Exactly. In fact, I'd argue this is what "becoming an asset class" means. Liquidity. Secondary markets. Prices that are disconnected with the underlying sneaker

Exactly. In fact, I'd argue this is what "becoming an asset class" means. Liquidity. Secondary markets. Prices that are disconnected with the underlying sneaker. etc. I think sneaker companies do the opposite to what OP suggests, in fact. They do things like creating abundance in one place and scarcity in another. This creates an opportunity for dealers, speculators, and secondary market activity. That whole complex is what makes sneakers an asset class... which in turn makes it a premium fashion item. Nitpick: The scarcity isn't perceived. It's real, just "artificial" in the sense that they produce limited amounts on purpose, and limit it in other ways.