VERSUS: Is it Time to Get Over Backdooring?
The backdooring phenomenon is nothing new. Sneakerheads have been using their plugs to score sneakers since time immemorial. But does that mean it’s OK? As the hype train reels out of control in the contemporary sneakersphere, allegations of backdooring are never far from the headlines. Most recently, Marcus Jordan and his Trophy Room store were accused of making thousands from backdooring their own Air Jordan 1 collaboration. Is this an example of backdooring going too far, or pure speculation? We asked two of our resident sneakerheads to argue the case for both sides: ‘Is it time to get over backdooring?’
As always, don’t forget to have your voice heard and vote!
DAMN dude. Did you suss the Carpet Company tear-away Dunks? The Friends and Family packaging is N.U.T.S. Have you entered the raffles?
The packaging is incredible. Ayman and Osama Abdeldayem are geniuses. They’ve found a fun way to pay tribute to their Egyptian roots. The story these Habibis told has got me drinking the Kool-Aid. That’s why I’ve got a pair on the way... 🤫
YOU’RE KIDDING! Man, you’re as bad as the insider traders on Wall Street. Stop manipulating the market!
Don’t be so hostile. Imma wear these bad boys till the material tears away! You always get like this...
.gif)
How can you flaunt backdooring after what happened with the Trophy Room Jordans?! Marcus Jordan was reportedly reselling HIS OWN Jordans!
I can’t speak to the backdooring of thousands of pairs. You can’t lump me into that category. I’m someone who only cops around 20 pairs a year. Realistically, this is the way it’s always been. You want some advice?
.gif)
Life isn’t fair, kiddo. Get used to it. What is it with people who get high-and-mighty about a sneaker release? If there is a way I can personally exploit these so-called raffle systems – and end up with a pair or pairs for myself – why wouldn’t I?
But sneaker releases should be based on democratic principles, not nepotism. How is someone new to the game supposed to enjoy their newfound sneaker passion? And how are they even supposed to network when so much is done online these days? The backdoor is only there for people who can reach it...
We live in a capitalist society, so you can take your socialism for a hike! This isn’t some grand plot to make sure you cop an L on every release, it’s just a fact of life. When I worked in stores, I took first dibs, and helped out those that supported our vision. Now, people repay that favour to me. On the person-to-person level, I just don’t get how you can have an issue with me being hooked up a pair. It’s not always through the backdoor! I enter the raffles, I JUST ALWAYS WIN!
Favours, debts, ‘the day of my daughter’s wedding’. It all sounds very suspect to me. There’s no room for the little guy trying to get into the game. Remember when everyone was trying desperately to backdoor the Travis Scott x Dunk? It’s a jungle out there! The Travis Scott Dunks are now selling on StockX for nearly 2K. They retailed for $150. That’s a RIDICULOUS markup. How is that fair?
The point you’re missing is that backdooring is either one of two things: a homie/loyal customer getting hooked up, or scrilla! What’s the big deal with a skater scoring a pair of SBs they’re going to thrash? That’s the kind of customer the sneakers should be going to. Besides, you’re underestimating the power of bots, bro. These releases are getting hoovered up like crumbs in your new Dyson. You read the Sean Cliver interview, right? The ‘Botbarians at the gate’.
Honestly, I’m more worried about you at the gates... the pearly gates, that is. I mean, what’s St. Peter going to say to you when you rock up trying to gain entry to heaven in your latest backdoored pair? He’s gonna know, man. And he’ll know your moral compass needs recalibrating. What then?’
.gif)
Who took the w?
It’s time to have your say on the issue of the day!
Stay tuned to @sneakerfreakermag for updates on who took the W!