Are you buying gifts for a sneakerhead this holiday season? Here's the first rule: skip buying actual sneakers. Sneakerheads are particular about their kicks, making shoes themselves a risky gift choice. Instead, we've gathered some proven accessories, objects, and tools that any sneaker lover would appreciate. These (mostly) stocking-sized gifts have earned their place in our daily rotation and won't break the bank.
Care and Protection Gifts
After years of use, certain cleaning supplies have proven indispensable. The travel-sized Reshoeven8r Essential Kit is a great stocking stuffer for your sneakerhead while providing professional-grade cleaning power. We've succeeded with this and Jason Markk's kit, especially the Quick Wipes for anything on the go.
Try out Crep Protect's spray to avoid stains or water damage. Crep Protect's travel-sized spray has consistently outperformed competitors in real-world testing. I've used this on leather, suede, and synthetic sneakers and succeeded in keeping the white's white and suedes buttery. Just be sure to spray your shoes outside. Jason Markk makes a non-aerosol version, and although we have yet to test that one out, it's well-reviewed.
Lastly, if you're in an area that gets snow or ice, you know how badly salt can affect your shoes. A thoughtful gift for the sneaker collector in your family is a pair of boot covers. Trek around through the salt and slush without worry. These boot guards from Ugg are pretty versatile and fit most sneakers.
Socks That Are Actually Good
Now that I'm an adult, I'm never sad to get socks as a gift. Socks are an easy upgrade that are often neglected. Not to bash Hanes, but these socks below wear a bit better especially with age. Our top picks for sneakerheads:
- Stance Crew Socks: Targeted cushioning, and they stay up, unlike cheaper alternatives that slide down mid-stride.
- Jordan Every Day Crew Sock: I hate to see it when your brand clashes socks and shoes. If a logo is visible, gotta match up.
- Nike Sportswear Dri-FIT Everyday Essential: These double as gym socks for that vintage ringer look. Match up with your Air Max 1s.
Coffee Table Enhancers
While books might not fit in a stocking, check out these sneakerhead coffee table books:
- "Icons: Something's Off" - Virgil Abloh's influential take on sneaker culture.
- "Nike SB: The Dunk Book" - The definitive guide to Nike's skateboarding legacy.
- "Shoe Dog" by Phil Knight - The fascinating origin story of Nike.
- "Sneakers" (Random House Books) - A comprehensive look at sneaker culture's evolution.
Keep Them In The Know
Serious collectors know that timing is everything. Apps like Sole Retriever go beyond basic release calendars by tracking restocks, raffles, and sneaker news in real-time. Features like quick-fill for checkouts and raffle entries save precious seconds when they matter most, while built-in collection tracking helps manage your rotation. Consider gifting a Premium or Pro membership to help your sneakerheads get themselves what they want. With the App Store, you can easily send a gift card for their subscription.
Shopping for sneakerheads doesn't have to be stressful. While the perfect pair of kicks might be elusive, the tools and accessories that support their passion are universal. The best gifts show you understand their dedication to their hobby – whether through premium care products that protect their investment, literature that deepens their knowledge, or digital tools that help them secure their next grail at retail.
The Sole Retriever team, a dynamic group of streetwear enthusiasts, specializes in providing the latest information on sneaker releases and streetwear trends. Based in the heart of the streetwear community, they leverage their deep understanding of the industry to curate the most sought-after releases. With a focus on accuracy and timeliness, Sole Retriever's team is dedicated to helping sneakerheads and fashion aficionados stay ahead of the curve. Their expertise not only lies in identifying upcoming trends but also in providing valuable insights on how to secure limited edition sneakers. Through their comprehensive online platform, they offer a range of services including release calendars, raffle guides, and real-time updates, making them a go-to resource for the streetwear community. The team's passion for sneakers and fashion is evident in their meticulous approach, ensuring that their followers are always in the know.
