Exploring the Zimbabwean sneaker culture
In June 2018, the Jordan 4 Retro Travis Scott Cactus Jack dropped and these kicks sent a buzz within the sneaker head community, and for good reason too. They are really dope.
At launch the retail price was US$225, but with only a limited number of pairs available, that price was bound to go up and right now a pair can go for as much as US$3 000 or even more.
In Zimbabwe you are likely to see a pair of these Jordan 4s being sold for US$80 and the seller will try and convince you that the price is steep since they are ‘original’ kicks (original my foot).
Many people fall for this trick and always end up buying replicas for huge amounts because they lack a better understanding of the stories behind the shoes they are buying. Many people are being ripped off on a daily basis because they don’t have adequate knowledge to differentiate fake products from real ones.
For example, one of the most prominent sneakers in the world, the Nike Air Force 1 has a price that ranges from US$100 going upwards, depending on the variation. If someone attempts to sell you this shoe from the box at less than US$50, as is usually the case in many local shops and flea markets, alarm bells should start ringing.
Exploring the Zimbabwean sneaker culture
Last week I wrote an article shedding light on the work that is being done by Smart Zhet, a professional sneaker cleaning and shoe care service.
These guys are not just into cleaning shoes, but they also sell them.
If you want to buy sneakers, Smart Zhet is the perfect plug because you are guaranteed to get the real deal.
Original sneakers can be pricey especially when they are brand new or limited editions, but sometimes you can get a good deal for second hand or rather pre-owned pairs.
“Second hand in sneaker culture sounds like we are selling rugged shoes. However, we prefer the term pre-owned/pre-loved,” said Smart Zhet founder, O.G Scabo (Tonderai Leonard Adam).
“Smart Zhet Sneaker Sale exposes our clients and social media followers to authentic pre-loved sneakers. It’s not a secret that a decent pair of sneakers is hard to get here in Zimbabwe in its original form and at an affordable price.”
“As a sneaker head it pains me to see my people rocking new fake sneakers because they shun pre-loved sneakers, yet we even have celebrities in the U.S like Asap Rocky, Kanye, Fat Joe, Bow Wow, PJ Tucker and thrift seller Sean Wotherspoon (who has an Nike Air Max signature shoe) going on sites like EBay, Poshmakk, StockX and other thrift stores to get these sneakers.”
It is well known that limited editions sell out fast and the only way to get your hands on a legit pair after they disappear from shelves is buying from somebody else, so basically grabbing second hand shoes is actually a thing in sneaker culture.
The problem is that in Zimbabwe, people shun pre-owned originals which usually sell for from between US$30 and US$50 for a pair which would normally cost between US$100 and US$200 brand new.
These are the same people who get to be ripped off and end up buying knockoffs on the streets and in fashion boutiques.
“Our aesthetic for sneakers originally comes from what we access in thrift bales (bhero). It has been standard for us for years in the ghettos across Zimbabwe.
“We have a connect or sneaker plug who laces us with kicks in good condition for resale.
“Of late, clients who we have cleaned for approach us if they want to sell some of their sneaker collections and we have welcomed that source with open arms.”
They also sell sneakers that are fresh from the box for those who have deep pockets and are willing to spend more on shoes.
“We sell brand new original pairs which we call ‘deadstock’, those that have never been worn. We get these sneakers from different sources but the most important thing to note is that they are original.”
Cabo says that while the local sneaker culture is a bit obscured, it is actually thriving.
“The sneaker culture is vibrant on the underground scene. Vanhu vanezvinhu zvavo mudzimba umu and I can testify.
“I have received photos in the DM with shoe racks full of Jordan 1s to Jordan 24s. I have seen Adidas junkies but all of them are unknown.
“I respect the likes of one of our clients who goes by the handle @TeeMuzondo on IG, who has some of the finest pairs I have ever seen.”
Hip hop personalities who include Outspoken, DJ Towers, Prophecy and Crooger have also been known to pack serious heat on their shoe racks.
“Ghetto yuts usually have a single pair, but they are still relentless because I have spotted young guys rocking Jordan Oregon 5s, Jordan Grape 5s and Ewing’s to name a few.
Social media has led people to chase designer brands like Dior, Celine, Versace and Balmain among others because of they believe its trendy.
It is not a rare site to see some prominent figures who rock fancy clothes also rocking fake pairs of kicks.
“Some of these designer brands that we see being worn by some of our colleagues on social media are fakes as we have witnessed while cleaning these shoes.
“It breaks my heart to see young aspiring hustlers look up to rich old hustlers in fake threads, dzimwe nguva unotombozvibvunza kuti asi chibharanzi here?
“I have seen young people who have saved up money for six months just to buy a pair of original Air Force 1s and have a decent collection but they are being overshadowed by personalities who wear fake sneakers.”
He added that Smart Zhet is trying so to create an environment conducive for a mainstream sneaker culture.
“We wish to see a day where Zimbabwe has a flagship store for one of these brands like Nike and Adidas coz vanhu vakuvara nema fake.”
Besides shoes, they also sell other products and accessories that range from socks to cleaning products.
“We have a product called the Stain & Water Repellent, an aerosol spray designed to protect your favorite shoes. It dries in a matter of minutes and can be used on almost any material to protect against liquids and stains on up to six pairs of shoes and lasts up to five weeks when sprayed.
“With this repellent, you are able to keep the materials of your shoes as good as new because of the layer that is formed between the shoe and the dirt.
“We have a sock sale initiative that is convenient for our clients who receive the cleanest shoes ever and genuinely want a fresh new pair to start over their journey. A clean shoe needs a fresh pair of socks.”
Andrew Moyo is a veteran entertainment journalist with over a decade of experience. He has worked for some of the biggest publications in Zimbabwe including The Sunday Mail.
