Solemart Berlin 2011

Solemart first began almost half a decade ago in Berlin as a small gathering of sneaker collectors and enthusiasts. The first meetup was held across the street from Solebox in hotel conference room in Berlin, Germany. After the success fo the first Solemart, Hikmet – the owner of Solebox – continued to arrange the event annually and it grew so big that by 2010 it was being held in various places around the world, such as Paris and Amsterdam.

This year’s Berlin-based Solemart was held at the Zeiss-Großplanetarium in Prenzlauerberg. Folks were lined up in the hundreds to be the first to get into the spherical, dome-shaped building and browse through the various booths and stands packed with rare and vintage sneakers and apparel.

Many brands (of course including adidas) supported the event, and various local boutiques – such as Hip Hop Vinyl (HHV), Overkill, Solebox, STAB, and Strawberry – came with their freshest gear to sell. Other independent sellers from all over Europe also setup shop in hopes of finding loving homes for some of their finest treasures.

Drinks and food were served outside in the beautiful sunny weather while young and old patrons alike searched the soles, played videogames, and created their own Forum Mids in a specialty “mi adidas” competition. The event was relaxed, yet exciting, people lingering well into the evening, marking a perfect end to this hot Berlin summer.

We’ll miss you Solemart… until next year!

written by Dylan Cromwell

photography by Harold Kohn