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How has the Resale Sneaker Market Exploded in the Region?

by Khadija Husain

2 Oct 2024

2 October 2024

Imagine this: it’s a hot afternoon in Dubai, and you're at a sleek, upscale café, sipping your latte. Next to you, a guy walks in, effortlessly cool, dressed in a plain white tee and cargo pants. Nothing too flashy, right? But then you glance down and see them. On his feet are a pair of Off-White x Nike Air Jordans, gleaming in all their limited-edition glory. And just like that, you know—he's someone. Not because of his clothes, but because of those sneakers.


That’s the thing about sneakers in the Gulf right now. It’s not just about wearing a pair of shoes anymore. It’s about making a statement, telling the world you’re in on something exclusive, something almost untouchable. The sneaker resale market here has blown up, turning what used to be a niche for a few passionate collectors into a full-on cultural phenomenon. You don’t just buy sneakers now—you hunt for them. And if you can’t find them at retail? No worries. The resale market has you covered. If, of course, you’re willing to fork out the big dirhams.


This isn’t your average shopping spree either. Let’s say you’ve got your eyes on a pair of Travis Scott x Nike Dunk Lows. Missed the retail drop? Don’t sweat it. For AED 12,000, maybe AED 15,000, they can still be yours, if you know where to look. In the Gulf, sneaker culture has fused with the region’s deep love for luxury and exclusivity. And let’s be real—it makes sense. In a place where people spend millions on cars, jewelry, and watches, why not elevate sneakers to the same level of obsession?



The thing is, it didn’t start out this way. A few years ago, sneakers were just sneakers. Sure, some people had a pair or two of Jordans, and there were always those hardcore sneakerheads who'd line up for every drop. But the real turning point? It was when people started realizing that these shoes weren’t just footwear—they were investments. Like a Patek Philippe that grows in value, a pair of limited-release sneakers can skyrocket in price. One minute you’re paying AED 2,000 at retail, and the next, that same pair is going for AED 10,000, sometimes even more. And this isn’t happening in the streets of New York or London—it’s happening right here, in Dubai, Riyadh, Doha.


The Gulf has always been a place that’s loved to flex, but there’s something different about this sneaker scene. It’s quieter, more under the radar. Sure, people are still rocking the Gucci loafers and Louboutins, but sneakers? They’re the new wave. And it’s not just the usual suspects like Yeezys or Air Jordans. Now, you’ve got collaborations with Dior, Louis Vuitton, even luxury brands stepping into the game, mixing street culture with high fashion in a way that’s never been seen before. And the Gulf’s tastemakers? They’re all in.



What’s interesting is how it’s become about more than just the shoes. It’s a whole lifestyle. You see it at events like Sole DXB, where the sneakerheads gather, swapping stories about their latest pickups, flexing their collections, and, of course, trading kicks. These aren’t just casual shoppers. They know every drop, every collab, every rumor about the next big sneaker release. It’s a community, and in the Gulf, where individuality sometimes gets lost in the glitz and glam, sneakers have become a way to stand out in the most understated—but unmistakable—way.


It’s not just the guys either. Women are getting in on the action too. Whether it's a pair of Nike x Sacai Waffles or the ultra-rare Dior Jordans, Gulf women are proving they’re just as serious about their kicks as the men. And why not? In a region where fashion rules are sometimes rigid, sneakers offer a little freedom. You can wear them with a flowing abaya or a sleek suit, and it works. It’s a subtle rebellion—luxury on your own terms.


But here’s where it gets really interesting: the resale market isn’t slowing down. If anything, it’s ramping up. With global brands realizing that the Gulf’s sneakerheads are willing to pay top dirham for rare pairs, we’re seeing more and more attention being turned this way. The releases are getting more exclusive, the prices higher, and the chase even more intense. There’s this electric energy, this feeling that if you’re not in the game, you’re missing out on something big.


And that’s the kicker. The Gulf’s sneaker resale market isn’t just about shoes—it’s about being part of something bigger, a global movement with a distinctly regional twist. It’s the perfect blend of street culture, luxury, and individuality. In a region where it sometimes feels like everything’s been done, sneakers offer something new, something fresh. And let’s be honest—there’s nothing more Gulf than that pursuit of the next big thing.


So next time you see someone in a simple outfit but rocking a pair of kicks that cost more than your rent, just know—they’re not just shoes. They’re a statement. And in the Gulf right now, that’s everything.




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