The Holy Grail of Sneakers
A Grail sneaker in the sneaker industry refers to that one sneaker that you would basically give up all of your other sneakers for. It is the crown jewel of your collection. Whether you have it or you don’t have it, it is that one piece that defines you as a sneaker collector and defines your collection.
Back in the day you would have to go through a lot of things to acquire your Grail. That could mean reaching out to someone overseas, searching in basements, or really wild things you probably wouldn’t have to do anymore. People would do it, though, because that one piece would define your collection and would define you as a collector. It’s the same as an art collector going after a rare or interesting piece of art. A Grail should mean something to you.
“Grail” is very loosely used nowadays in sneaker education or online sneaker education, but when it’s in its purest form, the stories mattered because that was a sneaker that you would go through great lengths to acquire. Nowadays, that’s made it a little easier because if you have enough money, you can get it.
