THE ULTIMATE GUIDE TO VINTAGE NIKE SNEAKERS

Vintage Nike is culture. It is history you can wear. From early basketball pairs to running icons and skate legends, this guide breaks down what matters to collectors in South Africa right now.

You will learn how to read tags, tell OG from retro, price correctly, store safely, and list with confidence.

HOW TO SPEAK VINTAGE NIKE

• OG original release period

• RETRO later reissue of an older model

• DS deadstock, unworn pair

• VNDS very near deadstock, lightly tried on

• CO.JP Japan exclusives from the 90s and 2000s

• QS quickstrike, limited drop

• FNF friends and family, not for retail

TIMELINE OF ICONS YOU SHOULD KNOW

AIR FORCE 1 (1982)

Bruce Kilgore’s hardwood classic that set the stage for Air cushioning on court. The AF1 became a street uniform later, but its debut was about performance first.

AIR JORDAN 1 (1985)

Designed in the mid 80s and released in 1985. The shoe and its bold colors changed basketball style and fueled a new kind of sneaker demand.

DUNK TO SB DUNK (1985 → 2002)

The Dunk started as a college hoops shoe in 1985, then skaters adopted it. Nike formalised Nike SB in 2002 under Sandy Bodecker and the SB Dunk era began.

AIR MAX 1 (1987)

Tinker Hatfield put visible Air in the heel and changed running design forever. In 1987 it made Air visible and started the Air Max line. Nike.com

AIR HUARACHE (1991)

Minimal branding, neoprene bootie fit, and the famous “hug your foot” idea that felt radical at launch in 1991. Nike.com

AIR MAX 95 (1995)

Sergio Lozano’s anatomy inspired layers and the first forefoot Max Air. A design language that still reads bold today.

AIR MAX 97 (1997)

Christian Tresser’s full-length visible Air and fluid lines gave sneaker design a new futuristic look. Nike.com

HOW TO AUTHENTICATE USING THE SIZE TAG

FIND THE STYLE CODE

Look on the inside label. Nike labels show size, style code and production dates. Style code is usually six digits, a hyphen, then three digits for the color. Example 555088-105. Archivebyx Reddit

MATCH THE CODE

Paste the full code into search and check that the model name and colorway match your pair and box. Cross check with official model history pages when possible. Nike.com

CHECK BUILD DETAILS

Stitch lines, materials, insole logos, box label fonts and the shape of the Swoosh should align with the era and the model.

KK TIP: List the style code and show a close-up photo of the tag in every Kloset Klub listing. It reduces questions and builds trust.

HOW VALUE REALLY WORKS FOR VINTAGE

MODEL AND ERA OG 80s and 90s pairs can carry a premium if wearable or complete

CONDITION AND COMPLETENESS box, extra laces, hangtags, receipts

SIZE CURVE common sizes price lower than rare sizes

MATERIAL AGING polyurethane midsoles can crumble over time through hydrolysis even when unworn, especially with heat and humidity. This is normal aging of PU foam and affects value and wearability.

STORAGE THAT DOES NOT KILL YOUR PAIRS

CLIMATE cool, dry space, no direct sun

HUMIDITY aim around 50 to 60 percent if you have a gauge

TEMPERATURE around 15 to 21°C is a safe target

DESICCANTS silica gel can help in boxes, but avoid sealing pairs airtight with desiccants touching materials for long periods

These basics slow yellowing, prevent mould and reduce stress on adhesives.

PRICING SHORTCUTS

GR AND RETRO PAIRS lightly worn price at 30 to 50 percent below last retail

COLLABS AND HYPE price from recent sold pairs, then adjust for size and condition

VINTAGE DISPLAY PAIRS price on rarity, completeness and story more than wearability

WHERE TO BUY AND SELL IN SOUTH AFRICA

Kloset Klub video listings, SafePay escrow and Pudo shipping for a fashion-first audience.

Shelflife, Archive & Court Order use retailer pages to check specs and year details when you need quick references for tags and materials.

FAQ

HOW DO I TELL OG FROM RETRO

Check the style code and production dates, then compare shapes and materials to official model history pages. Many retros adjust panels, lasts and materials.

WHY DID MY MIDSOLE CRUMBLE WITHOUT WEARING THE SHOE

PU foam ages through hydrolysis with heat and humidity. It happens even in storage and it is not your fault.

WHAT IS A SAFE WAY TO STORE A SMALL COLLECTION AT HOME

Cool, dry, dark space, airflow in the room, silica in boxes if needed, no airtight plastic around the shoe. Target 15 to 21°C and around 50 to 60 percent humidity.

Vintage Nike is about stories and specifics. When you can show the tag, name the model, state the era and be honest about the condition, buyers take you seriously. Use this guide, keep your photos clean, and let your pairs speak. Kloset Klub gives you the safety net and the audience.