I don't overpay for my crap because I have methods to get my stuff cheap that I will be discreet about. Yes, the companies are overcharging us, but I have my ways to not overpay as long as I stay within the retail level and never resort to the resale market.
You know damn well people aren't conscious about their finances because they feel validated with having material things no matter the price. They basically lack foresight because most of the irresponsible ones only look forward to living for tomorrow and not the distant future.
If I wasn't able to acquire the nice releases I got over the years with my methods, I doubt I would be into shoes like that because I simply can't afford them. And I refuse to overpay for something that's cheaply made, especially with all the cheaper materials they use for rehashed shoes to reduce overhead to maximize profit. Being broke has forced me to be resourceful and cerebral with how I get releases.
I also like being picky because it's not like I need all the releases that come out. I only get shoes if I already have attire that I feel go right with them. Being meticulous with what I get saves me space too because things do pile the hell up like that.
I also have the habit of waiting to wear my shoes because I dread being one of a multitude of MFs wearing the same shoes in the same spot shortly after they release. I like to wait to wear them much later after they release because I like the feeling of being the only MF wearing those shoes with them looking fresh and new when I go somewhere because most of the people were anxious to wear them immediately and most likely beat theirs with so many wears.
My shoes tend to also last longer because I'm meticulous with what I wear them with instead of just wearing them with everything like most people do.