10 Sneakerhead Stereotypes That Are True

Stereotypes can be an ugly thing—and sometimes they are just true. Just like any other sub-culture of people, sneakerheads aren’t impervious to the labels and assumptions. Whether it is the things we say, we do, or our overall style—there have been a few cliché statements made about our people. Complex is here to come clean and admit to the shortcomings—check out the 10 Sneakerhead Stereotypes That Are True and let us know which ones need to be added to the list.

Slander seems to be the internets greatest form of flattery. Just like anything else we want what we can't have but it usually all goes downhill when we actually can't get it. Those Yeezy IIs we were hypebeasting over all spring? Stupid. Hell hath no fury like a sneakerhead scorned by a pair of kicks he couldn't get his hands on.

The "whose is bigger" complex will follow us our whole lives, whether it is bank accounts, cribs, or sneaker collections—bigger is always better. And you always want to have something that the next man don't.

The last few years Jordan bashing has become the new trend in sneaker culture. Complaining that the materials aren't as good, it doesn't sport the “Nike Air” anymore, the youth wearing them is clueless about the shoe itself. Those are all valid arguments and all but at the end of the day everyone is going to go fuckin’ nuts over their favorite Js. “Raptor” VIIs—copped.

The sneaker game is like following the Wall Street ticker these days, news drops every minute and if you aren’t on certain sites consistently you might miss out on early releases or special deals. We know having your phone out on the dinner table is against the rules but you don’t really want none when we miss out on a release we have been stalking for weeks. Sorry.

Sneakers and nostalgia go hand-in-hand more so than any other fashion mark. That Ecko coat you rocked in high school like it was your letterman’s jacket was cool and all but you wouldn’t bust that out today. Sneakers are a different story, rocking kicks from the same era is a must. Ask most sneaker collectors why they reach back for the decade-old models and a lot of the times you will get the same answer: “I loved them then, but couldn’t afford them.” What you think we work for?

We thought this one was a myth, but spend 24 hours in California and it is tough to dispute. No doubt our friends on the left coast still mess with Jordans, Nike SBs, adidas, and all but grown folks, kids, fly chicks, and the dudes all have one thing in common—they got they Vans on.

This isn’t some sort of new phenomenon or anything—people hype shit up so much that eventually it becomes a must for everyone. Beanie babies—yeah you had those things at one point, and now sneakers are becoming the same way. Admit it, there have been at least a handful of releases that you knew were below your taste level but the insanity of getting them was a top priority.

Had that long time ago—that’s the motto. Everything is about being exclusive and being early. The minute you see some Chuck E Cheese working dude with the same sneakers on as you after release date and realize he just walked up to the counter to grab a pair, those things go right back in the box, sometimes not to be seen again until years later. Next!

A sneaker’s first step is a precious thing—make sure the time, place, and mood is right. Once you get that first scuff in, they will never be the same. If you’re going to get all reckless though, make sure you use the proper protection, be safe.

Even the most connected sneaker-savvy person misses out on a shoe or two that they really wanted, which leaves them in a room alone with their thoughts of the dreaded reseller. We complain quite a bit about the three times retail prices but just like a bad ex we keep running back thinking they won’t hurt us. Puppy love.