Walks On Water Kicks Cultivates Sneaker Culture in Downtown State College

Walks On Water Kicks recently opened in downtown State College as a buying, selling and trading sneaker shop connected to the already-established Pregame Barbershop at 413 E. Calder Way.

Creator Spencer Haley is a Penn State grad and a barber at the shop. When he started cutting hair at Pregame Barbershop, he noticed an empty room inside and knew such a space shouldn’t go unused.

“I didn’t want to have to wait for them anymore or drive two hours to find a store that was reselling shoes, so I just said, ‘I’m going to make it,’” Haley said.

Since the shop opened this past summer, Haley says he’s brought in more than 200 luxury streetwear sneakers, including Air Jordans, Yeezys, Off-Whites and more. The shop carries sizes from a youth 7 to a men’s 16.

The shop hopes to become more than a retail experience by cultivating a sneaker culture in the heart of the borough.

“Because we live in State College, where there’s little-to-no sneaker stores into culture, having something here for people to physically come by and sell and trade is the perfect opportunity,” Haley said.

The store is similar to online sneaker trading sites like GOAT and StockX, but at WOW Kicks, Haley allows visitors to try on the sneaks and negotiate the price. Haley also pays sellers in cash, which is another benefit of having the physical location.

Haley uses applications to authenticate and scan high-end sneakers to make sure they’re legit. Of course, he also uses his built-up knowledge, too.

Prices are based on the current market value and the condition of the shoes.

“Even if they’re used, popular shoes still have value,” Haley said.

WOW Kicks also carries a small section of apparel, including “hypebeast” clothes like celebrity personal brands. Haley says he wants the shop to be a place where students can sell their own personal lines.

Above all else, Haley hopes the sneaker shop will become a community fixture for anyone looking for a space to hang.

“If you care about sneakers, you can just come to talk with us and hang out,” he said.

If you would like to sell your shoes, you can send a message to Haley through the store’s Instagram page. If you’re interested in a gig helping WOW Kicks with its social media, reach out to Haley through his email.