10 Reasons to Go to a Sneaker Show

Network, network, network. This is an opportunity to meet shop owners, insiders, and people to know in the sneaker industry. You never know what opportunity lies when you get to rub elbows with some of the people you either follow on Instagram or retweet on Twitter. This may even get you a foot in the door for an opportunity to work in the sneaker industry. Just try not to be all thirsty about it.

You smell that? That's the smell of deadstock sneakers and sweaty resellers trying to get their multiples off. It's the chance to wear sneakers that have been on ice since 2005. Bask in it. Go out there and enjoy the culture.

Sneaker shows not only bring in sneakerheads from all over, they also bring in athletes and celebrities into the fray. You may not have much in common with these superstars, but sharing the passion is priceless. You may even get an autograph or two, or maybe even a performance. Why pass up that opportunity?

When it comes to sneaker shows, this the time where vendors and people alike come through to stunt. Some people bring two or three hard-to-find pairs. Others pulls out all the stops and bring their entire collection. But these are the people who have a hard time letting go of their vaunted collections.

A lot of times at these types of events, local shop owners offer special discounts and deal on limited sneakers. They often showcase the collabs that are coming up soon. Shop owners are cool and down to earth, so don't pass an opportunity to talk to them. For all you know, they may hold you down on the next release.

Nike Air Mags, OG Air Jordans, and PEs are only the tip of the iceberg when going to these events. There are even Jordans that MJ may not remember himself--they were that limited. Don't hurt yourself.

You see them on Twitter and follow them on Instagram, but a sneaker show is the best time to chop it up with people who really drive the sneaker industry. You'll leave the event with a new take on sneaker culture, and learn about heat and important sneakers you didn't know existed. Small talk can take you a long way.

Sneaker shows are usually the biggest meeting grounds of people who share in the same things you are; Sneakers. You now have an opportunity to meet people (men, women and children) who love the culture of sneakers. This means you won't feel like the only dude in Iowa who knows the difference between a '94 and '01 Air Jordan I.

Look, we all don't like resellers. But If it weren't for these guys, everyone would still be fishing around to find their grails. Plus, it's always better to see the condition of the sneaker in person before making a purchase. You might make a deal, it doesn't hurt to try.

You may get referred to as a hypebeast, but at these events you will see that you aren't the only one. Hell, you will probably meet dudes that are way more OD than you are. Yes, more of a hypebeast than you are. But it's cool, though. There are levels to this shit.