It's a test to make sure you're a true believer LOL
Yeah, shoes have gone up over the years. I pretty much always wear a Brooks running shoe (not for running, just as a general shoe) and they're around $130. And those are their "normal" running shoes. The "good" ones go higher. But on the other hand, when the new models come out you can get last year's for a lot less. I got two pairs for $150 a couple of years ago and only just a month or so ago broke out the second pair. Just hoping they go on sale again before I need new ones, although there should be time. So I think my shoe amortization project has gone pretty well.
Anyway, sneakers are somehow now a huge market with lots of collectables.