05.03.14 Alameda Sneaker Pop Up Event - **Recap**
I wasn't able to attend the first Alameda Sneaker Pop Up Event because I was photographing a wedding that day, but I was able to attend the second sneaker event. Besides always attending DXC (Dunkxchange), it was a change up to see what other sneaker events have to offer considering I'm always working or doing something photography related. I ended up arriving to the event a little late, but was able to set up quickly thanks to the help of Ace, Derek, and Jasper. I had a booth, more or less a display with Ace, Derek, & Jasper and it was dope to team up with them and showcase some of our beloved sneakers.Upon arriving to the event, there was a line in which I thought was the entrance but it was a Hawaiian based apparel brand company that had majority of people just for them. While some left after waiting in line and finally purchasing what they wanted, many decided to stay and actually check out what the event has to offer. Although it's a different event ran by different people I'm not aware of, I was able to see familiar faces and catch up with them. It's one of the great things that I enjoy about the sneaker community.
Besides chatting it up with people, I always try and find some steals and deals. I wasn't planning to buy anything but thanks to the homie Andrew (Sole Food SF), he was selling a bunch of sneakers for twenty-five bucks! I was able to find some 2000 Navy & White XV's and 1997 Original Playoff XIII's, both for forty dollars! Best of all, they were my size of course. There were some other deals going on but nothing really in my size which is three of the common sneaker problems, size, condition and of course price.
Towards the end of the event, there was a sneaker battle. I was wearing my 1985 Metallic Green & White I's and I participated in the sneaker battle. I was in the top ten, which narrowed down to the top five, and then I was in the mens final sneaker battle against Aloha Dunks. Just regular Aloha Dunks, not the Kicks Hi samples at all. Since Hawaii was in the building and the crowd determines the winner, I ended up losing to Aloha Dunks. For this event, the winner receives a championship belt very similar to WWF/WWE wrestling belts and as he was receiving the belt, I gave him props and walked off. I knew I got robbed but it's all for fun really. I knew what I had on and how rare and difficult it is to find Metallic Green & White I's in my size with barely any paint coming off; just hairline cracks around the ankle collar. Can't win them all. All in all, it was a great event and had a great time. Can't wait for the next event!
