For sneaker aficionado Manuel Cruz, shoes have always been much more than something to wear.
Smart buys have led to big sales for the collector: Cruz once offloaded dozens of pairs of sneakers, including some from Kanye West’s Yeezy brand, for $24,000. He used the proceeds to pay for his wedding and honeymoon in Hawaii.
Now, however, the side hustle is on hold — because among Cruz’s collection are 20 pairs of Yeezy sneakers worth nearly $5,000 in all, he said. And in the aftermath of West’s antisemitic remarks — and German sportswear company Adidas’ move to sever ties with him — the secondary market for Yeezy footwear and apparel is experiencing a dramatic decline.
