I ask myself this question about Satisfy all the time. From my own personal style, I love seeing the punk aesthetic in the running world, which is usually filled with synthetic fibers and standard colorways. I was obsessed with Satisfy when I first saw their stuff—then I saw the price tag and realized I’d probably never be able to justify it.
The duality of being "limited" is tough. Being limited obviously generates hype and gives you the feeling that you've acquired something no one else has. The best example of "limited," in my opinion, is the old SB Dunk era. However, the Dunk earned its limited status through small production runs and exclusive release locations, whereas Satisfy relies on small runs and a hefty price tag. That comparison makes it easier to see why Satisfy gets a bad rap for its pricing.
Brick-and-mortar sale locations aren’t what they used to be (though I’d love to see them and random pop-up events make an even stronger comeback than we’re currently seeing), and limited online drops have lost traction thanks to bots. This dilemma forces brands to generate exclusivity in other ways.
To me, the problem is the price tag, not the limited run. It feels inauthentic to punk—a lifestyle rooted in anti-establishment values and acceptance of all walks of life—and to running, which is supposed to be the most accessible and inclusive global sport.
If I ran the show, I’d invest in community activation and do smaller runs of clothing only available at specific events like group runs, twilight races, or even concerts. Ticket the event and sell the merch at a reasonable price. Doing so would keep margins close to the same, thanks to the paid entry. This strategy works twofold: it helps build the brand’s storytelling on a personal level and cultivates exclusivity while remaining inclusive.
I agree! I don’t find them so much sold out as limited in where they sell.
They only distribute at stores which fit their vibe.
They are for sale at Mr Porter and SSENSE alongside other luxury labels for a reason, and unavailable at Running Warehouse for the same reason.
They **also** are expensive, using higher quality materials / production techniques, and dial in all the little details which don’t come free.
The community driven approach though is similar to how merch was originally distributed (not the incredible tired online pre sale drops that Travis Scott does). It’s for the fans that show up, not someone looking for a quick flip.
I’m super curious about what age group is mostly buying Satisfy. Are they appealing to an older millennial who grew up with the aesthetic and now actually have money to spend and want to hold onto the nostalgia? If so guilty over here, I love the look of moth tech even if I could DIY it. (Probably because I could DIY it but I no longer have the time
I ask myself this question about Satisfy all the time. From my own personal style, I love seeing the punk aesthetic in the running world, which is usually filled with synthetic fibers and standard colorways. I was obsessed with Satisfy when I first saw their stuff—then I saw the price tag and realized I’d probably never be able to justify it.
The duality of being "limited" is tough. Being limited obviously generates hype and gives you the feeling that you've acquired something no one else has. The best example of "limited," in my opinion, is the old SB Dunk era. However, the Dunk earned its limited status through small production runs and exclusive release locations, whereas Satisfy relies on small runs and a hefty price tag. That comparison makes it easier to see why Satisfy gets a bad rap for its pricing.
Brick-and-mortar sale locations aren’t what they used to be (though I’d love to see them and random pop-up events make an even stronger comeback than we’re currently seeing), and limited online drops have lost traction thanks to bots. This dilemma forces brands to generate exclusivity in other ways.
To me, the problem is the price tag, not the limited run. It feels inauthentic to punk—a lifestyle rooted in anti-establishment values and acceptance of all walks of life—and to running, which is supposed to be the most accessible and inclusive global sport.
If I ran the show, I’d invest in community activation and do smaller runs of clothing only available at specific events like group runs, twilight races, or even concerts. Ticket the event and sell the merch at a reasonable price. Doing so would keep margins close to the same, thanks to the paid entry. This strategy works twofold: it helps build the brand’s storytelling on a personal level and cultivates exclusivity while remaining inclusive.
I agree! I don’t find them so much sold out as limited in where they sell.
They only distribute at stores which fit their vibe.
They are for sale at Mr Porter and SSENSE alongside other luxury labels for a reason, and unavailable at Running Warehouse for the same reason.
They **also** are expensive, using higher quality materials / production techniques, and dial in all the little details which don’t come free.
The community driven approach though is similar to how merch was originally distributed (not the incredible tired online pre sale drops that Travis Scott does). It’s for the fans that show up, not someone looking for a quick flip.
yea but MothTech™ holes are body-mapped on over-washed combed cotton for strategic ventilation, focusing on heat-prone areas of the upper body..
MothTech™ lowers heart rate
I’m super curious about what age group is mostly buying Satisfy. Are they appealing to an older millennial who grew up with the aesthetic and now actually have money to spend and want to hold onto the nostalgia? If so guilty over here, I love the look of moth tech even if I could DIY it. (Probably because I could DIY it but I no longer have the time