Is the youth being priced out of Jordan retros?

[rbk93]

They're probably not the intended target market for Michael Jordan products, but we all know Jordan Brand transcends culture. At the same time, that $210(now $215) price tag for Jordan retros is pretty steep and adds up really quick if you desire multiple models.

I'm not the youth per say(33), but seems like as the company grows, you should "grow" with them as well. I'm not priced out necessarily, but it's a lot easier for me to stomach a $100-150 shoe purchase consistently rather than $200-250.

Havent gave it much thought to why I don't really purchase Jordans anymore, but I still love the brand. It's what got me and most of us into this hobby. For myself at least I do wish certain products were more affordable. Not complaining about quality/craftsmanship as well...these are some of the best made shoes I seen in my lifetime(my opinion of course).

Does anyone else share this same sentiment?

 

[jaymosenvied]

I feel like majority of them don’t care and want what’s comfortable. These kids don’t even get dressed for school any more

 

[kyrieaustin]

yeah that $125-$200 was decent in high school(02-06) and getting dressed was a daily !!!!

 

[rbk93]

yeah that $125-$200 was decent in high school(02-06) and getting dressed was a daily !!!!

I think they should return to staggered pricing for retros. I know it still exists, but it's usually higher prices for hot items.

Not sure how well True Blue IIIs will perform at $230. It is a rarity to an extent, but I don't think every retro should be $215 across the board.

 

[Dr.BlasterCombo]

Youth? I’m thinking more everybody. Regular sig models are at 220 retail which turns into 240ish after tax. That’s a hard to sell to even the biggest fans. It’s also not only about “who can pay it” it more “who wants to” at this point. The bang for your buck is nonexistent in my eyes.

Yes, they’ll get me on a couple releases, but we’re taking a couple with a 5 year span or so.

Kids now Jordan more as the crying face meme than the players. It’s interesting to see

 

[s dubl]

Add to all this, consumers have had their eyes open to other brands, for various reasons.

$200+ multiple times a month, or even every other/few months is expensive. Years back there might be a couple drops a month (or so) you’d be interested in, total.

At this point I don’t think your financial situation plays a huge part, it’s just a lot of money, and a lot of pairs.

 

[dakingii]

I’m mid 30s and I'm definitely priced out now. Dropping $220+ every release for a pair of shoes Im barely going to wear no longer makes sense to me. Only shoes I got this year were the Wolf Greys and the banned lows. May try for the Space Jams in the fall but im pretty much done with retros now.

 

[rbk93]

Not sure if I addressed in the OP. But I don't think you should feel obligated to buy every Jordan retro or retro in general.
I sure as hell no longer need or necessarily want every CW.

I'm just seeing more of a shift towards runners, or what people would call "comfort" shoes. I'm not everybody, but I don't even find Jordans or most Nike/Reebok/etc. retros uncomfortable compared to the standard New Balance, Saucony, Asics.

I just find interesting to witness in real time.

 

[rbk93]

Like I wouldn't be surprised if New Balance specifically is outselling Nike shoes on pure volume.

 

[s dubl]

I think we all know we don’t “have to” buy all the stuff…. Problem is, we “want to”. With stuff being accessible, it’s makes it more difficult to pass. When it sold out right away, it was easy (for me at least) to move on… when stuff is just sitting, that’s where the temptation starts. Then sometimes it hits discount, makes it even more difficult to pass.

Some of us in here are familiar with the downsizing thread in general… it’s a struggle at times.

 

[Arthur Shelby]

Can’t be the case with all the cool grey 9’s & Black Cat 3’s I see on the youth

 

[TSCQ]

Once I learned about mass production of products and labour. I don't care no more, ill suggest the youth to understand the supply chain Instead of buying the product as an end consumer.

 

[Dr.BlasterCombo]

Not sure if I addressed in the OP. But I don't think you should feel obligated to buy every Jordan retro or retro in general.
I sure as hell no longer need or necessarily want every CW.

I'm just seeing more of a shift towards runners, or what people would call "comfort" shoes. I'm not everybody, but I don't even find Jordans or most Nike/Reebok/etc. retros uncomfortable compared to the standard New Balance, Saucony, Asics.

I just find interesting to witness in real time.

That idea came from a time we had no idea if something would release again, and if it did we were looking at a 8-10 year span. The newer generation “had to” buy everything because it was a race for internet hearts before they sold the shoe a week later.

We also had a segment of OG’s that wanted to collect only OG colorways (I was on that boat).

Funny enough all 3 of those bubbles kinda burst. 1. We know a new retro will drop in 6 years’ish, 2. Jordan’s aren’t the cool shoes anymore, 3. We all have the OG colorways already. Good number of people aren’t buying them over an over again.

Like I wouldn't be surprised if New Balance specifically is outselling Nike shoes on pure volume.

No way. Nike has markets locked. NBA, ncaa, nfl, etc, all got Nike contracts. I think some better data could be had in looking at the high schools. That generation would be the first “I grew up with crocs and hey dudes” group. True departure from the past I’d say

 

[Magic33]

GS cost what I used to pay for adult kicks. I often use the inflation calculator and it's normally in line..I saw a Eastbay ad for the Kobe 4 and the kids that release are $120.

Jordan's were too expensive for me when I was a kid anyway, so it's much of the same.

I still see kids with Jordan's. I see kids with Air Pods Max with PS5's

These kids are different, I would never say they're being priced out. Parents seem to get it for them.

 

[dc2k02]

As a parent with a 13yo , the prices are high for sure but the youth today aren't interested in Jordan's. They don't know Mj like we do. It's like a hipster era for the youth now

 

[airdhazzal]

Kids were always priced out of Jordans lol. You think the 17's in 2001 being $200 was cheap. Round my way, teens dont even care about Jordan or Jordans. Their view of MJ is a kin to how I saw someone like a Bill Rustle/Jackie Robinson. An athlete who played a looooong time ago. Who cares. I dont even see people under 40 rockin Jordans honestly. All I see is Crocs w/ pajamas.

 

[rbk93]

Kids were always priced out of Jordans lol. You think the 17's in 2001 being $200 was cheap. Round my way, teens dont even care about Jordan or Jordans. Their view of MJ is a kin to how I saw someone like a Bill Rustle/Jackie Robinson. An athlete who played a looooong time ago. Who cares. I dont even see people under 40 rockin Jordans honestly. All I see is Crocs w/ pajamas.

I don't think the 17 had widespread appeal back in 2001. I was only 8, but most retros at that time were like $100-125. $135 max.

Probably still not affordable but I had a few pairs growing up.

 

[staffsgtdignam]

As a parent with a 13yo , the prices are high for sure but the youth today aren't interested in Jordan's. They don't know Mj like we do. It's like a hipster era for the youth now

I've been saying this for years but MJ is going to end up like Chuck Taylor, Stan Smith, Les Paul, etc. etc. where their sig product ends up defining them to people who weren't alive at their prime. You are already kinda seeing this with Gen Alpha and following generations with MJ.

 

[staffsgtdignam]

Kids were always priced out of Jordans lol. You think the 17's in 2001 being $200 was cheap. Round my way, teens dont even care about Jordan or Jordans. Their view of MJ is a kin to how I saw someone like a Bill Rustle/Jackie Robinson. An athlete who played a looooong time ago. Who cares. I dont even see people under 40 rockin Jordans honestly. All I see is Crocs w/ pajamas.

The difference is that there are far better options nowadays at various pricepoints than there were in 2021. Even in the performance basketball market, Nightwing pointed out how Chinese performance brands give an amazing bang for your buck that never existed in the early 2000s (and honestly even 10 years ago). Look at where Steph just signed, I don't think this is a coincidence.

 

[staffsgtdignam]

I don't think the 17 had widespread appeal back in 2001. I was only 8, but most retros at that time were like $100-125. $135 max.

Probably still not affordable but I had a few pairs growing up.

Nike/JB had also not flooded the market with retros back then so while sales existed (ie. 2001 Royal 1s and Mocha 2s, notoriously), they were not as prevalent as modern releases going on sale simply because of the sheer number of overall releases nowadays. The bigger issue is the quality of retros back then vs now (plus lack of extras like retro cards, etc.).

 

[ill4eva]

$255 for 11s is gross. Never mind the kids. Adults are getting priced out too. I feel bad for the parents who have more than one kid wearing adult sizes and the whole family is into Jordans. That would be an expensive day.

 

[rbk93]

Once I learned about mass production of products and labour. I don't care no more, ill suggest the youth to understand the supply chain Instead of buying the product as an end consumer.

I met someone who worked for StockX Supply Chain when we had a Tradeblock Authenticon like 2-3 years ago here in Houston.

I never really gave it much thought, but in my mind, usually most of my purchases I consider "intentional". As I get older, my mom's voice is slowly getting louder and louder on why I shouldn't buy no more shoes lol.

It's a fun hobby, just what am I really getting out of it at the end of the day?

Imma take this to the downsizing thread(again), just it's almost like Everytime I buy something nice for myself, I have immediate buyer's remorse.

 

[langfor5]

On release day, yes. A couple of weeks later, no. Other than the limited stuff just about everything else for JB goes on disco - whether that be in big box retail locations or online. With the Internet and apps, excluding the truly limited / collab product there is simply no excuse these days to pay retail for anything that JB drops.

 

[staffsgtdignam]

On release day, yes. A couple of weeks later, no. Other than the limited stuff just about everything else for JB goes on disco - whether that be in big box retail locations or online. With the Internet and apps, excluding the truly limited / collab product there is simply no excuse these days to pay retail for anything that JB drops.

I get it for some OG cws and some collabs that sellout (although the collabs that actually sellout at retail is dwindling from the early 2020s height).

 

[dakingii]

Just saw that the Space Jams will be $255. Yea Im definitely out .