Sneaks Up

 

What were you doing ten years ago? Have your hobbies carried through life with

you? How has your taste in style change? What do you consider a hobby? Up until a few months ago, collecting sneakers wasn't exactly something I thought was a big deal. I was wrong.

Sneaksup is the Central Texas call for all sneaker-heads. For over ten years, avid collectors and enthusiasts take over the Cowboy Dancehall (San Antonio Tx). I admit, it was humors to see the seemingly endless amounts of Nikes in place of standard cowboy boots the dance floor often sees.   

There were Do Not Touch signs everywhere! This is serious business. Seriously, do not touch the merch. You smudge and you buy. The average sneaker was an easy $250, cold hard cash. I saw a few attendees throw $100 for a t-shirt...And here I am contemplating the real value of a $5 cup of Chai Tea. They ranged from the super rare to down right stylish.  

And of course, you can never let anything hold you back from your passions. You can take the shoe off the foot, but you can't take it from the heart. This guy brought his red flyer full of sneakers for sale/trade.  And don't think for one second this is just a place for guys. There were plenty of females rolling through, trading and selling kicks. There are definitely some shoes in this room that have never been walked in. I'm mostly talking here about the baby shoe division. This baby girl had more shoes for sale then I currently own. Start them young right?

The Air Jordans' were probably the most abundant at this years Sneaksup and I came across very few duplicates.  On second thought, Spurs merch might have been the most popular item in the house. Of course, this is San Antonio, and NBA finals were gearing up. This city takes great pride in their 5 time champs, very seriously. 

Although there were tables zig zagging all the way though covered in sneakers, attendees often brought a few pairs of their own. Take a quick glance around, sneakers will be held high in the air, someone will be balancing shoes boxes up to their chin, and the periodic deal being made.

The good thing about getting older? The gifts tend to mature with time. This year the grand prize for the raffle was a one of a kind sneaker customized specifically for Sneaksup. Not bad for potentially spending only a dollar on custom Nikes. 

 Norm had a humble sneaker trade show 10 years ago. It has since evolved into a an event the community looks forward to every year. Towards the end of a the show a toast is made to honor the sneaker head community. Make sure to wear clean socks because they raise shoes not glasses. 

-Zina