Joseph Manuel

Joseph Manuel

Joseph Manuel was raised on the West Coast and has spent the majority of his life in Oregon. Read More

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a designer looks at a sneaker a designer looks at a sneaker
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SneakerWeek founder Herbert Smith works on a new shoe design.
Credit: Ashley Anderson

Sneaker Week

Celebrate your sneaker obsession at this event featuring Portland’s iconic shoe brands.

Editor's Pick
2 min read
Joseph Manuel

Joseph Manuel

Joseph Manuel was raised on the West Coast and has spent the majority of his life in Oregon. Read More

Editor's Pick
When
Aug. 5–11, 2021
9:00am–9:00pm
Free
Where
Various Locations

From the minds behind Pensole, a footwear design school in Portland’s Old Town Chinatown neighborhood, Sneaker Week brings the sneaker industry to life with events and educational opportunities catered to sneakerheads and footwear newbies alike. 

Know Before You Go

As of June 30, 2021, COVID restrictions have been lifted in Portland and the state of Oregon. While events are now allowed, some events may still be canceled, postponed or held virtually. Please check the event website for the most up-to-date information.

Sneaker Week

Sneaker Week is a celebration of all things sneakers in the footwear capital of North America. Curators, fans and collectors will gather to experience music, design, art and education at locations around Portland. Past festival partners have included hip local businesses, like PENSOLE Academy, Deadstock Coffee and Index PDX, so expect lots of good stuff.

PENSOLE Academy is a footwear design school in Portland’s Old Town Chinatown neighborhood. The school was founded in 2010 by D’Wayne Edwards, a former designer who has worked for Nike and Jordan Brand. Pensole’s curriculum has changed the lives of hundreds of sneakerheads, propelling many into careers with giants like Nike and adidas.

Portland and the Footwear Industry

Portland is kind of a big deal in sneaker culture — in fact, it’s sometimes called the sneaker capital of America. The Portland area is home to industry heavyweights like Nike’s world HQ, the adidas U.S. headquarters and a new Under Armour campus. Other footwear companies based here include Keen, Mizuno, Columbia Sportswear, Hi-Tec, Bogs and OluKai.

The Mission of Sneaker Week

Pensole Academy Marketing Director Herbert Smith created Sneaker Week to educate and connect. Worn and loved by many, sneakers do more than just protect your feet — they hold origin stories and deep memories. Enthusiasts have their own “holy grails” and love to swap tales about how they got their most coveted pairs. Sneaker Week offers ample opportunities for sneakerheads and industry professionals to collaborate, grow the culture and share stories.

Check out sneakerweekpdx.com and their Twitter for more information about the upcoming festivities.

Upcoming Dates & Times

Aug. 5
9am–9pm
Events, Festivals, Shopping
5 To Try

Streetwear Shopping

  • PENSOLE Footwear Design Academy

    This ultra-competitive design school opened in 2010 and has educated pupils from over 35 different countries. Many attendees ultimately gain employment at the biggest names in the footwear industry, many of which are headquartered in Portland.

  • Deadstock Coffee & Gallery

    Inspired by “sneaker culture,” Deadstock Coffee & Gallery offers premium coffee alongside an eclectic mix of gift items, including t-shirts, hats, mugs, drawing journals and espresso tampers.

  • Index PDX

    Index PDX is a one-of-a-kind sneaker consignment store. The latest Yeezys sit alongside previously owned Air Jordans in a minimalist industrial space.

  • Compound Gallery

    At Compound Gallery, American and Japanese pop culture come together in the colorful form of novelty goods, toys, art publications and streetwise apparel, including a collection of hard-to-find Nike footwear.

  • BAIT

    BAIT specializes in sneakers — an exception to the predominantly male sneakerhead culture, they also carry a refreshing assortment of goods for women. Other offerings include apparel, accessories, collectibles, skateboards, hats and more.

Street & Sportswear

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