There’s this shop in Sacramento called ‘The Cave’ and it’s almost like a trip back into the 90’s. It’s this massive supermarket-sized place…and it’s full of nothing but middle-aged (teen) angst. It’s FULL of all the stuff that people like me were into in the 80’s, 90’s and early 00’s. Everything is a ‘collectible’ and everything is something somebody who grew up in the 90’s would recognize immediately.
Cards, comics, toys, video games, CDs, jerseys, action figures, Pokemon…just…90’s collectibles in general.
They have a small sneaker selection, and the first few times I went in there I found some real random (but dope) stuff…I’m talking like ‘Yo! MTV Raps Puma’s’ and Play Clothes Saucony’s and some old ACG Samples. Just really random but instantly recognizable to someone like me. They currently have a pair of DJ AM AF1’s (complete with COA) ($800), which is kinda cool.
I pop in from time to time, just to see what they’ve got. I’ve pulled a few steals. I’ve developed a bit of a rapport with the sneaker guy there. He’s a good dude. But I realized that I was spending way more money in there than I thought I should...
The other day, I popped in and saw a slightly used pair of Travis 1’s behind the counter…my size…so I asked the dude if I could take a look and he handed them to me. And…having authenticated more than 8500 pairs of shoes so far this year…I inspected them pretty thoroughly. I could not find any significant tells. The shape, the materials, the quality was on point.
I asked the dude - ‘how much?’
‘Um…the guy who sold them to us told us said they’re fake…so I think we’re asking $75?’
Me: ’These are fake? $75? I’ll take ‘em.’
What's weird - if they were real - I don't think i'd have any interest in them beyond selling. But because of what they are, I have no hesitation in wearing them. I have never even considered buying a real pair…nor a fake pair...but it's funny that when I’m presented with an excellent-looking fake pair, my impulses went straight to ‘buy!’
…
For whatever reason, I’ve been struggling to tell y’all about that. Judge if you must.