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If it were 1986, the cheapest Air Jordan would be a deadstock pair of the Jordan 1 at a local mom-and-pop shop.
Today, however, acquiring unworn, high-quality Jordans for under $65 USD is improbable, if at all possible. Yet, participating in the most successful athlete-specific line of all-time can be done at a (relatively) affordable level.
Adult sizes of the most-coveted retros are typically priced at $190 USD, although the ever-popular Jordan 1 High sells at retail for $170 USD.
Kids’ iterations of the Jordan 3 and Jordan 4, for example, range between $60 USD (Toddler) and $140 USD (Grade School). Special Edition, or SE, pairs of these same silhouettes are sometimes priced $10 USD or $20 USD higher.
‘Cheap’ and ‘Jordans’ may seem oxymoronic, but [they’re out there].
You just have to know where to look. Luck also helps.
Air Jordan 1 Low
Air Jordan 1 Low
The Jordan 1 Low is the least expensive (read: cheapest) sneaker within the Air Jordan catalog.
General releases of the lifestyle-oriented sneaker retail for $90 USD. With news of the silhouette returning to its original, 1985-form throughout Spring 2021, pricing may see an increase, but should still fall well-below the Jordan 11 ($200 USD), which is currently the most-expensive model in the 34-sneaker line.
In case you got unlucky on the Nike SNKRS app and weren’t able to secure a given pair at launch, your best bet would be to redeem yourself on the after-market. A brief look on Stadium Goods or similar platforms, however, may discourage you given how resale prices frequently seek double and more a sneaker’s retail value.
Air Jordan 1 Low ‘Quai54’
Air Jordan 1 Low ‘Quai54’
As Business Insider has reported, Cowen & Co has estimated that the sneaker resale market is worth $2 billion, and on-track to increase to $6 billion by 2025.
So are you out-of-luck?
Yes – if you’re looking for highly-coveted, limited Jordans in brand-new condition for or around retail. But if you don’t mind owning pre-worn and/or less-popular pairs, the secondhand market is laden with gems and “steals”.
Travis Scott x Air Jordan 1 Low OG
Travis Scott x Air Jordan 1 Low OG
As with any investment, it’s smart to know what you’re getting into. Fake Jordans are still rampant on the after-market, having gotten so close in quality to genuine pairs that some have been approved by sneaker authenticators. While there’s no sure-way of confirming whether or not a pair is “real” other than buying it from the brand itself, the Internet is full of resources to assist you in your after-market endeavors.
“Cheap” and “Jordans” may seem oxymoronic, but buying during sales, leveraging current pairs in a trade, and scouring well-established or local after-market communities may prove “cheap Jordans’” validity. Sometimes, all it takes is simply getting lucky.
Collaborative and special releases, however, may be off-limits due to their scarcity and hype.
Feeling lucky? Check out all the upcoming Jordan release dates.
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Certainly! The article delves into the evolving landscape of Air Jordan sneaker pricing, the secondary market dynamics, and the complexities of purchasing authentic sneakers. Let's break down the concepts involved:
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Air Jordan Pricing Evolution:
- In 1986, Air Jordan 1 sneakers were affordable, but today, obtaining unworn, high-quality pairs for under $65 USD is improbable.
- Current prices for adult sizes of coveted retros are typically $190 USD, with the Jordan 1 High at $170 USD retail.
- Kids’ sizes vary from $60 USD (Toddler) to $140 USD (Grade School), with SE versions sometimes priced slightly higher.
-
Jordan 1 Low - Least Expensive Model:
- The Jordan 1 Low is the cheapest within the Air Jordan catalog, with general releases at $90 USD. It's poised for a potential price increase due to its return to the original 1985 form in Spring 2021.
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Secondary Market & Resale Dynamics:
- After-market prices often exceed retail, with platforms like Stadium Goods listing sneakers for double or more their retail value.
- The sneaker resale market was estimated at $2 billion and forecasted to reach $6 billion by 2025.
- Pre-worn or less-popular pairs are available in the secondhand market at potentially lower prices.
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Authenticity Concerns and Fake Products:
- The prevalence of fake Jordans in the after-market is a concern, with some counterfeits being difficult to distinguish from genuine pairs even by sneaker authenticators.
- Authenticity verification resources are available online, but buying directly from the brand reduces the risk.
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Strategies for Affordable Purchases:
- Strategies like buying during sales, trading current pairs, or engaging in after-market communities can lead to finding more affordable options.
- Collaborative or special releases might be inaccessible due to their scarcity and hype.
-
Upcoming Releases and Popular Sneakers:
- The article includes mentions of upcoming Jordan release dates and popular sneaker models like the Air Jordan 4 "Bred Reimagined" and Air Jordan 1 Retro High OG.
-
Latest News and Trends:
- The article shares recent news, such as the closure of the Nike Refurbished online store and information about new releases like the Air Jordan 9 "Olive."
The piece offers insights into the complexity of the sneaker market, the fluctuating prices of Air Jordan sneakers, strategies for affordable purchases, and the challenges of ensuring authenticity in a thriving secondary market.
