All the other kids with the pumped-up kicks

MANILA, Philippines - It was back in the ‘90s growing up where I discovered the fondness I had for footwear was beyond normal for someone pre-pubescent. I was six years old when my parents got me my first pair of LA Gear’s L.A. Lights in white with details in royal blue. What made these kicks cool was that the heel would light up in red with every step. I’m pretty sure this was what put LA Gear on the map for most kids, but it was also the pair that sparked my interest in shoes. 

It was only recently that I discovered that there were avenues beyond the web to feed the shoe-hungry monster inside me; that there was a whole other world of people in Manila who were hungrier than I was. Beginning his collection in 2003, Antonio Aguirre Jr. is a bonafide sneakerhead with over 500 pairs to date. A member of the Sole Haven Sneakerheads Community with a background organizing events, he’s the guy we have to thank for Manila’s biggest sneaker event, which is also the first in all Asia.

Sole Slam was the very first sneakercon held in Asia.

The first Sole Slam Manila happened September last year and it was an instant success. “I only expected 1,500 guests, but I was really in awe when 3,845 guests arrived. There were over 30 vendors at the venue, which made it an instant hit (with) the public!” he says, still fascinated by the growing sneakerhead community in the country. Those who didn’t get to go last time shouldn’t worry because Sole Slam is back right in time for Christmas.

Like the last one, this Sole Slam will carry kicks from well-known brands like Nike, Adidas, Reebok, Vans, Puma, Converse and New Balance. The newcomers in this wave are Creative Recreation, Feiyue and Civic Duty. “It’s a sneaker party. It’s also the one-stop place for you to buy sneakers and street wear at a friendly price where you can haggle with the vendors. Just make sure you bring cash because if you think twice about a pair of sneakers, they might not be there after a few minutes,” Aguirre warns, making sure guests come prepared.

This Sole Slam features a wide selection of must-haves, from the freshest Lebron 9 colorways to the latest Kobe 7 and the much awaited Jordan III Concords. They’ll also carry some early release kicks, to be launched in 2012, for avid collectors to purchase. This year will feature performances from DJ Ace Ramos, DJ Nix Damn P and BigBoy Cheng, PYT, Dice & K9 Mobbstarr. And Beatbox Pilipinas at the convention.

Collectors in attendance can bring a maximum of five pairs of sneakers to sell and trade. These conventions are interactive; a place where like minds get to convene about something they’re truly passionate about. On display, there will be two exhibits up from hardcore Filipino sneaker collectors, Team Last Man Standing and Team Heats or Hates, with over 160 pairs of “Holy Grail” status sneakers. Even the limited edition Nike MAGs, Marty McFly’s famous Back to the Future kicks will be in attendance, which is definitely a must-see.

* * *

Sole Slam is happening today at the Ronac Art Center in Ortigas Avenue, Greenhills, San Juan. VIP ticketholders may enter at 12 noon, while General Admission ticketholders have access from 2 p.m. to 8 p.m. All participants are encouraged to donate an extra pair of shoes and flip flops for their sneaker fund drive. For more information, visit facebook.com/SoleSlamManila.