Risks of wearing collectibles
We have over 2000 pairs of exclusive collectible sneakers in new and used conditions in stock. We buy sneakers from private individuals and sell them to private individuals. Unfortunately, we cannot guarantee the wearability of sneakers. We are as transparent as possible about this. The older the sneaker, the greater the risk of wearing it. If damage occurs to your sneakers when wearing, we unfortunately cannot reimburse this. We have made an arrangement with sneaker restorers to have damage professionally repaired for the best possible rates. This applies to damage within three months of purchase. Good to know: even a damaged sneaker retains its value.

New, pre-owned, and not-wearable
On all product pages you will find several photos and a condition description of the sneakers. Here you can read whether sneakers have been worn or are in new condition and whether there are any other details you should know. Most sneakers are just wearable. We are not sure about some sneakers, usually older than 8 years. If it is clear in advance that a sneaker is not wearable or wearing it is a major risk, this will be stated. We also state other damages as clearly as possible. Some collectible sneakers are for display or collection only.

We do not carry out repairs ourselves. We ensure that you are linked to the restorer. Unfortunately, we cannot partially or fully reimburse the related costs. Costs exclude shipping fees. Wearing sneakers is at your own risk at all times.

Advice
If you are in doubt and need any advice, please contact us.

 

Restorations and rates

1. Dry glue: reglue
The most common problem is dried out glue. Unfortunately, we see this occasionally with sneakers older than 8 years. This causes parts of the sole to separate from the midsole. Because most of the force is at the inside of the instep, that part often separates the fastest from the midsole. It is also possible that only the tab or the outsole comes off. Do not worry. In all cases it looks worse than it is. The fabric doesn’t tear, it’s glue that fails. This can be fixed with a reglue. The sole will be completely detached, after which the old glue is removed. Then new flexible adhesive is applied.

Costs: € 30. If only a tab on the front has come loose, it will be repaired free of charge.

2. Poreus midsole: sole swap
It can also happen that not only the glue is dry, but that the midsole itself has dried out. This risk is extremely small in sneakers younger than 10 years. When sneakers approach an age of 15 years, the risk increases. It often starts with small hairline cracks in the sole. With vintage sneakers that are still new in box, it can even happen that the sole falls apart at the first step. This can only be fixed by replacing the midsole: a sole swap. You must supply a donor midsole (read: comparable sneaker) yourself. The restorer replaces the cracked midsole with the donor sole.

Costs: € 95. If you want to have the original outsole replaced, this will cost € 25 extra.

3. Old paint: repaint
The more often a sneaker is worn, the more the paint weathers and is affected. Age also plays a role in this. In addition, there are simply releases where the paint layer peels off quickly. In all cases this results in bad paint. It is chipping off the sole or the layer has become thin. Restoring paint is done with a repaint. Special flexible paint is used for this. Often the old layer of paint is removed first, after which new layers of new paint are applied. When the sole is too old to paint, it must be replaced with a sole swap. The restorer will indicate this in advance.

Costs: Usually this is custom work and depends on the damage. A standard repaint costs €45.

 

Examples

Outsole separation
The outsole separates from the midsole. Often the entire outsole must be re-glued with flexible glue.

Midsole separation
The upper and mudguard separate from the midsole. If the midsole is still good, the entire midsole must be glued again with a reglue.

Nose separation
The outsole at the toe cap is coming loose. Usually a simple reglue is sufficient to glue the tab.

Vintage air bubble
A yellowed and foggy air bubble indicates that a midsole is old and wearing the sneakers is very risky.

Midsole hair cracks
Incipient and small cracks in the midsole show that the sneaker is no longer wearable. The sole must be replaced with a sole swap.

Midsole cracks
When a sole dries out, it becomes porous. This is reflected in a fully cracked midsole. A sole swap is required.

Paint cracks
The sneakers are wearable, but the paint is cracking. Repainting with a repaint helps temporarily. The paint usually cracks again with wear.

Paint chipping
In addition to cracks in the paint, the paint also peels off. Repainting with a repaint can be considered. Please note: paint may crack again if worn.

Leather cracks
The leather is peeling off with age. The leather dye usually contains fabric as a material. We have no arrangement for this.

Nubuck cracks
Durabuck and nubuck over 10 years old may crack. The sneakers remain wearable, but the material wears visibly. This can be repaired by full replacement.

Torn heel lining
The material in the heel has torn due to wear. This can be rectified by placing extra material in the heel. We have no arrangement for this.

Sacked heels
Because the heel has been stepped on, the material has sunk. This can be fully recovered by opening the heel completely. We have no arrangement for this.