Seen At 11: Sneaker Resale Is A Kickin' Business For Shoe Fanatics

NEW YORK (CBSNewYork) -- Just about everyone owns a pair of sneakers, but there are some who have made a lifestyle -- and a handsome profit -- from reselling their coveted kicks.

As CBS2's Chris Wragge reported, sneakers are a true fashion statement for some, and big resale business for others.

Jason Hart recently came to Flight Club sneaker store not to buy, but to consign – asking $1,500 for some Nikes that originally retailed at about $200. In the last two years, he said he has made good money on the market.

"Somewhere in the six figures," he said.

Another man, Bobby Yang, said he spent about $400 a pair for some Jordan-Supreme collaborations – hoping they would be worth much more in a year or two. And at Stadium Goods, a new spot for sneaker consignment, some Adidas designed by Kanye West -- Yeezy's – were also hitting it big in the resale market .

They were consigned for just under $1,000, with no shortage of buyers.

But sneakers have now become so coveted, there's usually a line -- some more intense than others -- for the weekly new releases.

According to business writer Sara Germano, the resale market alone is over $1 billion a year.

"Right now, we just happen to be in a very, very strong athletic-oriented fashion era, and so it's sort of never been a better time to be a collector or someone who loves wearing these things," Germano said.

Among those collectors is Yu-Ming Wu, who publishes sneaker news, buys sneakers in multiples -- some to wear and some to resell.

"I'm probably down to 800, 900 pairs," Wu said.

It's that type of collector who supports the inventory in consignment stores.

"You can pay $200 for a pair of sneakers. If you end up not wearing them, chances are you're going to be able to sell them again," said John McPheters founder of Stadium Goods.

Some are willing to pay nearly $25,000 for their dream sneaker.

"I think it's like a great time to be a resller, because now with these options; now with these opportunities, it's never been bigger if you play your cards right," said Steven Luna, director of cosignment at Flight Club.

For anyone wanting to get into the resale game, just know it's not for the faint of heart. You have to really know the market and stay on top trends and new releases to make the big money return.