Since the 2015 launch of the original Adidas and Kanye West's Yeezy, the sneaker industry has taken on a life of its own. Luxury brand collaborations and false scarcity created by limited edition releases has given rise to an underground cult following of collectors and sellers around the world. 

 

Australia is often the last to receive these releases, and therefore has the steepest price margins. But that also means the sneaker heads in Melbourne are some of the most devoted in the world, waiting days for the chance to buy a single pair. RUBY MULLER reports