Sneakerheads and sneaker enthusiasts, listen up! The first-ever ‘Sneaker Con’ in Southeast Asia took place on April 20th and 21st, 2019, in the bustling city of Bangkok, Thailand. This grand event brought together thousands of sneaker lovers and collectors from all around the world. With over 250 vendors and a wide range of limited edition sneakers, it was undoubtedly a dream come true for sneaker enthusiasts. From retro Jordans to Yeezys, people came from far and wide to buy, sell, trade and showcase their beloved kicks. In this article, we will take a closer look at what made the inaugural Sneaker Con such an epic gathering for sneakerheads.
The Southeast Asian sneaker industry has been making significant strides, catching the attention of the global market. Recently, over 15,000 sneaker enthusiasts from around the world attended the two-day Sneaker Con convention in Singapore, a testament to the rapidly growing interest in sneaker culture in the region.
According to the organisers of Sneaker Con Singapore, an estimated 10% of the tickets sold were purchased by overseas attendees. The convention saw participation from prominent sneaker designers and artists, with Singaporean sneaker artist Mark Ong, popularly known as Mister Sabotage, launching his first collaborative sneaker with artist Jef Staple at the event. Ong said that there is currently a significant focus on Asian sneaker culture, and he was humbled by the support he received from his followers.
As per a statistical analysis website called Statista, the sneaker industry in Southeast Asia is predicted to see impressive growth of almost 3% by 2024, with an estimated market volume of 31.77 million pairs sold by 2028. This provides a significant opportunity for players in the industry to leverage the rising demand for sneakers in the region.
Alan Vinogradov, the founder of Sneaker Con, shared his vision for the event, which intends to embrace the early stages of Southeast Asia’s flourishing sneaker culture. He highlighted that the convention aimed to provide a platform for enthusiasts to engage with brands, artists, and experts, in addition to creating a platform for sneaker trading.
The convention was packed with exciting activities, including a ‘trading pit,’ where sneaker enthusiasts could buy, sell or trade their coveted collection. Another highlight was the giveaway raffle, where attendees eagerly participated in the hope of winning their favourite pair of sneakers.
The success of Sneaker Con Singapore is a clear indication of the growing sneaker industry in Southeast Asia. As per data from Euromonitor International, the sports footwear market in Southeast Asia alone is expected to surpass $9 billion by 2025. Factors like rising disposable incomes, changing lifestyles, and increased spending on fitness have all contributed to the growing demand for sneakers in the region.
Southeast Asia’s sneaker industry is also seeing tremendous interest from players in the global market. For instance, Nike has been working on creating “hyperlocal” sneaker designs that cater to the unique preferences and tastes of Southeast Asian consumers. The brand has also opened a multi-story flagship store in Manila, highlighting the importance of the Southeast Asian market for sneaker brands.
In conclusion, the Southeast Asian sneaker industry is on an upward trajectory and is expected to continue its growth in the coming years. The interest in the region’s sneaker culture was evident at Sneaker Con Singapore, which saw massive participation from enthusiasts worldwide. As demand for sneakers continues to grow, industry players must focus on catering to the tastes and preferences of local markets in the region to ensure their success.
