Buy Legit Sneakers at Ox Street, a New Marketplace Based in Singapore

Ox Street CEO Gijs Verheijke talks to Tatler about founding a platform for sneakerheads to come together and provide access to shoes in all sizes and genders

There's a certain high associated with shoes, especially for sneakerheads who grew up in the culture. Sneakers play a huge role in one's life; sometimes, they're used to represent a part of themselves. Other times, they're used as a symbol of honour for celebrated figures who have passed.

This is the culture that Ox Street, a marketplace based in Singapore, hopes to nurture throughout Asia, including the Philippines, where the sneaker scene seems to continuously grow, separating them from other stores. The name in itself is unique, and so is its origin. "I was working with a friend who owns a marketing and branding agency to come up with a name for what was then called ‘Sneaker Project’," says CEO Gijs Verheijke. The team had a few options, but "Ox" stood out. "We agonized for a long time over which word to add to it until someone came up with Ox Street. In addition, it also turned out that I am personally born in the Year of the Ox (1985), and we kind of took that as an ‘auspicious’ sign that it was the right name".

Above Image courtesy of Ox Street

The company's humble beginnings could be traced back to the CEO's early years at an MRT train station, where he agreed to meet up with a seller. Like most collectors, the young Verheijke had to check the pair's legitimacy on his own. "When you're there and the seller's looking over your shoulder while you're trying to authenticate it on the spot is just hard, it's quite stressful as well," he recalls. "And so when I got home, I think what everyone does is watch more YouTube videos on how to check the shoes. . .the whole experience was just so bad that I [started to think] there must be a better way."

Above Image courtesy of Ox Street

It's a worrying experience not only for people who want their hands on limited pairs but also for those who do not have easy access to new designs.

Long-time collectors would know that most drops rarely arrive at retail stores at the same time it gets released overseas. Moreover, there are older colourways and sizes that aren't always available at flagship stores like Jordan Manila and Off-White Manila among others.

Above Image courtesy of Ox Street

Ox Street, fortunately, is continuously growing its collection of shoes as more sellers and buyers from Asia join the platform. Shoe brands range from Nike, Adidas, Jordans, to New Balance.

Authenticity won't have to be a problem as well, given that the company follows strict rules to verify each pair before sending it to the buyer to protect their patrons.

The company also provides automatic size conversions, a feature that proves how much Ox Street values gender inclusivity, considering how difficult it can be for avid female buyers to find their sizes in a male-dominated community. Up until now, there are limited options for women in sneaker stores. Admittedly, some of us would have to research men's shoe sizes that would fit our measurements.

For the CEO, sneakers should be accessible to everyone regardless of gender as it helps express themselves. "[Ox Street focuses] more on style and self-expression. . .I just feel [sneakers] give such a good insight to someone's personality. . .what colours they go for. . .it's much more interesting to see what type of sneakers someone chooses".

There's more to sneakers than their value. As Verheijke would put it, one should consider comfort and style—not its price tag—when buying a shoe. This is a principle that most self-avowed sneakerheads proudly live by.

It's fortunate that a platform like Ox Street provides easier and more convenient ways to find the right pair. Frankly, it's the only encouragement anyone will ever need to fall in love with the sneaker scene.

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Tatler Asia

Ox Street is Every Sneaker Head's New Favourite Online Marketplace in Asia