Sneaker Con Everything You Need to Know as a Buyer or Vendor

Sneaker Con has cemented its reputation as the world’s premier sneaker convention, drawing sneakerheads, collectors, and entrepreneurs from across the globe. With events in major cities like New York, Los Angeles, London, Shanghai, Sydney, and Toronto, Sneaker Con has become a cornerstone of sneaker culture, attracting over 200,000 attendees and 4,000 vendors annually.

Sneakercon's official site stated, “Sneaker Con is a global traveling event for sneakerheads of all ages. Buy, sell, and trade, meet influencers, get sneakers authenticated and more!”

What is Sneaker Con?

Sneaker Con is a live marketplace where enthusiasts can buy, sell, and trade authentic sneakers, streetwear, collectibles, and accessories. Each event transforms a convention center into a bustling marketplace, featuring over 250 vendors and more than 100,000 items under one roof. Attendees can expect everything from the latest sneaker releases to rare, sought-after “grails,” as well as apparel and exclusive drops.

A hallmark feature of the event is “The Trading Pit,” an open floor space where attendees can negotiate deals, swap sneakers, and talk shop. It’s described as “a real-life eBay without the risk,” offering a safe environment for transactions and community building.

“A hallmark feature of Sneaker Con is ‘The Trading Pit’, an open floor space where attendees can buy, sell, and trade their sneakers. Here is where enthusiasts come to talk shop and strike deals, making Sneaker Con an appealing, safe space. It has become a real life eBay without the risk.” stated  Blue Bite Case Study.

How to Participate as a Vendor

Vendors are the lifeblood of Sneaker Con, ranging from independent sellers to established retailers. Each vendor space comes with two vendor passes, with the option to purchase additional passes during the reservation. Vendors can sell sneakers, clothing, jewelry, and streetwear, but food and drinks are not permitted.

To participate:

• Reserve a vendor space through the Sneaker Con vendor page.

• Each space includes two vendor passes.

• Additional passes can be purchased if needed.

• Vendors must load in and out their merchandise each day.

• No carts, dollies, or anything with wheels are allowed inside, so plan to hand-carry your inventory.

• Vendors are not permitted to sell food or drinks.

How to Participate as a Buyer

Buyers and collectors are encouraged to bring as many pairs of sneakers as they can carry, again, no carts or dollies allowed. Tickets are required for entry and can be purchased online or at the door (cash only at the door). Once inside, buyers can browse hundreds of vendor booths, negotiate deals, and even trade with other attendees in The Trading Pit.

A unique feature is Sneaker Con’s authentication service, where experts verify the legitimacy of sneakers to protect buyers and sellers from counterfeits. The event also offers cleaning services and opportunities for cash-outs from top sneaker buyers. Sneaker Con is a live marketplace where you can buy, sell, and trade authentic shoes. Yes, attendees are encouraged to bring as many shoes as they can carry to sell at Sneaker Con.

To protect their attendees from dupes, Sneaker Con introduced ‘authenticators’ to the convention: experts in sneakers who could analyze a physical shoe by eye and determine whether or not the sneaker was genuine or fake.

The Sneaker Con Experience

Sneaker Con is more than just a marketplace; it’s a cultural phenomenon and a business hub. Millions of dollars are transacted at each event, with buyers and sellers ranging from young entrepreneurs to established business owners.

“I just moved into my own apartment out of my parent’s house. I'm living solo totally off sneakers. I'm saving. I'm investing. So I could say it's very lucrative.”  said Matthew Caraballo, Vendor.

“Millions of dollars are going to be exchanged and it's amazing. We are all excited because we know we are starting to get back to whatever that new normal is.” said Jaysse Lopez, Urban Necessities Store Owner.

“You see moms selling for their kids who are running around buying. It's incredible. That leads to the younger sister also getting into it. And now you have tons of female role models who design shoes.” stated William Debord, Sneaker Con Managing Director.

Sneaker Con

Sneaker Con stands as the ultimate destination for sneaker enthusiasts, collectors, and entrepreneurs. Whether you’re looking to score rare kicks, build your business, or simply immerse yourself in sneaker culture, Sneaker Con offers a dynamic, welcoming space to connect, trade, and thrive. For the latest event details and to reserve your spot as a vendor or buyer, visit the official Sneaker Con website.