Here is a little secret…
NOTHING SELLS OUT EXCEPT FOR JORDAN RETROS (sometimes) AND YEEZYS
EVERYTHING GOES ON SALE
Believe it or not, I watch my money and I’ve been doing this shoe collecting thing for almost twenty years so I know a bit about how the shoe game works.
Do not watch a review and click that link. Basically you just watched a 7 minute commercial and your urge to buy is at an all time high. It’s one reason I don’t do YouTube videos and why I try to always mention prices in all my reviews. Be patient and your wallet will thank you. Just think how many other shoes you can buy when get marked down 30% to 50%.
Why do shoe companies make you think that the shoe will sell out?
It is to create a sense of urgency and entice you to buy now at a higher price rather than later. Buying now and at a higher price puts more money in their business sooner than later which obviously makes sense for any company so you really can’t knock it but for a sensible, smart and educated consumer, it makes CENTS to wait (thanks I’ll performing at the Laugh Factory all week)
When you get on message boards or Instagram and see all these people with shoes you didn’t get even if you didn’t want them initially, it makes you want them for some psychological reason. Call it “the girl you couldn’t get ” syndrome. I think Complex wrote an article about this a few months back it but I digress…
Examples
Let’s start at the top with the brand that pretty much invented the art of the fake sellout, Jordan Brand.
Jordan XXXXXXXX
What’s the last Jordan that was hard to obtain? XXX3 Motorsports? That’s for collectors anyways but the XX3 wasn’t difficult to get as they hit clearance and outlets. Maybe the OG XIII but that was nearly two decades ago. Anything past the XX3 has been super easy to get with big reductions in prices. AJ XX9 and XXX can be found for sub $120 prices easily. I expect the XXX1 to be in the same ballpark. Jordan Brand actually got less dumb (not smarter) and realized that they can charge more for retros than their current models..only took them 17 years to figure that out. The Banned XXX1 did sell out this past weekend ..for now , just like the AJ XXX launch colorway and now they are just sitting. I saw the black XXX on Nike.com clearance for $110 shipped so just be patient. No magic of MJ on court equals lower prices.
Nike Sig Shoes
Lebrons, Kobes, KD’s, Kyrie’s definitely aren’t immune to drastic price cuts either. You could find the Lebron XIII, KD 8, and Kobe’s for nearly half off on Nike.Com during clearance time. Nobody can sell a shoe like MJ, not even his own company.
Adidas
Nike and JB have the strongest brand so their prices take a bit longer to fall because any casual consumer will gravitate towards Nike first. Adidas just launched the Crazy Explosive and Drose 7 this month and I’ve already found them on Amazon for $98-103
Eastbay even lifted its coupon restrictions on its Drose 7 Primeknit after ONE WEEK making it $128. And don’t forget about Adidas’s famous 30% coupon codes that seem to come once or twice a year. Of the big three, Adidas prices seem to take the biggest pounding the fastest. No loveable superstar like Curry or Lebron to keep prices afloat really hurts their prices. Bad for Adidas, great for us.
Under Armour
Under Armour really should have made more Curry Ones in 2015 while the iron was hot as eBay prices were outrageous. Some PEs still are
They could have gained market share and put UA onto consumers’ feet but instead they decided to wait and make a plethora of Curry 2’s and 2.5’s which are just sitting everywhere since GSW lost this year. Currys (Curries?) have a pretty low sink rate because of Curry himself but I’ve seen them still sell as low as $80 but those were snatched up quickly.
Believe it or not UA sells other basketball shoes not named Curry. And those simply don’t sell. I’ve seen the CFD 2, Lightnings, CFD 1,Torch 4’s etc. at Marshalls for $35. UA needs to cut down on all the extraneous models and focus on three or four. Scrap the ultra low end Jets also.
Budget and Team Models
Budget models are your best bet to save money and that’s why I never suggest buying them at retail. They have no sig players endorsing them, use cheaper materials and have a poor image perception from the general public even if they are great performers. Look at the Hyperrev 2016. One of my favorites of 2016 Priced at $109 and they hit Nike clearance for under $60 by mid year.
Team models such as the Hyperdunk, Crazylight, and Clutchfit Drive also see significant drops in price because they aren’t sig player and they are made in way too many colorways.
The Other Brands
I love rooting for the small guy but in the world of sneakers, the small guy isn’t worth much.
Let’s look at Brandblack. When the JC 3 launched in their website, I tried buying them as soon as the link was up for $160 but to no avail since they were “sold out” immediately.
Now Finishline (which you guys know I hate) has them for $48.99 in black and red and $69.99 for other colorways.
The Way of Wade is popular among collectors but at $190 just wait a year and they should but below $90.
When is the best time to buy?
Usually summer, back to school and near the start of the new season are the best times. New releases are coming out and every retailer has to clear out last year’s models for the new ones. I picked these up off Finishline last night in a size 11 since I had an expiring $20 reward.
Nike typically has a 20 to 25% off clearance four to six times per year while Adidas does a 30% sale maybe once or twice a year.
Discount stores
If you have a discount store like Marshall’s or Ross, go check them out. I found these recently
As well as Clutchfit Drive I, II, Spawns and Torch 4. Even some Hyperdunks, Hyperrevs, Run the Ones etc…all around the $50 or less mark.
Moral of the story, don’t buy on release day or month, your dream kicks aren’t going anywhere.
schwollo.com 
great article! unless its retros (yeah i am a sucker for nostalgia sometimes), i don’t see a reason to buy shoes for retail as they do go down in price, i can wait until the end of the season to snag shoes for less..though i have heard some reviewers say ” buy for retail or your local store wont stock them anymore because stocks are based on purchasing habits”..lol.but yeah, this article for me this also applies to buying sports games (or all games)… why buy the newest release for 50$ when i can wait until they hit clearance?besides the new features gimmicks and new draft class roster, the consumer is not missing out on anything..wait until the release of the new season’s edition and get it for dirt cheap!
for a related story about shoes, i remember when i was a kid growing up playing basketball, my parents like to shop at the factory outlet store. so twice a year it would be a treat to go to the nearest one (in the Ozarks since we used to live in Missouri). I think shoes retailed up to $100 or a little over that in the early and mid 90s, but my parents used to just buy me the cheapest Nikes or Reeboks they have there. Like dirt cheap, 15-20$ price range. the only shoe i remember owning which was unpopular at that time was the Nike Air Jordan I in baby blue (or caroline blue). it was just sitting in the corner of the store in one of those big bargain bins. no box, just tied together with those plastic cords. that was a real bargain..but i thin nowadays, its real hard to get nice shoes for a good price from factory outlets (and sale events) due to the reselling culture. its such a shame of how the world has changed..i am sure i am not the only one who feels this way..
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Ha yep the outlets used to be the place to find crazy deals. Jordan xivs OG were like 40 bucks but now everyone is into the shoe game so prices stay pretty high . Thanks for sharing!
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i don’t really blame the ‘game’..i blame the people that try to make a quick buck of it…if people just buy what they need, they should be plenty left for everyone..i mean, even if you buy 2 pairs, one to wear, one for safekeeping then it would still be plenty. copping three pairs if overkill in my opinion..but, yeah..times change..
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I agree..although I’m guilty as charged of buying three pairs of some shoes.
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Great article! I appreciate your work!
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Thanks for reading !
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Went to try to get the Rose 6s but none are left really. JC3 was available but the price was $20 more.
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Yea I saw they disappeared … Or did they ? 🙂 try a physical store to see if they can locate any
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I wish that also happened on my country. Things go on sale when there are very few (like 3 items) left on the store’s stock. Even Nike and Adidas own stores never give discounts (the Hyperrev 2016 is a minor exception, just got absurdly cheap) except when they want to get rid of some item (this is happening to the Rose 6 but it is STILL very expensive) to get the newer model (we still don;t have the 7s here neither the Crazy Explosive).
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Yea I know in countries outside the US it is very different . I don’t mind shipping if you find something here just cover the costs !
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are you offering to help buy shoes? 🙂
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Haha no but if someone really wanted me to do a solid if consider it .
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men , this would be great, i would even pay some extra over price , because i missed so many good releases, that i couldn’t buy here…there is not even under armour retailers in my country…
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Let me know Bojan and I’ll try tonhelp
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I always get my shoes for under retail, never paid full retail for a shoe since the curry 1 low and that was $110, recently I got the clutchfit drive 2 low for $60, penny 2 for $80, and the gel kayano 21 for $25…very good advice, people just have to remember that last year’s model isn’t worst than this years, sometimes even better.
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Nice! Gel kayano for 25? Where was that sale? Asics makes great stuff and backs it with great service. They exchanged a pair for me when the lining ripped after a few wears
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Im from the Philippines and we share the same buying habits and years of collecting. Alwaya read your reviews ans i thoroughly enjoy them. Btw, you got the size 11 rose 6 while I was left with the 11.5 lol. Got the clutchfit drive lows for 41.99. You do great work and keep it up man
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Haha do they ship there? Did you say putangina when they only had the 11.5? Lol
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Haha, almost bro, almost. Tho still scooped it up twas a great deal. Was having it shipped to a relative in California. Like you, i usually scour eBay for deals and colorways not released here. Usually buy pairs for 60 dollars or less like team banks. Recently got pink hyperlives and cfd2 low for 60 each. And a jordan xx9 low for 110
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Nice!
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Great article! I totally get enticed by the Instagram photos of shoes, especially on feet ones …lol! This is a great time to buy kicks as long as you’re not a hype beast. Because stores like Marshalls, TJ Maxx, and Ross are growing, they’ll get better selection which is just a win-win situation for frugal guys like us. A Nike Clearance store opened near me over a year ago, and if you’re lucky, you’ll find some good, not great kicks, but in terms of clothing and accessories, I’ve bought so many for my family and me. Lastly, I really appreciate your blog and your honesty. I’m 42, hence 40plusballer, but kids need more bloggers like you so they can learn not only about the cool things like basketball shoes, but everyday life lessons like spending your money wisely. Keep up the hard work!
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Ha i think you post a marshalls find almost daily lol. My marshalls and Ross’s around town pretty much suck . I found those Rose 5’s at a Ross in California !
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Thd LBJ XII are now on sale at the factory store for 50 bucks… too bad I am in love with the CE!
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Did you get a pair of CE?
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not yet, CE will be my Christmas gift 🙂 in the meantime I’m enjoying a brand new pair of DR6 primenet + insole.
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Nice! You’ll have to let me know which one you like more.
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I got the CE from Amazon for $95. LOVE them!
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Nice! Glad they worked for you!
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The CFD 1 here in the Philippines are getting harder to find. Although I just copped one yesterday for 35% less SRP. I’m still in a hunt for a sz 10.5. Maybe you can help me get a pair of CFD lows bro, would really appreciate it. TIA! 🙂
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I’ll look around. Most of the CFD 1 I have seen are under size 10
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Great! Ok thanks bro!
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Great article Schwollo! I am trying the last couple of years not to persue shoes at the release date with the exception of some og releases that are going to sold out for sure. When i buy shoes at the release date i try to use a discount coupon otherwise i wait patiently in order to get them at sales or to find them after four of five months in outlet stores.
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Nice!
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Great article!!! I recently picked up the xx9 lows for $80 bucks on nike.com, when they were doing that 25 percent off coupon code. I’m really liking the unlocked zoom in the forefoot so far. Great traction when they are clean, but they pick up dust really fast so you have to wipe frequently. Materials feel and look amazing. They need some time to break in. Heel felt clunky at first, but feels fine after a little bit. I was going to pick up the d roses, but it’s hard to beat 80 bucks for a pair of Js. Thanks for your reviews!!
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Fantastic post… so much truth and good info here.
For me, I typically get caught with excitement for a new model that is about to drop, but the smartest move is to wait it out, as things can be had for a discount in almost every case.
Hope all is well!
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Haha it’s hard I know. But no point anymore of buying on release day. Over saturated markets and fake hype. Back to playing yet?
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I am back playing, yes and it feels great. Thanks for asking!
I do have a minor annoyance with my left achilles that was aggravated last week on vacation. I took a blow to it sandboarding in Colorado at the sand dunes when my foot came out of one of the bindings and the board whipped back and hit me just above my heel. It was fine the whole week, but it was extremely swollen after we finished a 13 hr hike/climb of Long’s Peak lol… Currently I don’t have much of any pain, but I’m a little wary of it because there is a tightness to it, a little swelling and pain if I pinch. I’m eager to get back to higher intensity but trying to play it somewhat smart. I’m really not an injury-prone person haha… just a couple of setbacks within the past year.
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Haha i feel you. Been that type of year for me too! Achilles is something you definitely don’t want to rush back from. Sand boarding sounds hot as hell lol
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Hey Schwollo, I’ve noticed you have reviewed everything (shoes, balls, socks, etc.). I do suggest you try some insoles and provide reviews about them. For instance I got addicted to these $20 insole: Sof Sole Men’s Airr Orthotic. Cheers!
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Thanks for the suggestion! Maybe in the future if I need some
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I’d be careful with 3rd party insoles when playing bball. One of the few times I sprained my ankle without landing on someone was using a sof sole insole. I am pretty sure it’s because the insoles tend to be a lot thicker than normal insoles and raised my foot too far above the footbed. When I tried to make a hard cut my foot was partially above the lateral containment portion of my sneaker and i ended up turning my foot over.
With other insoles they also aren’t exactly the same footprint as your sneaker and can be too large or too small, each of which I’ve noticed create their own issues with stability or containment.
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Don’t know I don’t use insoles
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I like to stick to that as well with all shoes, not just basketball shoes. I bought a pair of pure boost for under $100, one of the comfiest shoes ever and got adidas tubular moc runner and SL Loop mock sneaker for under retail off eBay. However, I do have that occasionally urging need to buy it. Like the KD9. And honestly it’s well worth the $150, plus it’s nice to actually get the shoe when you want right away.
Plus I have this weird obsession of buying the shoe in person rather than online. It just feel much better to actually try the shoe on and be able to have it in your physical possession and walk out of the store with it. Sadly most of the discounts are usually online. I just ordered a pair of 29 low for $100 while the same exact shoe was on sale in store at a finish line for 200!!!! Like really? I actually want to get the 31’s but I’m sure they’ll drop in super cheap in a year or so when I get that itch.
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Haha yea the whole shoe industry is set up like that. Well pretty much all industries lol
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Can you do an updated post on this topic? In a lot of your sneaker reviews you talk about the prices you have paid and I can never find the same kind of deals. This post is great, but it seems like some of the info has become dated. Thanks for the great reviews!
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What do I need to update ? Same rules apply with pricing today as when I made this post. For example Nike put a coupon out today *sport30* takes 30 dollars off 150. There are always coupons and discounts after two weeks to a month. I am going to write another post about pricing though but not exactly the same as this one
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Sorry I might not have communicated clearly. I think most of the information is still applicable but I’ve noticed in your most recent posts you’ve mentioned ideas for getting deals like signing up for creator’s club on Adidas, checking Stock X and GOAT; using Dick’s coupons, etc. that aren’t mentioned here. So maybe just adding on to the tips that you already have here. Of course I know you’re just providing a free service to us all so no need to do that if posting that kind of content is a chore. Thanks!
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Ah yea I’ll be sure to add that in. Thanks for the ideas!
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Could you review this UA shoe…
https://www.underarmour.com/en-us/ua-anomaly/pid3021266
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I ordered them to check them out and they are spawns but with a cheaper upper. Very good shoe but I really didn’t want them so I sent them back. True to size or half a size up no fit issues at all out of the box and cushioning feels like it should
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