The Worst Crimes Sneakerheads Commit on Social Media

Just stop.

March 25, 2014

Image via Complex Original

The rise of social media prominence has worked wonders for the sneaker community. Sneakerheads are now able to build communities like never before with outlets like Instagram, Facebook, and Twitter. But of course, with the good comes the bad. Time after time we see the most unfortunate things while innocently scrolling through our timelines, news feeds, and comment sections. This typically includes everything from untasteful trolling to shameless attempts for attention. With the thirst for a follow, like or retweet reaching unprecedented heights: who knows what we'll see next. In the meantime, here are The Worst Crimes Sneakerheads Commit on Social Media.

Flex like you got seeded.

OK, you have 2,000 followers—but that does not make you an #influencer in the sneaker culture. It also doesn't mean that you're getting seeded shoes from Jordan Brand and adidas. So let's stop acting like it. You will be surprised at the number of 'heads that might give the impression that they are being fed sneakers, when it's not the case at all. Being honest will go a lot further than one would think. A reputation is all anyone has. Also, why is that something to brag about in the first place?

Give yourself the virtual "pat on the back."

Visually, 60 likes looks better than 59 likes on Facebook or Instagram. We get it. But don't be that 60th like. As a matter a fact, don't be the first, second, or third like on your own picture. Let your shots do the talking and the followers will come. Increase that self control when you are thinking about double tapping that picture YOU just posted. Of course you like it—you posted it, didn't you?

Brag about Nike Bot success.

So you run one of the best Nike Bot joints in the game huh? Constantly making it harder for the average Joe to get the latest release? To put the icing on the cake, you flash your receipt on Twitter or post a pictures of yourself in a McDonald's parking lot with a truck full of "Gamma Blue" XIs. Save it for yourself. No one wants to see (or cares about) your audacious celebration. Have fun verifying pictures of cats and motorcycles during checkout.

Noobism.

The blogosphere and social media are cruel enough platforms as it is. Don't provoke users by being the overzealous new guy on the block. We understand you can recently read up on everything there is to know about Phil Knight's life, and you even know his favorite latte. However, you don't have to tweet about it everyday. With anything, there is an appropriate way to earn your stripes. Understand your lane and flourish in it.

Steal pictures from from other people without crediting them.

Showing love to fellow sneaker connoisseurs is always encouraged. Even reposting a dope shot of someone else's is a form of appreciation. But posting a picture that is not yours and taking credit for it is pure tomfoolery—especially when there is still a watermark present. Or even worse, watermarking someone else's photo. You're better than that. Remember, because of the Internet, mistakes are forever. Don't be that guy. Or, if you're acting like a news source, it's best to say where the early Jordan photos came from. Because if not, it can easily be viewed as fraudulent information.

Be a hashtag virtuoso.

A good way to expand the amount of eyes that can view your Instagram account is the use of hashtags. Strategically inserting hashtags can get your sneaker selfies seen by thousands across the world. But what does #lilboosieisfree and #captaincrunch have to do with your new pair of LeBron XIs? Don't be that person who uses too many useless hashtags. Keep it simple and specific. It's even worse when you have to make another comment on your own post to put even more hashtags.

Be an Internet hypocrite.

Lurking Instagram comment sections and bashing people for wearing jeans over their sneakers is a bad look. Especially when your account is filled with pictures of the same thing. Sneaker hypocrites are some of the worst. Practice what you preach. If this crime applies to you, please click here.

Have too much creative juice in your photos.

Yes. We understand that being creative with your latest sneaker cop will get you a few more likes on Instagram. But putting your Air Jordan V "Grape" in the refrigerator next to the groceries that your mother most likely bought is too much. Lets hope the day never comes when Jordan Brand releases a retro nicknamed "Cliff." The same thing can be said for people trying to take "poetic" shots of sneakers by stomping in puddles. You want to kill sneaker hype, but you're wearing Air Jordans. Your argument is null and void.

Think your opinion is law.

The number of Twitter, Facebook, and Instagram battles that commence because someone shares a different opinion than you is completely unnecessary. There is no need to type a verbal onslaught to someone because they don't think that the Air Yeezy 2 is "revolutionary." It is a shame how serious people take sneakers nowadays. They are just shoes. The beauty of this culture is you are allowed to buy and wear whatever you like without approval from anyone else. There is a civil way to go about disagreeing on certain matters. Please learn it.