Why You Should Be Proud to Be a Sneakerhead

Embrace the word and the meaning.

Aug 18, 2013
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Complex Original

Image via Complex Original

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Complex Original

Image via Complex Original

Somewhere along the line, "sneakerhead" became a bad word. Maybe it's because it originated with people outside the sneaker world, or—more likely—because people outside the sneaker world started using it as a derogatory term. Whatever. Those same people probably think the idea of owning 100-plus (or 1,000-plus) pairs of sneakers is crazy too, but it's not like you're going to give THAT up. Right? So it's time we took the word back, and expressed pride in being who we are—sneakerheads. Because even the lamest of sneakerheads is better than a non-sneakerhead. Are you with us? Never mind the haters, here's Why You Should Be Proud to Be a Sneakerhead.

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Sneakers are already part of your identity.

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Sure you have other activities and passions, but it's likely that sneakers are what people know you for first. If you don't have a problem with this part—and we can't imagine you do—why should 'sneakerhead' be a bad word?

Don't like the implications of the word? Change them by your actions.

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For some reason, a lot of people seem to think the word "sneakerhead" has negative connotations. First of all, it shouldn't. And secondly, even if it does to some people, the best way to change that is from the inside. Don't hate, educate.

You're in good company.

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Even people who don't think of themselves as sneakerheads are probably thought of as such by other people—and mostly in a positive way. If we can accept that we're sneakerheads, and legends like Bobbito and Jeff Staple think of DJ Clark Kent as one, whose team are you on?

It's way easier to spell than 'connoisseur' or 'aficionado.'

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People go through all kinds of word gymnastics to avoid referring to themselves as sneakerheads. Look, stop with the spell check, put down the thesaurus, and take the easy (to spell) way out.

It's a title that should be earned, not given.

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This is part of redefining, but being a sneakerhead is something that you need to earn. It should be a title, not an epithet. And if someone does think of you as a sneakerhead, that means you're probably doing something right. This should be aspirational.

You have a lot invested in this thing of ours.

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If you've been into sneakers for a while, there's no doubt you've invested a good deal of money—and even more time—into sneakers. It's not a profession (for most people) but at the same time it's more than just a hobby. And it's all been worthwhile, right?

Because being one teaches you important life skills.

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Like what, you may ask? Maybe you forgot.

It means more than just owning lots of sneakers.

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Just owning a ton of sneakers doesn't make you a sneakerhead. Anyone with a credit card can do that. This is about knowledge, about passion, and hopefully about helping others who are into the same things as you. There's no membership card, but being a sneakerhead should still have its privileges.

Your passion is being recognized. Embrace it.

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Most people consider 'sneakerhead' a term of respect. And even the ones who say it with disdain recognize something in you that makes you stand out. Take pride in what you do and what you know.

People are going to call you one no matter what anyway.

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The term 'sneakerhead' isn't going anywhere. May as well get used to it.

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