Sneaky Sneaker Prices: 10 Ridiculously Overpriced Athletic Shoes You Should Avoid
The average pair of sneakers will last anywhere between 24 to 36 months if you take care of them. They will last much longer if you have a few of them and alternate wearing them. The average price of a pair of sneakers is $110, but you can find quality sneakers for much cheaper if you’re a savvy comparison shopper.
However, it is also human nature to sometimes splurge and spend money on the brand name instead of quality. In this economy, paying more than $200 for sneakers is outrageous. But some people are willing to pay thousands. Here are 10 ridiculously priced athletic shoes you should avoid unless you have money to burn.
1. Common Projects Decades Sneaker
The Decades luxury sneaker is favored by fashionistas for its adherence to the ultra-minimalist fashion style. The shoe is constructed with white-colored pebbled leather with a minimalist stitching design. The sole is a tan-color suede and the top of the shoe features a thin sliver of black. It’s an average-looking sneaker that’s really a luxury sneaker because it looks deceptively average. You can buy it at FWRD for $519.
2. Alexander McQueen Oversized Sneakers
These Alexander McQueen Oversized Sneakers are another entry in the overpriced athletic shoes featuring minimalist fashion style. It’s an all-white leather sneaker with a white rubber sole. The sneaker collar is dark olive green colored and features a miniature debossed Alexander McQueen logo. The sneakers are oversized and roomy. While they look like quality shoes, you will have to pay $549 to get them at FWRD.
3. Maison Margiela eReplica Sneakers
These luxury sneakers are replicas of traditional German military training shoes. Since the sneakers don’t use any German symbols or logos, they can be sold as a “replica,” without being called a ripoff. (It’s a thing in the fashion world). It’s a low-top white sneaker with grey-colored suede accent lines and brown-colored gum sole that adds a visually stark contrast. When it comes to overpriced athletic shoes it’s stylish but will cost you $595 at Mr. Porter.
4. Dolce & Gabbana Airmaster Lace-Up Sneakers
This sneaker is either an aesthetic troll of the average trainer for suburban dads or a cash-grab embrace of the style. These grey Dolce & Gabbana Airmaster sneakers feature the traditional overly dynamic aesthetics, chunky and rubbery heel bottom, and are all sewn together with suede, leather, and nylon. The Dolce & Gabbana logo is also garishly imprinted on the tongue and twice on the back. Without the logos, you would probably buy them for $60 or less. Or you can buy them for $895 at Saks Fifth Avenue.
5. Tom Ford Low-Top Sneakers
Filmmaker and fashion designer Tom Ford is notorious for injecting an effortless-looking style in his designs, clothing, and films. However, is it worth the price? Ford’s white-colored low-top sneakers feature a broad, black stripe on the sides with a serrated edge design and grey-colored suede overlay accents. It’s an attractive-looking running shoe. Is it worth $990? That is for you to decide when it comes to buying overpriced athletic shoes. Available at FWRD.
6. Lanvin Curb Quilted Leather Jumbo-Lace Sneakers
These aesthetically plain white tennis shoes are the epitome of the overpriced athletic shoes your relatives, friends, or financial advisor warned you about. Lavin’s low-top luxury sneakers feature cream-white leather and non-descript stitching patterns. It’s the kind of sneaker that one-percenters are known for wearing, something that accentuates personal style without any gaudy logos. Still, unless you were versed in style, you might guess it was a $40 shoe. Neiman Marcus sells it for $1,010.
7. Saint Laurent Mid-Top Sneakers
These Saint Laurent high-top sneakers are sportingly aesthetic and stylish. It’s made with 100% calfskin leather and smooth suede. The base color is white with tinges of green, yellow, grey, and dark beige. If you don’t know the brand name, you might mistake it for a basic high-top made by a budget brand. Since this is a Saint Laurent sneaker, you’ll need to pay $1,090 at Saks Fifth Avenue.
8. Balenciaga Runners
If you love paying for name brands, then Balenciaga has been a red-hot brand name lately. Still, the Balenciaga Runners are probably the most overpriced athletic shoes you should avoid. It’s a white sneaker featuring vibrant abstract color accents of magenta, yellow, light brown, blue, and green. It looks functional but average. You would probably not notice this sneaker on a shelf without the brand name. You can get it for $1,150.at FWRD.
9. Prada Downtown Leather Sneakers
These sneakers are probably the epitome of style to those in the know, but these Prada Downtown leather sneakers look like a low-top, squashed-down version of the classic Air Jordans aesthetic. This model is dark brown and white and features the iconic Prada logo on the side. It’s still one of the most overpriced athletic shoes on the market and will cost you $1,188 at FWRD.
10. Tiffany & Co.1837 Nike Air Force 1 Low
StockX is an online marketplace where people can buy brand-new but limited edition and specialty sneakers that are made and sold via bidding to niche demographics. You can buy black colored, Tiffany & Co. Air Force Ones with a light-teal Nike symbol for $1,875 at the site (Current price as of this posting). Or, you could find a budget retailer and buy the same pair without the luxury branding attachment for anywhere between $100 to $200.
Steer Clear of Overpriced Athletic Shoes
It’s your money and you can buy what you like. A pair of prototype Nike sneakers inspired by the Back to the Future trilogy sold for $41,400 in 2016. However, both a $100 or $41,000 sneaker will last 36 months under optimum conditions. Until you start earning disposable income on a Succession scale, it’s best to steer clear of overpriced athletic shoes.
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Allen Francis was an academic advisor, librarian, and college adjunct for many years with no money, no financial literacy, and no responsibility when he had money. To him, the phrase “personal finance,” contains the power that anyone has to grow their own wealth. Allen is an advocate of best personal financial practices including focusing on your needs instead of your wants, asking for help when you need it, saving and investing in your own small business.