Skip to main content

How Sneaker Con Provides a Trusted Marketplace for Sneakerheads Everywhere

Image used with permission by copyright holder

If you’re a sneakerhead, you understand just how important authentication is when it comes to buying an expensive pair of shoes you haven’t seen in person yet. That’s why Sneaker Con was created: to give sneaker enthusiasts  of all ages, sexes, shapes, sizes, and cultures a safe hub for buying and selling some of the rarest shoes on the planet.

Recommended Videos

Founded in 2009 by Alan Vinogradov, Barris Vinogradov, and Yu-Ming Wu, Sneaker Con’s goal is to unite a growing network of young entrepreneurs, influencers, and consumers who are connected through a passion for rare, authentic, and extremely cool kicks. In 2016, the company hosted 13 public conventions that attracted over 70,000 people combined in cities such as Los Angeles, London, Melbourne, Toronto, and Atlanta.

By implementing an extremely rigorous authentication program (that can even include weighing each individual shoe), the con provides the utmost confidence for attendees on any purchases or sales transactions they make. The veritable service is near-field communication (NFC) capable and offers interactive “Legit Tags,” which supply the full specs of each pair. This safe haven for shoe collectors was something the sneaker world was definitely missing.

The world’s premier traveling sneaker gathering is also going digital. Soon, Sneaker Con will launch an app that gives sneakerheads and kick geeks an easy and secure marketplace for finding sought-after favorites for your feet. The app includes everything from a content feed to keep users up-to-date on upcoming drops from big-name brands like Jordan, Nike, Adidas, and more; reviews on products; and other news surrounding sneaker culture. Sellers are provided with all of the tools necessary for managing their inventory and the opportunity to turn passion into a successful business venture.

If you’re interested in attending an actual Sneaker Con meetup, we’ve provided 2018 schedule below. Find ticket information online ($25-$45 for the event in LA) then connect with like-minded people to buy and sell your sneakers in a secure space.

2018 Sneaker Con Dates and Locations

Another option for sourcing legit fashions other than attending Sneaker Con is Stadium Goods’ app, which you can find here.

Bryan Holt
Former Former Digital Trends Contributor, The Manual
Bryan Holt is a writer, editor, designer, and multimedia storyteller based in Portland, Oregon. He is a graduate from the…
Topics
Wingtip shoes: What are they, and how do you wear them with confidence?
Know more about the shoe detail you love
brown leather wingtip shoes on top of each other

It’s no secret that many terms and phrases in the shoe world tend to be misused or forgotten. When differentiating between types of shoes, it can be challenging to know what is what. While it might seem easy to swap words or phrases, it’s important to know exactly what we are looking for and wearing. A small difference, such as knowing what constitutes a Chelsea boot or what an Oxford, is can help when learning more about your style or needs.

Even words or phrases not used often in styling can help pinpoint what we need when shopping or styling our footwear. A term like wingtip shoes might seem foreign or unimportant, but it can be the style detail you need for an upcoming event or look. Although wingtip shoes have a very recognizable detail, it doesn’t mean it’s a term often used when describing them. For that reason, we are breaking down the term and learning exactly what a wingtip shoe is and how to add it to your wardrobe for the ultimate style. 
What are wingtip shoes?

Read more
How to wear chukka boots: Style tips every man should know
A men's guide to chukka boots
Brown chukka boots

We don’t really believe in hard-and-fast rules around here when it comes to style — so much of it comes down to personal taste, after all. So we’re not going to say something like, "Every man absolutely needs to own a pair of chukka boots." But what we will say is that chukka boots are an incredibly versatile style of footwear that you’ll definitely get a lot of use out of year-round. That is, as long as you know how to wear them. It’s a lot to consider — but we’ve already done the legwork and picked out the best chukka boots for men right now.

Good news on the styling front, too: If we had to use one word to describe chukka boots, it would be "uncomplicated." Thanks to their clean lines, timeless silhouette, and laid-back styling, chukkas look pretty damn handsome paired with anything on the casual side of the spectrum. Whether you’re sporting a relaxed weekend warrior fit or headed out to a more business casual occasion, you can’t go wrong lacing up a pair of chukka boots. With plenty of options to pick from leather to suede, make chukka boots the new favorite shoe in your wardrobe.
Why are they called chukka boots?

Read more
How Comme Des Garcons and New Balance made running shoes sleek and chic
New Balance, Comme des Garcons create a new sneaker
overhead view of sneaker

In recent seasons, New Balance has reached into its vault to rerelease archival designs with modern updates. One of the latest archives to get updated is the 860v2, which has already seen a few remixes in the past. However, this time around, New Balance is teaming up with COMME des GARÇONS to create two new colorways that lean into a sleek and stealthy design. With a much cleaner and smoother look than New Balance is accustomed to, the 860v2 appears like an entirely new sneaker. A great option for those looking for a sophisticated lifestyle or running shoe, this collaboration mixes luxury with the practicality of running sneakers. 
COMME des GARÇONS x New Balance 860v2

In this collaborative sneaker, CDG and New Balance have created a slimmed-down silhouette and used smoother materials for a sleek look. Available in two monochromatic colorways, the 860v2 contains subtle tonal variations and mesh overlays for a cohesive aesthetic. Both color options have a white midsole with grey and black outsoles. In the two colorways, silver accents detail the heels, giving them some extra depth and edge. Above the pull tab, wearers will find the iconic red NB logo. Further branding comes inside the soles and tongue with COMME des GARÇONS and New Balance logos.

Read more