As the “Official Sneaker Cleaner of Sneaker Con Los Angeles”, cleanser mixologist Jason Markk had the privilege to capture some behind-the-scene look at the first ever Sneaker Con Los Angeles. Unfortunately, he got to the Los Angeles Convention Center late last Saturday. Luckily, he was still able to capture some of the sights and sounds from the inaugural event. And while the reception was not as hectic as the one in New York City two weekends ago, there was still plenty of dealings going on. In fact, Markk nearly sold out his inventory by the day’s end.

The West Coast can finally breathe a sigh of relief, as the greatest sneaker event in the world is heading that way this weekend. The wait is almost over, with the massive show hitting the LA Convention center tomorrow, December 17th. As you no doubt are already aware of thanks to our recap of the recent NYC event, Sneaker Con is the premier place for aficionados to buy, sell, trade, and generally celebrate the culture of footwear. So if there’s a particular pair you’ve been chasing down, a grail item you are looking to sell, or you just want to ogle all the heat that will be in the building, then don’t miss it. Follow us after the jump for the full details, and we’ll see you there.

Sneaker Con L.A.
Los Angeles Convention Center | Map
1201 South Figueroa St.
Los Angeles, CA 90015
December 17th, 2011 – 12pm to 7 pm

It was a curious coincidence with a Lamborghini Gallardo parked right in front of the venue but Sneaker Con NYC went without a hitch yesterday afternoon at 151 Sullivan Street. Thanks mostly to an unexpected mild winter day and last minute holiday shoppers, the event drew another record breaking crowd. In fact, so many attended the event that the line-up to get in formed beyond a city block. Similar to any well organized chaos, the event was quite daunting for those unfamiliar with the landscape. For most however, it was like any swap-meet/flea market, with exception this one dealt mostly in sneakers. Right at the front of the entrance, the guru of squeaky clean kicks, Mr. Jason Markk, was there in-person with his specially formulated cleanser, many would attest to on how it worked wonders on their prized processions. At the event space’s end, adidas Originals showcased its Fall/Winter 2011 Collection. Attendees also saw, for the first time, the adidas Originals Jeremy Scott Collection for Spring/Summer 2012, Another highly anticipated collaboration, the EXTRA BUTTER x Reebok Pump AXT “AHCHOO”, made a first-time appearance in public as well. Folks in attendance took part in the showcase feature of their collections with plenty of Foamposites, Jordans, Air Yeezy, even several Nike MAGs.   Of course, the success of this latest Sneaker Con NYC was largely because of support from folks like DJ Clark Kent, All Day of Team ATF, Premium Pete, and vendors who took part in it. As the year comes to a close, Sneaker Con will make one last stop this Saturday, December 17th, when the craziness moves to Los Angeles Convention Center in Downtown L.A. for the first time. Stop by to see what is everyone talking about if in the area. Meanwhile, see if you (or your kicks) made it onto our extensive event coverage after the click…

Photography: Poe/Freshness

So you waited and waited, all the while thinking you will have enough time to look around. Now, its two weeks before Christmas and you’re in full panic mode. But there is no need to commit “credit card seppuku” and purchase the $5000 Nike MAG on eBay just yet. Stop by Sneaker Con as the Big Apple once again plays host to the popular event. Who knows, you just might find some last minute gift ideas.  So when you get a minute tomorrow afternoon, swing by 151 Sullivan Street in SoHo and check out the festivities.

Sneaker Con NYC
151 Sullivan Street | Map
(bet. Houston And Prince Street)
New York, NY 10002

Event Date: December 10th, 2011 (Saturday) | Noon – 7 pm

Just one week after Sneaker Con‘s homecoming engagement in the Big Apple, the premier event for sneaker collectors and aficionados goes coast to coast for a long overdue appointment with the City of Angels. That’s right, Sneaker Con is coming for the first time to Los Angeles, with its King Kong mascot in tow to seek out the Southland’s devoted legion of sneakerheads. Circle your calendar for December 17th, and come to the Los Angeles Convention Center to buy, sell or trade your rare or vintage sneakers. Avoid the overcrowded malls and get your holiday sneaker shopping needs done in one day, because we know sunny Los Angeles has heat to spare.

Sneaker Con
Los Angeles Convention Center
1201 South Figueroa Street | Map
Los Angeles, CA 90015

Event Date: December 17th, 2011 (Saturday)

After trailblazing around cities in the East Coast, New York City will once again play host for the latest round of Sneaker Con. Mark Saturday, December 10th on your calender as this might be the perfect timing to snatch up some gifts for your family, friends or even a little something for yourself. There is bound to be a record number of rare and prized sneakers for sellers, traders and buyers from fellow sneaker connoisseurs. As there is only few weeks away, it is time to sort out your sneaker inventory or start making a list of kicks you are missing in your collection.

Sneaker Con
151 Sullivan Street | Map
(bet. Houston And Prince Street)
New York, NY 10002

Event Date: December 10th, 2011 (Saturday)

The showing of support at Sneaker Con‘s very first Washington D.C. venue was such that organizers decided to host another first at the nation’s capital – a two-day Sneaker Con event. Took place over the weekend within the confine of Atlas Performing Arts Theater, thousands of sneaker heads made the rotation through some 70+ vendors on site. They hailed from every part of the Eastern Seaboard, New York, New Jersey, Pennsylvania, West, Virginia, Virginia, Maryland, the Carolinas, even as far north as Maine and Vermont, all for the opportunity to take part. With generous sponsorships from adidas Originals, Chiv Culture, and retailer DTLR, visitors also get the chance to purchase a limited edition Sneaker Con t-shirt as well. Based an unscientific exit poll during the closing hours, an estimated over 5,000 pairs of sneakers changed hands over the course of Sneaker Con’s 2 days, making it the most successful venue thus far.

Photography: Freshness

Whether you call yourself a sneaker enthusiast, aficionado, connoisseur or head, your presence is requested on the occasion of Sneaker Con D.C. And by all means, those who just have a passing interest in sneakers are invited as well. It’s a testament to the success of the previous D.C. event that Sneaker Con makes its way to the nation’s capital just months later, this time for a two-day outing. So bring your collection of rare and vintage kicks and get ready to buy, sell or trade, and show Congress how deals are done. Last week’s Miami Sneaker Con was a rousing success, but we know the DMV area will come out just as strong.

Atlas Performing Arts Center
1333 H Street NE | Map
(between 13th Street and Linden Ct)
Washington DC

Event Dates: August 6th, 2011  (Saturday) – August 7th, 2011 (Sunday) | Noon – 7 pm

First and foremost, many thanks to the vendors and fans who not only made Sneaker Con Miami possible over the weekend, but a success as well. In the venue’s first outing to the Cruise Capital of the World, over 30 vendors showcased their latest and greatest, from the hottest apparel to the freshest sneakers. A few, like New York’s City Sole and Chicago’s Windy City Sole, flew in just for the occasion. But it was the attendees from the surrounding Dade-Miami County as well as far off places like Chicago and Las Vegas, who made the first Sneaker Con Miami such an unique experience. Despite of their lost, the citizens of Miami still showed their unwavering love for the Miami Heat, in the form Nike LeBron 8 South Beach. While others saw the opportunity to stock up on their Jordan collection for the new school year. As a token of “thank you”, Sneaker Con’s sponsors adidas Originals and Mr. R Sports gave out 30 pairs laser etched adidas Originals Superstars and 150 Sneaker Con Miami tees during the event’s course. For those who couldn’t attend over the weekend, you’ll have another opportunity later this month in Washington D.C. You can also attend the next Sneaker Con Miami scheduled to return later on this year. Stay tuned for more details.

After New York then Miami, it is DC’s turn to welcome the Sneaker Con once again and with the last DC show being the most successful event, this show in August should be another show not to be missed. Sneaker heads will have the opportunity to buy, sell or trade their beloved possessions during the event. Of course, you can just go and enjoy the festivities as well. The venue of the event will be the same as last time with the exception that DC will be Sneaker Con’s home  for 2 full days. Expect another record breaking turn out and be there early to get in on the action.

Atlas Performing Arts Center
1333 H Street NE | Map
(between 13th Street and Linden Ct)
Washington DC, 20002

Event Dates: August 6th, 2011  (Saturday) – August 7th, 2011 (Sunday) | Noon – 7 pm

“Say hello to my little friend!” Well entrenched in 2 major sneaker hubs on the East Coast, Sneaker Con will be making an inroad to southward to the city of Miami end of this month. For the first time, sneaker aficionados in the Dade County area can trade, buy, or sell their prized collection. Need to update your sneaker walls? Or still looking for that pair Jordans that you never found? Sneaker Con Miami will be your venue to do all that and more. Along with sponsoring partners adidas Originals and Mr. R Sports, a slew of media outlets (305 MG, CitySole.com, Freshnessmag.com, InsideTheSneakerBox.com, Osneaker.com, NiceKicks.com, SoleFly.com and SneakerNews.com) will be on site so make certain you don on your best. Sneaker Con Miami will go down on Saturday, July 30th, 2011, from Noon to 7 pm inside the Fieldhouse at the University of Miami.

Sneaker Con Miami
Fieldhouse at Bank United Center
University of Miami
1245 Dauer Drive | Map
Miami, FL 33146

Event Date: July 30th, 2011 (Saturday)

Live Music: DJ Leo Rodri

Despite the scorching summer temperature and their pre-Father’s Day itinerary, Team ATF members DJ Clark Kent, Mayor, and All Day made their ways to Saturday’s Sneaker Con NYC as show of support (Thanks Gents!). Though a coordinated appearance was difficult because of each person’s schedules, all 3 stopped by the event about 30 minutes apart, chatting with fellow sneaker heads and photo ops with fans as well. And as expected, each also wore some rare collectables. For DJ Clark Kent, it was a nod to the New York Yankees with a Bronx Bombers’ fitted cap along a pair of Nike Air Force 1, perforated with stars and laser etched with the Yankees’ interlocking “NY” emblem. Mayor did jus the opposite with his black gold attire that included a solid-gold dog tag and a pair of Air Jordan 6 (VI) Retro – Black/Metallic Gold from the Defining Moments Pack (DMP). Not a man with many words, All Day spoke volumes in his aqua marine and brilliant green mix of MCM premium leather backpack and Air Force 1 Bespoke in identical colorways accentuated with a reflective highlights. Wondering if the trio will make their ways to Sneaker Con in Miami and Washington D.C. later this summer as well…

Photography: Poe for Freshness