Sneak-er peek at Durban’s sneaker fest

While Louboutins and Jimmi Choos will make an appearance at the Metro FM music awards‚ sneakers‚ too‚ will take centre stage in Durban on Saturday.

Africa’s largest sneaker trading event Sneaker Exchange (SXC) - where 3000 “sneakerheads” are expected to descend at the Rivertown Beerhall - will coincide with the awards event.

Zaid Osman - founder and co-director of SXC‚ who owns about 120 pairs of designer sneakers - said the timing for the sneaker fest couldn't be more "perfect".

“We’re having Cassper Nyovest attend a meet and greet with the fans. It’s going to be awesome.”

Previously performers like AKA and Riky Rick have appeared at the event.

SXC‚ which the sneaker store owner started in a Cape Town coffee shop four years ago‚ gives sneaker collectors a chance to buy‚ sell or trade sneakers - brand new or in near mint-condition.

“The whole premise of the event is that it’s about sharing the love of a culture few people know about or understand.

“I created this event so that I could share my childhood passion for sneakers with others‚” said Osman‚ whose collection is valued at over R120‚000.

“I’ve always been a fan of sneakers. I loved it since I was a kid.

“The event has a lot of collectors’ items.. People don’t mind wearing second hand sneakers especially if they can’t get them anyway else.”

Osman said the annual event is used as a platform to explore the sneaker culture‚ which includes hip hop music.

“It’s also about various different art forms. Brands like Puma and Nike started getting involved.

“The sneaker culture is definitely growing in South Africa. There are a lot of sneakerheads‚ but we still have room to grow. I think globally South Africa is where people are going to start looking for inspiration.

“You do already see it with fashion. With sneaker culture everybody looks to New York and Hong Kong but nobody really knows what is happening in Africa.”

Tebogo Mogola‚ SXC’s co-director‚ said: “There’s no denying that the global brands will always hold a certain appeal‚ but it’s time South Africa rallies behind and supports local designers just as passionately.”

TMG Digital/TimesLIVE