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Putting sneakers on ice has been a thing almost as long as sneakers have been around. Well, ever since companies started making them in different colors, anyway. Why wear something brand-new when you could stash them for a year (or five), and then be assured of being the only one on your block with the fresh "where'd you get those?" joints? But just like anything else you put on ice, whether it be leftovers or Ted Williams' head, sneakers can go bad. Midsoles crumble, identical retro versions drop, or whole styles pass on, never to be cool again. Well, we're here to help. Here's 10 Sneakers You Should Never Undeadstock.
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Nike Air Command Force
Year: 1991
Nike sneakers from the late '80s and early '90s (and even retros of Nike sneakers from the late '80s and early '90s) are notoriously fragile. Even when they look perfectly fine in the box, one wear might be all it takes to turn that pristine midsole into foam croutons. It's even worse with a high-tech model like the Command Force, whose 20-plus year old air bladders probably have all the strength and elasticity of a emphysemic lung. Look, don't touch.
LIVESTRONG x Nike Dunk High "FLOM"
Year: 2009
Sure, the Futura design is classic, and the LIVESTRONG take on the FLOM Dunks were more readily available (and way more affordable) than the 24-pair original run. But if you waited this long to wear them, you missed your chance. Lance Armstrong has fallen, Nike and LIVESTRONG are calling it quits, and that once proud black and yellow is a mark of shame. But hey, if you like people asking whether those have a stash spot for EPO, wear away.
Nike Air Bakin
Year: 1997
Remember all the fuss over the original Air Bakin, about how the flame-style "Air" lettering on the heel resembled the Arabic word for "Allah"? No? Well, if you wear these originals, it might be best to familiarize yourself with Salman Rushdie's life circa The Satanic Verses. Just in case.
A Bathing Ape BAPE STA "Spongebob"
Year: 2008
Look, even Pharrell isn't going to wear these anymore. Chalk up the L and hope someone on eBay really wants a pair. And if not, weigh them down, take out a boat, and return them to Bikini Bottom.
Nike LeBron X "Cork"
Year: 2013
There's a reason that shoes weren't made from cork before this championship edition of the LeBron X - it's not the sturdiest material for a basketball sneaker. Even one wear could be enough to cause noticable damage. So either choose carefully when you're going to floss them, have multiple pairs on-hand, or just keep them in the trophy case.
Air Jordan III Retro "White/Cement"
Year: 1994
First off, if you have a super-clean pair of original white/cement Air Jordan III retros, congratulations. They might even still be wearable, as the IIIs midsoles seemed to be made of sturdier stuff than their successors. That said, it's not guaranteed that they're going to hold together. Plus, people are going to just assume they're the recent 88s anyway. Give the people what they want and keep the '94s on ice.
adidas THE KOBETWO
Year: 2002
Hey, is the future here yet? No? Oh well, back into storage for another decade.
Supreme x Vans Half Cab 20 Year
Year: 2012
There's really no such thing as a "game-worn" skate shoe, as most skaters (pro and otherwise) tend to wear their shoes until they're not even fit for the landfill. But this Supreme collab, which saw Steve Caballero himself cut down and tape 20 pairs of Cabs in honor of the original shoe's 20th anniversary, is as close as it will ever get. These could be the centerpiece of any collection, and you don't wear centerpieces.
Nike Air Yeezy II
Year: 2012
We're talking strictly about the first two colorways here - feel free to wear the red ones as soon as you get your hands on them. But as for the others, the window is (at least temporarily) closed. Even if you got them for free, wearing them now just screams "I bought these at Flight Club for $2,500." It's pretty much a no-win situation. Unless, of course, you sell them for $2,500 at Flight Club. Put these in a safe deposit box and wear something else.
Nike Air Force 1 Low "Remix Da Kickz"
Year: 2004
Custom sneakers are nothing new. Methamphibian and SBTG (among many others) were absolutely killing it over a decade ago, and even before that cats were making their own colorways that the companies couldn't (or wouldnt) provide. In 2004, Nike blessed the enterprising duo of "Remix Da Kickz" with their own, um, factory-made custom, complete with tongue tags and insole branding. We're not sure what's more outdated now, the name or the style, but either way, please leave these in the box.
