I know I use this shoe as an example in a lot of examples and discussions (even in my Geometry class) because I think it’s really a unique specimen...and there are a lot of things that are different a

I know I use this shoe as an example in a lot of examples and discussions (even in my Geometry class) because I think it’s really a unique specimen...and there are a lot of things that are different about this shoe than there are about the $1M Jordan 1’s or the $560k Air Ships that are selling at the auction houses.  
 
A few years ago, one of the original Air Mags from the Back to the Future movie was auctioned off by my dude @shoezeum...it was just ONE shoe. The LEFT shoe. From the actual movie. And, judging by the pics, the shoe was in shambles. As it should be. Still recognizable, sure, but a little box full of sole crumblings also accompanied the shoe. It’s interesting. I’m SO curious about the buyer. Someone out there spent $90k+ on a single shoe that is in shambles. What did they buy, exactly? Did they buy the movie prop? Did they buy the sneaker? Did they buy the esoteric subculture that beasts over the Air Mag? Or did they buy it as an investment with intentions of selling it in a few years for 5x what they bought it for?  
 
I remember having a conversation with the owner of @ten11.oak about this shoe...I said to him ‘I don’t want any part of this shoe...The responsibility of owning something like this would stress me out.’ He responded with ‘I would love to have this to display in the shop.’  
 
With sports cards, it’s easy. There is a very thick line between ‘collectibility’ and ‘usability’ - there is literally no utility use for sports cards. With shoes, that line is EXTREMELY blurred. If you get your hands on a pair of Off-White Chicago 1’s - do you wear them or do you hold them as investments? What makes it extra difficult IMO is that fact that shoes deteriorate at a MUCH faster rate than most other collectibles. Sure, I designed my sneaker preservation case and, even though it’s the best on the market, the natural degradation of these materials is simply unavoidable.  
 
Is there a middle ground? What if you could own the RIGHTS to the shoe, but not the shoe itself?  What would you rather have? And WHY do you think I’m asking? 🤔