Episode 2 of Kickin' it with Kim Jayde dropped at 5 pm this past Sunday and it featured Zaid Osman as the special guest. A renowned sneaker enthusiast, Zaid Osman, is not only the owner and founder of Sneaker Exchange (SXC), Africa’s largest sneaker expo, but he is also the founder of Grade Africa which is an online platform designed to bring worldwide fashion to Africa, and African fashion to the world. Grade Africa is primarily focused on streetwear and recently released a collaboration with FUBU. From his establishment of SXC Zaid Osman has been called upon across the continent for work with similar events.
Zaid is recognised as one of South Africa’s most notable sneaker collectors. He has pushed the sneaker culture to levels never imagined before in South Africa and Africa at large at just 27. He has pioneered the creation of a dedicated space for sneaker culture and elevated the discussions from just an inconsequential sideshow to a mainstream feature of popular culture in South Africa and Africa as a whole.
Zaid was one of the first big players to arrive on the SA sneaker reselling market which has become a worldwide trend. During the episode he pointed out that the secondary market of sneaker reselling could be simply erased if the big brands decided to make more sneakers but they won't because this will lower kick prices. Zaid also talked about how he found it easy to buy for resell when he began at 17 because in local South African stores the high end sneakers were just sitting on shelves because of less demand locally. So Zaid made some big profits by buying at retail in SA and then selling online and shipping worldwide while also importing the kicks not available on the local scene.
There was an interesting discussion during the episode on resellers and how they have ruined the art of sneaker collection for genuine sneaker lovers or true sneakerheads who appreciate the design and the story behind a shoe and wouldn't be willing to part with a perfect pair of kicks no matter the profit. Capitalism as usual is ruining another thing. Profits, profits, profits and a sneakerhead is in tears somewhere.
The question of the episode was what's a really good tip if you want to buy sneakers online but you want to make sure their not fake? Zaid pointed out how you can check the inside tags and manufacturing tags on the shoe and he also pointed out applications like Legit Check which allow you to upload pictures of your sneakers to check if their original or not.
Here's our recommended checklist for verifying your sneaker purchase (It's not full proof because they're now very good fakes out there):
- Check the source - Buying from authentic stores will never lead you wrong but if you're buying from a reseller then check up on their profile and reputation.
- Check the packaging - Sneaker packaging is always the same, so whatever you're getting should be a near match of online pictures from the original supplier. Replicas almost always neglect the packaging.
- Check the inside tag - The UPC code on shoes should be the same for shoes of the same kind and same size. Manufacturing dates must also be verified and within the same range as other shoes in the same batch.
- Check the smell - Sneakers shouldn't smell bad and if they're new they should carry that new sneaker smell with them. If they smell wrong it's a sign they've been worn or they weren't made in the right factory and they're a replica. There's a gluey scent to look out for.
- Check the price - Yes some replicas can be priced as high as originals but they're no originals just being sold cheap for no reason.
The rise of replicas being sold as originals and the billion dollar size of the sneaker resale market has given rise to careers like a sneaker authenticator. As you might've guessed it a sneaker authenticator is a person who certifies the originality of a pair of kicks by going through various checks. It seems like an unreal profession but that's now the world we live in. Sneaker authenticators for StockX were listed online as earning $16/hr but we're pretty sure the more experienced and accomplished authenticators are raking in a lot more.
For our sneaker picks this week we're inspired by an essential in every sneaker collection. A pair of Airforce 1s. Sneakers available for purchase in Zimbabwe via Sneakerheads ZW:
Nike Air Force 1 Low (White) $120
Nike Air Force 1 07 (Black) $120
Nike Air Force 1 React "NAIJA" $180
You can order via their website: www.sneakerheadszw.com
Catch up with episode 2 of Kickin' it with Kim Jayde here: