Kicks n Coffee Sneaker Festival: a celebration of sneaker culture

With a buzz overspilling from coffee kicks, Big Penny Social was rammed with sneakerheads all ready to get their feet into the latest and rarest designs on offer. The eBay collaboration with Kicks n Coffee returned this weekend in sunny North East London, capturing sneaker heaven for the crowds browsing the variety of vendors that filled the hall.

Kickstarting the morning right, punters flocked to the Hermanos Coffee Corner, exchanging the tokens handed out upon arrival, for smooth columbian coffee which was sure to heighten the senses with each sip. Bustling and lively, the event was not short of attractions with the Crep Protect live cleaning station which could be likened to a throne, for those in need of sneaker aftercare, and a live DJ for those milling about the stands. 

One attraction that piqued the most interest was the eBay sneaker drop, with a claw machine where some lucky attendees got their hands on raffle tokens for two mystery Authenticity-Guaranteed sneakers or an eBay Tote Bag. The tote bag was a big hit for lugging around customer’s tons of brand-new creps. 

The vibrant atmosphere was matched by hundreds of colourful sneakers boasted by each stand including exclusive and signed releases for avid collectors. Amongst these hidden gems were Ducky’s Kicks’s 2007 Nike Dunk SB Low ‘What the Dunk?’ sneakers with panels made from 32 different Nike trainers, with the pair being only one of 250 in the world.

Image: Nike Dunk SB Low ‘What the Dunk?’ sneakers

This year The Rack returned, handling some of the rarest sneakers at the event and appeasing collectors with the special edition Air Jordan 1 ’85 Wings made in Italy with pony hair-on-hide leather. A steep deal for sneakerheads, these releases retail for over £850. For trainers that sparkled from the shelves, Trash Angel’s custom and hand-made rhinestone air forces by founder Rachel Mocker proved unique and eye-catching. The event even had its own station run by eBay where all sneakers bought on-site could have their authenticity guaranteed. 

The pinnacle of the day was, of course, the raffle prize draws in which two excited winners got their hands on a pair of exclusive Nike SB Dunk Lows worth over £300 or Jordan 3 Retro SP releases. The much-anticipated event was not before two live panels on mental health hosted by ambassador Giulia Zed and Pro Zech Kicks Khronicles respectively.

Featuring content creators Sneakernomicz, Culture Force, FDF from the Future, as well as cancer awareness influencer Will Wise or ‘Cancer Bae’, the panels discussed the importance of communities like sneakerhead culture in bringing people together, creating conversation, and breaking down the stigmas of cancer and mental health within a safe, relaxed space.

More than simply celebrating sneaker culture- Kicks n Coffee provided a platform to elevate both the footwear and the socially conscious conversation in a way that was impactful and energising.

For more lifestyle events across the UK, head to our Things To Do page. 

Check out our What's On Guide to discover even more rowdy raves and sweaty gigs taking place over the coming weeks and months. For festivals, lifestyle events and more, head on over to our Things To Do page or be inspired by the event selections on our Inspire Me page.