It took a while, but I came to a critical realization with regard to the “Electric Blue” (formally Retro Blue) Nike Air Foamposite Pro. It was an epiphany, of sorts — a revelation, in fact.

I cannot be a sneakerhead if I allow my frustration with hypebeasts to sway my legitimate preferences, to deter me from acquiring kicks I truly like.

The South Beach Mania triggered by last winter’s Nike LeBron 8 release reared its teal and pink-laced head almost instantly when pictures leaked of the Electric Blue Pro. Blog commenters exclaimed, “South Beach Foams!” while others began their search for quality pink laces to throw into the Foamposite.

Summer 2011, turquoise Foamposite Pro, pink laces, SOUTH BEACH. There was no escaping it.

Why? Why is everyone so inspired and motivated by this “Miami Vice” colorway? It was unique on the LeBron 8, but everything teal or turquoise or aqua or sea green is not unique to South Beach. Why the fascination?

If you ever wanted to learn about the etymology of hypebeast or why the term exists, this is it. The hype took on a beastly form, ravaged the sneakerhead culture, and developed a deafening buzz. We’re talking custom South Beach Jordan 6 Retros and South Beach Air Force 1 Bespoke. Jordan Brand jumped in on the fun for Dwyane Wade’s signature Fly Wade in South Beach colors, too.

No. Escape.

It’s got nothing to do with the colorway itself. I mean, I’d never wear it (I think). It’s my lack of understanding that overwhelmed me. I don’t see the reason for such extreme popularity. People enjoying loud, eye-grabbing colors is nothing new, so the South Beach love makes sense with that, but the insanity for the color scheme is mind boggling.

The “South Beach” LeBron 8 is marked around $1000 on Flight Club. That’s one-thousand dollars, or too much money.

*****

So I bypassed the July 2 release for the Air Foamposite Pro. Waiting on lines isn’t my thing, and my obvious frustration with the South Beach fascination soured me on the shoes altogether. I planned to pass, knowing the Electric Blues would sell out quickly at retail and get marked up immediately online.

In fact, just a month after the Electric Blue release, the box price jumped from $190 to $300 or more on Flight Club. I refused to pay that and, fortunately, I didn’t have to.

Someone I know, whose identity I’m sworn to protect, picked up a pair at discount for someone who never reached out to him. When that connection faded, the person I know asked me if I wanted them for what he paid. How could I say no to a pair of shoes I liked for nearly half the going rate?

Funny enough, I hunted for these when I visited the Nike Employee Store a month ago, with no luck. There was size 14 in stock, but I don’t have socks thick enough to fit my size 11 foot comfortably in one of those boats. Sure, I’m going a half size up with these, but it’s not the end of the world.

I’ll definitely get over it.