Illustration: Xia Qing/GT

The young generation is always creating trends or following them. Sometimes, it may be about shoes. Sometimes it could even be shoeboxes. Recently, hype over sneaker boxes is energizing youths in China. You may wonder, "Why shoeboxes? They are just the packaging of shoes." Well, these shoeboxes are usually associated with one phrase: special editions. Some come with a unique design or co-branded with big companies or celebrities. Others are simply boxes of shoes from limited editions. In the eyes of some sneakers collecting enthusiasts, or the so-called "sneakerheads," the box packaging is part of the prized collection. Without the box, their shoe collection is incomplete. Because of this sneaker collecting phenomenon, some shoeboxes have gained massive commercial value. Some people even have started to speculate on sneaker boxes, treating them like investments. As a result, some sneaker boxes can sell for up to 2,000 yuan, or $310. People's love for collecting shoes and shoeboxes should be respected. After all, different strokes for different folks, right? But we need to be alert to any type of speculation in the market. We should say no to those who drive up the normal market prices and encourage irrational consumption.