By Brighton Zimidzi
Bulawayo, is set to host the sneaker Expo for the second time after launching it in May last year.
Sneaker lovers are set to convene at The Barn, in the plush suburb of Hillside, on the 22nd of October 2022.
The Sneaker Expo was founded by Mlamuli Zibusiso Moyo and Mthulisi Moyo, and later partnered with Leeroy Waps and Davison Feliate.
Sneakers are shoes primarily designed for sports or other physical exercise, but they are now widely used for everyday casual wear. Since their popularization by companies such as Converse, Nike and Spalding in the mid 20th century, they have become everyday attire, with variety growing in many global markets exponentially.
They are called “sneakers” because they give no warning of one’s approach because of their flat, pliable and typically rubber soft sole.
“The expo is basically about bringing together sneaker fanatics, service providers (sellers, artwork and cleaners) and we are also giving a chance to sneaker collectors for them to come and exhibit their sneakers”, said Mlamuli.
He added that the expo is meant to help sneaker lovers know where to find elusive kicks, how to identify an original sneaker and how they should take care of their sneakers to make sure they are well kept.
Entertainment will be from various local artists namely, Msiz’ kay, Ryan Synth, Slimzar, Stok swit, Kapitol C, Deeper Mr Stripes, Brintz and many others.
Admission tickets have been pegged US$5. Gates will be open at 12noon.
Mlamuli explained,
“Our plan is to continue growing the brand for example, have a big company like Bats to come and showcase.”
For now the Expo is for Bulawayo only, but they are planning to eventually have expo’s in other cities. Mlamuli added that they have been getting invitations from as far as Botswana, but they still want to grow locally then later then they can focus on other places.