Image via Complex Original
Look, just because it's possible to spend every dime you make on sneakers doesn't mean you should. Even if you're the most die-hard sneakerhead in the world, you need more than just the latest releases and most sought-after vintage drops to keep your game tight. Check out our list of 10 Non-Sneaker Items Every Sneakerhead Should Own and diversify your investments.
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Shoe Cleaner
Sneaker Price Equivalent: Eastbay clearance TB basketball shoe
Tip-toeing around to avoid getting dirt on your shoes is a sure fire way to annoy your girl when you take her out. Don’t fret boss, with a new school of sneaker care product producers like Jason Markk and Mint you don’t have to worry about messing your grails up on a Friday night filled with Henny and ignorance. If things get a little out of control, you can bet your favorite cleaner will have them looking damn near brand new after a few minutes. There's also denim de-bleeder, sponges specifically for suede and leather—it's a whole new world.
Extra Laces
Sneaker Price Equivalent: That pair of Air Forces slung over the power line
This one's easy, because any real sneakerhead has a whole bag (or three) of extra laces already. Thanks to most companies providing two or three pairs of laces with each sneaker, it's easier than ever to stockpile. And there's no better way to switch things up than with a fresh pair of laces.
Books
Sneaker Price Equivalent: Nike Air Force 1 Lows
Yes, books. Those things that are like the internet only on paper and without inane commenters. Those. There are more than a few books out on sneakers nowadays, and whether they're simple field guides to help you sort out exactly what that pair of Nike hoops shoes is on eBay or a more in-depth look at the culture, it's always good to dig a little deeper and see things from someone else's perspective.
Ultimate Jordan DVD Set
Sneaker Price Equivalent: Old running shoes at Goodwill
Context is supremely important and often overlooked. Sure, those Air Jordans are cool just because they look cool, but did you ever see what they looked like in action on the court? Assuming you still have a DVD player, this set brings together all of Mike's early videos as well as five of his most significant games in their entirety. Beats watching grainy footage on Youtube.
Actual Shoes
Sneaker Price Equivalent: Two pairs of retro Air Jordans
Of course you can wear sneakers everywhere. Who's gonna stop you? (Well, besides the doormen at more respectable clubs and restaurants, that is.) But do you really want to be that guy? Think Tom Hanks in Big. Sure, not growing up is cool, but sooner or later it's not such a bad idea. And with so many shoe options out there, it's crazy to just dismiss a whole style of footwear. Expand your horizons.
Digital SLR
Sneaker Price Equivalent: Nike Air Yeezys, Flight Club or eBay
We know. Your iPhone takes perfectly respectable pictures—it's even got a flash—and you're just uploading to Instagram anyway. It's not like you're gonna make an album of all your sneaker pictures. That said, sometimes it's nice to be able to take professional-looking shots, whether it's to sell a pair on eBay or floss in a WDYWT? post. Besides, you can use cameras to shoot more than just sneakers, you know. (And even you don't have that Yeezy money, there's plenty of good point-and-shoots out there that'll make your iPhone look like, well, a phone.)
Proper Bag
Sneaker Price Equivalent: Nike Roshe Runs
Look, just shoving a pair of sneakers into your backpack is bad for all involved. Your clothes get messed up, your sneakers get messed up, and everything winds up looking (and smelling) like you just got back from the gym. Don't attend your own funeral as a guy named Phil Shifley, and please don't use a bag that doesn't have a separate sneaker compartment. Also, feel free to just shove your clothes into the sneaker space and use the main part of the bag for your sneakers. Priorities and all.
Containers
Sneaker Price Equivalent: Payless Airwalks
Here's the thing about shoeboxes: they're made of cardboard. That means two things. 1) They collapse if you stack them too high. 2) You can't see through them unless you're Superman. Thankfully, there are companies that manufacture clear plastic boxes that should fit one pair of your shoes perfectly. And you can stack them as high as you want. Unfortunately they don't come with the OG Air Jordans, but you can take care of that part.
Shoe Trees
Sneaker Price Equivalent: One-tenth of a pair of Air Jordan Retro IVs
Even the most premium materials and best-constructed sneakers aren’t immune to the toe crease. Keeping a shoe-tree of some sort in the toe area will help keep your shoes from getting busted when they are on the shelf as well as stretch them out and keep them smelling nice. You can grab these at almost any department store, and some sneaker stores might have a few products to help you out as well. Throw out those deformed pieces of cardboard and step up to the real thing.
Toothbrush
Sneaker Price Equivalent: A pair of shoelaces
It's the oldest tool in the sneaker care arsenal, and still one of the most important. What, Buggin' Out was wrong? Keep all the high-tech stuff back at the crib and just shove a toothbrush (new, please) in your pocket or your bag when you're heading out. That way if someone DOES step on your brand-new Air Jordans, at least you can try and take care of the worst of it right away.