Factories and local manufacturers are overwhelmed with leftover inventory, and not all brands destroy excess supplies.
As a sneaker enthusiast with a passion for streetwear, I couldn’t bear to see all those incredible pieces go to waste. This has been a persistent issue for major brands, especially since many have outsourced production to China for cheaper labor. It took me a while to navigate this landscape and build connections, as these factories aren’t easy to find online or in person.
After much persistence and effort, I managed to persuade some of these factories to sell us their leftover inventory as “backdoors.” While this term may be unfamiliar and met with rejection initially, I embraced the idea that consistency breeds success. Eventually, I was able to gather a wealth of unassembled parts throughout my career.
With most brands now sourcing materials from China, we only needed a limited number of pairs to identify the exact materials for the products we now offer on ZipLocker. That’s why we typically wait for an official retail release before launching an item.
Thus, ZipLocker was born—becoming one of the leading companies for Unauthorized Authentic streetwear & sneakers.