What If Your Sneakers Can Change the World?
By: Roy Shin
Tags: Scholarship, Sneakers, Giving, Education, Community Engagement

What If Your Sneakers Can Change the World?

Photo by Jakob Owens on Unsplash

A “sneakerhead,” simply, is someone who finds interest in sneakers. They often know the history behind certain designs, models, and colorways. Although many people do not give a second thought about what they have on their feet, sneakers have turned into a lucrative business. A new report estimates that the footwear market will reach $95.14 billion by 2025.

Corporations are not the only ones profiting off of sneakers, however. Thousands of individuals worldwide have realized the potential in this market, starting the “reseller” trend. Resellers buy shoes directly from retailers such as Footlocker and Shoe Palace to flip them to hungry “sneakerheads” willing to pay premium prices. The average Jordan shoe costs around $200 and some pairs resell for several thousands. Clearly, reselling has its perks.

Whether you are a veteran sneaker junkie who searches for rare, limited pairs or someone who just wants something fresh for school, you most likely have to enter a sneaker store. Although one can find shoes online through platforms like StockX and eBay, many prefer seeing a pair of shoes in hand before purchasing it.

Stores like Footlocker have locations all over the world, but local stores also exist and have placed their stamp on sneaker history. Locations such as Flight Club, Stadium Goods, Kith, and Bodega are known all around the world by sneakerheads and can bring in hundreds of sneaker lovers and tourists a day.

Photo by Charles Deluvio on Unsplash

One up and coming sneaker store has started to use its platform to better the community. Street Sole is a consignment-based establishment located in San Pedro. Sneakerheads from around Southern California can come into the shop and leave their items for Street Sole to display and sell. This method of selling has become quite popular over the years as it is more likely for a potential buyer to walk through the store then for someone to stumble on a random eBay listing. Street Sole not only carries shoes, but also accepts streetwear and designer clothes, collectibles, and accessories. Despite being more of a local presence, they have slowly built a name for themselves and are prepared to make a leap in the coming years.

However, one aspect of Street Sole that must be illuminated is their passion for giving back. Their most recent announcement launched a scholarship for graduating Black/African American high school students. They will be providing two $5000 scholarships, guidance counseling for the next two years, and a collection of sneakers and clothes curated by fashion designer Ugo Mozie. He and Street Sole have partnered up to fight racism and systemic inequality, recognizing the inherent flaws in the American education system. This scholarship package is extremely valuable because it is not just monetary.

Counseling helps students draw a path for their future through mentorship and cultivating life skills. It is clear that Street Sole has put in careful thought into their work.

Additionally, Street Sole has been continuing their COVID-19 Charity sale where all their proceeds go to charities that support those in need in the greater Los Angeles area. They have also been running fundraiser auctions through their Instagram page where they donate the money made to organizations like Black Lives Matter, NAACP Legal Defense, and the Gianna Floyd GoFundMe page. Street Sole’s continuous and multi-layered contributions show their strong stance against racism and police brutality.

The immense momentum of the Black Lives Matter movement may dwindle in the next several months, but Street Sole’s commitment to the cause will be seen as a light in the sneaker world. Their call-for-action post reads,

“We pray for the future of our youth and that we can bring change so they grow up in a different world than this one.”

Street Sole has been a trailblazer; their efforts have not gone unseen. Rather, they have become a leading force in their local and the larger sneaker community, influencing, educating, and potentially changing the world for the better.