, you're able to see through veil of coolness that brands place on individual models, and you obtain an objective view of what's a great sneaker and what's not. It could even be a retro release that kids lined up for that no one cares, or asks, about in following weeks; even though it sold out within an hour of release. Once you see things for what they really are, you're able to disseminate other messages as truth, fact, or overrated hyperbole. The latter, which we are all guilty of sometimes.

Getting hired at sneaker store seems like a dream come true for the footwear enthusiast, and it can be, just don't expect everyone who works with you, or who you come in contact with, to feel the same way. The truth is, the majority of people you meet within the confines of the local chain sneaker store don't really care about the quality on the latest retro release, or which European boutique just collaborated with Saucony. You will find fellow addicts along your tenure, even fellow "sneakerheads," too, but it's rare to run across someone cares about kicks the way you do: knowing the differences between the '94 and '01 re-releases.

There's a high probability the manager is just there to collect a paycheck and keep a pair of Air Max 2013s on his feet. The same thing will be true with the rest of the people you meet in life. Rarely do you find passionate, crazy people who can't get enough of something that really matters to them. The majority of people have their interests, and just want to live a peaceful life and buy a new pair of sneakers when their Air Forces 1s resemble an elf shoe.

It seemed harmless: You just wanted to go into the store, try on the Kobes, which you had no intentions of buying, run a few laps around the store and take a picture for Instagram—to solidify your "purchase," of course. If you've ever worked in a sneaker store, this is the most annoying thing someone can do.

People's time is precious. We all understand the need to know how a pair of sneakers fit before you buy a pair on NIKEiD, but make it quick and painless. People who work at sneaker stores also have other things to do during their day. Employees need to run stock, replace sold display models, fold T-shirts, and, most importantly, help paying customers who really need their assistance. And, in the end, time is the one thing people can't get back. Whether you're going in to try sneakers fill a void in your boring day, or seriously asking a store if they have a pair of Jordans that sold out eight months ago, think of something more productive you can do with your day. The employee, and yourself, will be better off for it.

As much as we all love sneakers, we can all get caught up in the hype and take things too seriously on occasion. Working in a sneaker store can put everything in perspective for you. Of course, it's awesome to get the newest releases and camp out for a pair of sneakers just to say you got them. But when you're spending all your time and money, and even getting yourself into potentially dangerous situations, it makes you think. There are better things out there than having an extra pair of Stash Air Max 95s on ice: It's spending time with the people in your life, going out and doing things, and not wasting away at a shopping mall on a Wednesday evening at 9 p.m. just to potentially break someone's neck. We all love sneakers, but if they get placed over real priorities in your life, they become more than a hobby and a passion—they become a problem. 

Fit is the most essential quality to a pair of sneakers. If they're not comfortable on your feet, there's no point of wearing them. Sure, they can look dope, but no one on the outside knows the pain your toes are enduring just to stunt. Your reward is just a casual head nod.

Is it really worth getting blisters, hammer toes, and bunions just to impress other folks? Not at all. The same can be said for situations that you place yourself in. If something just isn't going to work out, whether it's a job or a relationship, you have to move on—no matter how "bad" the girl is or how lucrative the job's pay may be. It's not worth suffering for something that makes you feel awful. There will always be another cool pair of sneakers that hug your foot perfectly, and other cute women who will say "Hi."

The guy who works at the sneaker store, besides getting a discount on the sneakers he loves, is there to help you. Whether you're a jerk or not, he still has to get you the size 9.5 you asked for the in the Air Max 90s. There's no reason to tell him to "make it quick," or to give him an attitude about why Nike isn't making the colorways you want. He just works in the store, he's there to provide you with service; not to manufacture the sneakers or run a marketing strategy of a billion-dollar corporation. Treat him like you'd like to be treated. If a pair of Air Force 1s has glue on the laces, just kindly ask for another pair.

This should also be applied to all aspects of your life. There's no reason to blow up on the security guard in the lobby or the waiter at your favorite greasy spoon because of a slight error that was made—you not only look like a dick, but also give off a bad impression to everyone involved. It also assures that you won't receive quality service the next time you return. Congrats, you just screwed up your chance of obtaining the elusive discount you've been chasing for years. 

Everyone needs to network, it's how the world goes round and how people get where they want to be. One of the most important elements of meeting your peers and swapping services is having something of value worth trading.

Now, you're wondering: what the hell does this have to do with working at a sneaker store? In your days slanging the freshest kicks, you'll find people that want things from you: mainly a discount or the inside track on release dates. Unless these people are your friends, they better offer you something in return. If someone wants 25 percent off their latest pair, ask them where they work. If they work at the Subway down the street, see if they're down to slide you a free sandwich from time to time. If they look at you crazy, there's no reason they should get the hook-up, plain and simple. However, linking up through shared needs will get you more than a good price, it will give you a connect you can depend on in the long run.

Sneaker stores, and retail in general, like to pay employees on a commission-based basis. You'll more than likely make a below-minimum-wage hourly rate. Which sucks. But if you put in work, and sell everything in the store, your check will make you smile at the end of the day. 

The same can be said for life. If you don't put in effort until you're on the verge of wondering why you work this hard, you'll never exceed the expectations you set for yourself—or ever get anywhere worth mentioning. Sure, selling someone a pair of running sneakers that fit their feet correctly or an extra set of arch supports may seem inconsequential in the short-term, but as life goes in you'll realize you'll reap the benefits of the work you put in—even if you're not selling sneakers anymore.

If you've worked retail you've experienced this before: The most-anticipated Jordan release of the year is about to occur in two weeks and, all of a sudden, your phone is blowing up with text messages with people you haven't talked to since your junior year of high school.

You know what? Fuck them. Your real friends, who still might want the sneakers, are chilling with you on a Tuesday night eating tacos and drinking $2 Yuenglings; they're there when the girl you dig doesn't return your text messages. You should always look out for your friends, but don't define the people in your life by what they can give you. You'll become an old, disgruntled man with no one who cares about your troubles.