Sneaker fans attend the Yeezy shoe release at Loaded in Auckland. Photo / NZ Herald
Shoe collectors don't just look at each other's faces when they meet, the look at each other's feet.
There were a lot of people looking at feet - or more importantly what was on them - when just 33 pairs of Kanye West's Yeezy shoes went on sale in Auckland this morning.
Eight young men camped outside the shop for more than 80 hours to buy the $300 limited edition kicks.
Another 23 names were drawn from a raffle, and 10 more won an Instagram meme competition, allowing them to buy the shoes.
The shoe-collecting culture was strong at the central Auckland shop as hundreds gathered outside for a chance to walk away in the all black shoes.
Jerremia Mihaere was one of those whose name was drawn to buy the shoes. The 36-year-old from Balmoral was "ecstatic" to add a new pair to his shoe collection.
"I've just started collecting this year, I've got six pairs. I just love the culture of it, the street culture. These people just love shoes. A lot of people complain and say 'how can you spend that much money on shoes?' but look at all the people here. They're not struggling in life, they're paying their bills, they probably work hard."
Those who earned the right to buy a pair of Yeezys couldn't hide their joy when they were finally handed the coveted shoes.
Max Greenslade was among many who sniffed his Yeezys as they were given to him. The 19-year-old from Epsom didn't mind that he had to take out the soles because his exact size wasn't available.
"Oh, I love them so much," he said as he saw the shoes for the first time.
His Yeezys would not be going on Trade Me or Ebay.
"There'll be high prices offered, but I'm not about that life. I wear my shoes."
James Nimsoongnern, 16, joined Greenslade and six others in waiting outside Loaded for 80 hours, with the first eight people in the queue guaranteed a chance to buy the Yeezys. He was "knackered" but happy.
"I was starting to go a bit crazy yesterday. But it's worth it - these shoes are so better than I thought they'd be."
The first man in the queue told him he arrived on Monday - five days before the shoes went on sale - but Loaded staff told him to come back on Wednesday, Nimsoongnern said.
Fellow queue member Johansen Miller said the group of eight did not know each other before their epic effort, but had formed a strong bond.
"We're brothers now."
'It feels precious – that’s what it feels like.'