Sole searching
Is it the shoes? Yes, it is
In Tokyo, a RedEye correspondent once saw more than 200 sneakerheads lined up for a new release, some having encased their prized footwear in costly transparent rubber armor.
Baton Rouge gets its own glimpse of the cult tomorrow, when the privately-run 2nd Annual BR Sneaker Fest lands at the Main Library from 11 a.m. to 6 p.m.
Sneakers, once merely useful, remain absurdly valuable. The priciest ever sold were eight pairs worn by Michael Jordan during NBA playoff runs across eight seasons. They fetched $8 million at auction, proving again that capitalism runs fastest in limited editions.
The Baton Rouge gathering will bring collectors, buyers, sellers and traders together for a day of shoes, food, fashion shows and a trading pit.
“We are bemused by it and are excited to have a fun community event in our fun community space,” says Mary Stein, assistant director of the East Baton Rouge Parish Library, who wears BOBS by Skechers because she can slip into them and the maker donates to charity.