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Wednesday, November 18, 2009
Features / Events Sneaker culture invades QC with NC Sneaker Summit
Posted By Kimberly Lawson on Wed, Nov 18, 2009 at 1:18 PM
It wasn't until we started this blog did I become aware of how intense the sneaker culture is. I've been through Black Sheep and Niche and was aware of the type of products out there, but it wasn't until Klepto was bombarded with comments from sneakerheads over an interview a writer did with a local shoe connoisseur that I became aware of the passion those involved in the sneaker culture really possess.
To further solidify my belief in that there are indeed people with vast respect and worship of the sneaker, here comes an event I'm sure will attract a whole slew of sneakerheads: The second annual NC Sneaker Summit.
Sponsored by local spots like Black Sheep, Flava Factory and Velocity Style, amongst so many others, this event brings you the opportunity to really see kicks that you just won't find at Foot Locker. KT, one of the founders of the events, says one of his goals with the Sneaker Summit is to help people become more aware of the sneaker culture. "Just like ladies with purses, there are counterfeit purses out there everywhere now, you know. It’s the same concept with sneakers as well," he says. "People are selling bootleg sneakers for $40, $50, and a lot of times kids don’t know the differences. It’s obviously hurting the business and the shoe market and also a lot of these mom-and-pop businesses that are opening up around North Carolina. It hurts me to see these kids with Air Jordans with Spongebob on the side. They don’t know the difference. They’re like, ‘Oh, I got a unique pair of shoes’ but, no you don’t ... those are just counterfeit sneakers — why would you support that?"
Last year, the event drew in over a thousand people in Raleigh, and KT expects the number to grow.
This year the Sneaker Summit will be held at the Metrolina Expo. You can expect to see businesses and collectors displaying their merchandise — most likely things you won't be able to find at your local mall — live entertainment, artists and more. Raffles will be drawn at the top of every hour, and there will also be a special $20 raffle for the chance to win some very rare sneakers, valued at around $600.
The admission price is $5, which includes the price of your raffle ticket. For more information, check out their Web site.
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