If you’re an enthusiastic sneaker fan in search of the most recent and hard-to-find styles, Deadstock sneakers are a great chance to get your hands on those coveted pairs! But what exactly are they?
Explore the hype behind deadstock sneakers, discover how to purchase them, and understand why they are so popular. Keep reading to find out more!
What are Deadstock Sneakers?
Collectors of rare and distinctive sneakers are always on the lookout for “deadstock pairs” – The term “deadstock” means that the shoes have never been worn or used before and are free of any factory defects. These highly sought-after pieces, still in their original form, provide an opportunity to acquire a piece of shoe history without having to worry about previous ownership or sneaker blemishes. For these sneakerheads, there is no greater thrill than finding an untouched pair of limited-edition kicks!
Initially, the expression “deadstock” was used in stores to designate products that were still in stock but no longer manufactured due to their lack of sales. This term made its way over to sneaker culture to describe limited edition unworn pairs of sneakers.
These shoes can be extraordinarily valuable, with some rare deadstock shoes fetching hundreds of dollars or more in the secondary market. Depending on their condition, scarcity, and desirability, these special shoes may even net thousands – an incredible sum for a pair of shoes!
Why are Deadstock Sneakers Popular?
One of the most sought-after and exclusive finds in sneakers is the pairs that are deadstock. Deadstock can either be used to refer to vintage pairs or the newer retro models. These are original pairs that have never been worn and remain unworn, which makes them highly desirable on the resale market due to their rarity and collectibility.
Over the years, deadstock sneakers have gained immense popularity amongst sneakerheads for various reasons. Many vintage models boast superior quality and materials compared to modern-day versions making them desirable objects of collection among certain groups (especially because collectors love unworn vintage pairs). Furthermore, the scarcity value of these specific deadstock shoes drives up their worth – enticing investors and sneaker lovers alike. Most significantly, this trend offers enthusiasts a chance at being the first individual to rock a pair of kicks – an aspiration every passionate shoe fanatic strives for!
How to Identify Deadstock Sneakers
If you’re into sneakers, then chances are you know about Deadstock shoes – those brand-new kicks that have never been worn and are no longer being manufactured. Highly coveted by sneaker fanatics, these can often be worth much more than similar used models. You may just luck out at a thrift store or secondhand shop when looking for them; otherwise, online stores or sneaker boutiques also offer great options for buying deadstock.
To pinpoint deadstock sneakers, there are several key features to consider. Start by inspecting the shoe for any visible signs of use such as creasing, dirt, scuffing on the sole, or yellowing. Secondly, verify that it comes with its original box along with all extra accessories like tags and additional laces as well as accompanying promotional materials including booklets or cards if applicable. Ultimately, you should determine if the shoes are vintage or retro-releases; although both may be classified as “deadstock,” classic pairs usually attract higher prices in resale markets than their modernized equivalents.
Moreover, it is critical to ensure that the shoes you are purchasing are legitimate and not counterfeit. When examining the sneakers for authenticity, pay close attention to minute details as fake deadstock pairs can be spotted with a keen eye.
So in general to identify a pair of legit deadstock sneakers you need to:
- Check for any signs of wear or defects
- Make sure it comes with the OG (original) box and any additional accessories
- Double-check the model of the sneaker to determine if its vintage or a newer retro
- Make sure the sneaker is legit and not counterfeit
What to Avoid?
Avoid any mention of these acronyms “NDS”, “PADS”, or “VNDS”. These mean “Near Dead Stock” “Pass As Dead Stock” or “Very Near Dead Stock” which ultimately means the sneakers have been worn before and are in fact not deadstock. Usually, these will always be a better deal than a brand new pair but a seller saying “NDS” in their sneaker listing is always up to what they perceive to be Near Dead Stock, even if the sneaker has been worn 10 or more times.
So when purchasing a pair of deadstock pair of sneakers, avoid those terms at all costs.
Conclusion
Ultimately, deadstock sneakers provide an opportunity to obtain something one-of-a-kind you cannot find anywhere else. To make sure you get the most out of your purchase though, be sure to follow a few important steps: familiarize yourself with these shoes ahead of time; only buy from reliable sources such as StockX, Flight Club, or GOAT; verify the pair’s authenticity before purchase and inspect for any possible blemishes or faults.
While there isn’t always an easy way to tell if a pair is truly deadstock without buying them direct from sneaker retailers like Nike, Jordan, Yeezy, or Adidas. Taking these steps will help increase your odds of making an informed deadstock sneaker purchase.