Rare Shoe Draws Crowd

   How do you know you’re getting old? When the sight of young people lining up all night to buy a pair of sneakers leaves you shaking your head in wonderment.

    That is exactly what occurred at Sneakerology, located beneath London Jewelers just off Main Street in East Hampton, on Friday night, when word got out that a rare Nike sneaker — only 18 pairs — would be available the next morning. A line formed of approximately two dozen hopeful customers.

    The shoe, a Retro Jordan 4 in turquoise and black with orange highlights, is a “quick strike,” or very limited release, according to Sneakerology’s manager, Joe Karl of Montauk.

    The sneaker retails for $180, but it still drew a young crowd, 16 and up, “whose parents would let them be here,” from as far away as Nassau County and as early as 10 p.m., 12 hours before opening time. “At least there was nice weather,” said Mr. Karl.

    The term for these footwear fanatics, he said, is “sneakerheads,” who follow blogs, posts, and Web sites dedicated to the release of new shoes.

    “The day before, we got quite a few phone calls,” Mr. Karl said.

    By 10:30 a.m. all the Jordans had been sold. Those who were unable to claim a pair walked away gracefully.

    “They know the process,” said Mr. Karl.