From professional athletes to high-school students, collecting sneakers has become a $1 billion market. Sneaker heads — those who trade, sell or even just admire shoes have formed sneaker culture.  In sneaker culture, millions wait for the release of new shoes and some even track their worth like stocks. Although this “business” functions somewhat like a community, participants can be easily end up with faux or counterfeit sneakers.

Sophomore Auston Gonzalez explained how to avoid being ripped off.

“I think it’s important to know the value and background of the shoe as well as how to tell if it’s a fake,”  Gonzalez said. “You don’t want something that isn’t authentic or less than you paid for.”

Gonzalez also sneakers allow the wearers to express their individuality.

“I think it’s special because it allows everyone to stand out from the crowd in a positive way,” Gonzalez said. “If no one was able to talk, what they wear can say a lot about their character before you even get to know them.”

Some don’t see the need for shoes that cost hundreds of dollars a pair and likely never will be worn.

Sophomore Emily Shoemaker said it’s unnecessary to keep up with something thats going to lose its value quickly.

“I understand why people like to collect shoes, but for me it seems to be a waste of money,” Shoemaker said. “People are always wanting the newest shoe. They can never be satisfied.”

By Zoe Moore