A Sneakerball is an exciting event for sneaker enthusiasts to come together and celebrate their shared love of sneakers. With a dress code of “sneakers required,” figuring out what to wear to a Sneakerball can be a fun styling challenge.
What is a Sneakerball?
A Sneakerball is a party or event centered around sneaker culture. Sneakerballs first emerged in the early 2000s as part of the growing sneaker convention scene. Today, Sneakerballs are held in cities across the U.S. and around the world.
At a Sneakerball, sneaker fans can come together to buy, sell, trade, showcase and appreciate all things sneakers. Activities often include:
- Sneaker exhibitions and showcases
- Live sneaker customizations
- Sneaker marketplace with vendors
- Sneaker cleaning services
- Dancing and music
- Sneaker styling competitions
- Raffles and giveaways
The highlight of any Sneakerball is the people and the sneakers. Expect to see rare, exclusive and highly coveted kicks on display. Attendees wear their most prized sneakers and ‘flex’ their best sneaker style.
When are Sneakerballs held?
Sneakerballs are generally weekend events held on Friday or Saturday nights. They typically start in the evening and run for 4-6 hours. Some of the most popular annual Sneakerballs include:
- Sneaker Con Sneakerball – Held during the Sneaker Con convention weekend in various cities
- Sole Superior Sneakerball – Toronto, Canada
- Adidas Spezial Sneakerball – Manchester, UK
- Sneakersnstuff Sneakerball – Stockholm, Sweden
Larger sneaker conventions like Sneaker Con often span a full weekend, with the Sneakerball held on the Saturday night. Smaller local events pop up in sneaker boutiques, nightclubs and event spaces.
Sneakerball Dress Code: Sneakers Required
The cardinal rule for any Sneakerball is wear your most stylish sneakers. Casual athletic shoes won’t cut it here – think rare Jordans, Yeezys and coveted collabs. Beyond the kicks, the vibe is smart casual:
| Recommended | Avoid |
|---|---|
| Designer sneakers | Flip flops |
| Slim jeans or joggers | Shorts |
| Bomber or biker jackets | Suits & ties |
| Snapbacks | Formal wear |
| Graphic t-shirts and hoodies | Athletic wear |
The aim is to complement your footwear with contemporary, edgy streetwear. Be creative and express yourself with layers and sneaker-inspired accessories like socks and shoelaces. Backpacks and crossbody bags are handy for carrying sneaker care essentials too.
Sneakers as the Focal Point
Your sneakers will likely be the most important part of your Sneakerball outfit. Plan your look starting with your kicks. Some tips:
- Choose your most rare, exclusive sneakers – think limited collabs, player exclusives, samples
- The newer and more DS (deadstock), the better
- Bring a backup pair in case you want to change it up
- Make sure they’re cleaned and looking fresh
- Consider creative lacing styles, lace swaps, etc. to stand out
At a Sneakerball, sneakers are made to be seen. Wearing iconic silhouettes like Air Jordans, Dunks or Yeezys commands respect. The more limited your kicks, the more you’ll turn heads.
Styling Sneakers for a Sneakerball
With sneakers as the focal point, you can get creative styling your outfit:
Go monochrome
Choose a single color and wear it head-to-toe. For example, an all-black outfit with black sneakers creates an edgy, sleek look.
Color complement your kicks
Match the colors in your sneakers with coordinating clothing pieces. Wearing blue jeans with the UNC (University Blue) Air Jordan 1s is a classic combo.
Let sneakers pop
Wearing neutrals like black, white, gray and nude on top allows bright sneakers to stand out even more.
Keep accessories minimal
Edit down jewelry, bags, hats and other extras to avoid distracting from your footwear.
Cuff and pinroll pants
Cuffing jeans helps showcase your shoes. For joggers and tapered sweatpants, pinroll hems to show off more of your sneakers.
Layer with cropped pants
Cropped jeans and trousers ending above the ankle draw eyes to your shoes. Add layers like socks and shoelaces.
Try distressed denim
Ripped jeans and destroyed denim play into the streetwear vibe. Fraying hems and distressed details can complement beat-up high-tops.
Top Sneakerball Outfit Ideas for Women
Cropped jeans + graphic tee + Jordan 1s
A classic streetwear uniform, this casual look pairs well with any high-top Air Jordans.
Leggings + oversized hoodie + Yeezy Boosts
For a comfy, laidback vibe, style neutral leggings with an oversized hoodie and Yeezys.
Leather leggings + cropped moto jacket + Air Max
Edgy moto jackets and leather leggings toughen up retro Max sneakers.
Destroyed skinny jeans + crop top + SB Dunks
Show some skin and rock Dunks with distressed denim cutoffs and a cropped shirt or bra top.
Pleated tennis skirt + Air Force 1s + knee socks
Make a preppy statement with a pleated skirt, white AF1s and sneakerhead accessories like branded socks.
Top Sneakerball Outfits for Guys
Skinny jeans + graphic tee + AJ1
You can’t go wrong pairing Air Jordan 1s with slim black or blue jeans and a streetwear graphic tee.
Jeans + hoodie + Yeezy Boost 350
Rep streetwear brands with an oversized hoodie, jeans and Yeezys for an effortless look.
Bomber jacket + joggers + SB Dunk High
Bomber jackets bring edge. Team with pinrolled joggers to show off Dunks.
Ripped jeans + flannel shirt + Air Force 1
Both flannel shirts and ripped denim are sneakerhead staples. White AF1s complete the look.
Cargo pants + retro tee + Jordan 4
Cargo pants and Jordans go way back. Wear them with a 90s basketball jersey for a nostalgic outfit.
Key Accessories
The right accessories take your Sneakerball outfit to the next level:
- Hats: Snapbacks, dad hats, fitted caps from brands like Supreme, Palace, Undefeated.
- Socks: Branded, ankle, crew, printed socks to complement your sneakers.
- Bags: Backpacks, bum bags, crossbodies and waist packs by Nike, Herschel, Supreme.
- Shades: Retro frames or contemporary shield glasses.
- Jewelry: Gold chains, sneaker charms, watches.
Conclusion
Attending a Sneakerball is the ultimate event for flexing rare sneakers and streetwear style. While the dress code is casual, you’ll want to take your outfit up a notch with trendy pieces that complement your most prized kicks. Focus on slim silhouettes like skinny jeans, joggers and leggings cropped above the ankle to show off those shoes. Accessorize with snapbacks, bags, shades, jewelry and add attitude with distressed washes. Most importantly, wear your newest, most exclusive sneakers to impress fellow ‘sneakerheads’ and get inspiration for your next lewk.