Sneaker Con NYC 2025 Laces Up for a Legendary Return
A Global Movement Comes Home
Sneaker Con isn’t just an event—it’s the heartbeat of global sneaker culture. On August 9-10, 2025, the show returns to its roots with Sneaker Con NYC at the Brooklyn Storehouse, a massive industrial space in the historic Navy Yard. Since launching in 2009 with a modest crowd in Times Square, Sneaker Con has exploded into a worldwide phenomenon with stops in over 30 cities, more than 300,000 annual attendees, and over 4,000 vendors and exhibitors globally.
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But no location hits quite like New York City. It’s where the show was born, and where sneaker culture itself was shaped by hip-hop, basketball, fashion, and street-level hustle. For collectors, this isn’t just a weekend market—it’s a pilgrimage.
Inside the Show: Sneakers, Culture, and Serious Business
At its core, Sneaker Con is the world’s largest buy/sell/trade sneaker marketplace. Expect more than 300 vendors, tens of thousands of sneakers and streetwear pieces, and cash buyers moving upwards of $500,000 in product across two packed days.
Want to trade a pair of grails? Head to the Trading Pit, where attendees bring as many pairs as they can carry and wheel-and-deal in an open market environment. Prefer a shot at glory? Step onto the main stage for the “40 for 40” game show, where sneakerheads compete for big prizes. Kids and casual fans can join in on the fun too, with claw machines, giveaways, and interactive games throughout the venue.
Please don’t bring fake shoes to Sneaker Con pic.twitter.com/0NPZkIebYm
— Sneaker Con (@SneakerCon) June 18, 2025
eBay Live: Bringing the Hype Online
This year, eBay Live returns as a featured partner of Sneaker Con, bridging the in-person buzz with real-time, interactive online shopping. From live auctions to “Buy It Now” steals, eBay Live lets fans around the world take part in the action. The Authenticity Guarantee program also gets a spotlight, offering free, on-site legit checks from eBay’s experts to ensure peace of mind with every purchase.
eBay has also teased exclusive drops, grail giveaways, and live content that will stream directly from the Brooklyn show floor—meaning even remote collectors won’t miss out.
A Who’s Who of Sneaker Culture
Sneaker Con has become a magnet for top-tier talent across sports, music, and streetwear. NBA legends like Dwyane Wade, Kevin Durant, and Dennis Rodman have dropped by past events, while hip-hop heavyweights such as Quavo, Fat Joe, and Polo G have performed or made appearances. Even crossover icons like Ric Flair and Chris Rock have added their star power, underscoring the event’s cultural reach.
Influencers and creators have pulled up as well, from resale king Benjamin Kickz to streetwear pioneer Jeff Staple and viral personalities like Kai Cenat and DJ Whoo Kid. While the full 2025 guest list is still under wraps, surprise appearances are part of the magic—making Sneaker Con NYC as much a cultural spectacle as it is a collector’s paradise.
A Family-Friendly Festival Vibe
Despite its high-end kicks and serious commerce, Sneaker Con has always stayed grounded in community. The show is all-ages and family-friendly, with something for everyone—whether you're a seasoned reseller, a casual fan, or a kid just trying to find your first pair of Jordans.
Why NYC Matters
There’s a reason Sneaker Con keeps coming back to New York. The city’s influence on sneaker culture is unmatched—from the blacktop to the runway. For many, Sneaker Con NYC isn’t just a show—it’s a homecoming. It’s where collectors connect, legacies are passed down, and new drops become future grails.
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Event Info at a Glance
- Event Website: Sneaker Con NYC 2025
- Dates: August 9–10, 2025
- Location: Brooklyn Storehouse, Brooklyn Navy Yard, Building 293
- Tickets: $30–$35/day (ages 4+), available online or at the door
- Pro Tip: Arrive early, wear comfy shoes, and bring your best pairs—you never know who you’ll meet or what you’ll find
Lucas Mast is a writer based in California’s Bay Area, where he’s a season ticket holder for St. Mary’s basketball and a die-hard Stanford athletics fan. A lifelong collector of sneakers, sports cards, and pop culture, he also advises companies shaping the future of the hobby and sports. He’s driven by a curiosity about why people collect—and what those items reveal about the moments and memories that matter most.
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