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Outsiders find it difficult to understand the intricacies of the sneaker game, but New York Times explored an aspect of commerce that’s grown increasingly popular — buying sneakers to trade or flip for profit. In an interesting comparison, the newspaper likened the process to selling and trading on the stock market.

That comparison in very logical in that something as trivial as a pair of Nike or Air Jordan shoes are teaching the youth the power of supply, demand, strategy, and the like. Numerous examples were given at New York City’s SoleXChange, a touring event that draws together sneakerheads in various cities to buy, sell, and trade their kicks. Though patrons come in all ages, shapes, and sizes, the piece focuses on a group of barely into their teenage years.

“These kids make 10 to 12 transactions, and before you know it, they have a $2,000 pair of sneakers or a real nice collection of shoes,” said Suraj Kaufman, the owner of a pair of popular New Jersey footwear stores called Sneaker Room.

While it’s great to see the youth turn an interest/passion into an often profitable business, we have seen the sour side of the sneaker game as well. Read the full New York Times story here.

Photo: Casey Kelbaugh/New York Times