Come September 19 there's going to be a mighty broo-ha-ha up at Sugar nightclub on Rundle Street as the sneaker-clad masses converge on the annual kick-tastic Sneaker Party.

The event was sparked after local radio head Jules (off Nova) was barred from entering a night-spot *cough* escobar *cough* because he was wearing a pair of Onitsuka Tigers. Now, love or hate the 'sukas, you've got to agree it’s pretty backward to be stopping a guy at the door for a neat pair of kicks. Thus the Sneaker Party was born as a celebration of all things rubber-soled and loosely laced.

Now there's a prize on the night for the best sneakers on show so we got our friend and total sneaker nut, Adam Dekok from First in Flight to shed some light on what he would and wouldn't let into the club come the 19th. "Don't judge a book by its cover, just because it doesn't have the Nike tick or whatever doesn't mean it's not a great sneaker. There's rare-as national brands from all over the world (a la dunlop KT 26 from here). I would say the most important thing to look for is that the sneaker be clean, no scuff marks and the laces be tied just right. Oh and don't even think of stepping in with those kung fu slipper things." Agreed!

So to help you get into the swing of things, whether you're a conoissuer or 'av been rockin the same pair of crusty Vans all year (like me), Merge has got a bit of a list together for your consideration.

- josh

Dubbed the "seven deadly sins" pack, these Reebok Pumps for girls make me like the opposite sex... like... a lot. Is that a sin?
Reebok Pump Omni Lite $240 | Available from First in Flight | Shop 07 Ebenezer Place 5000

Points to anyone wearing ostrich skin sneakers (see the ones on the right... oooh). But I will raise you a point and a mint julep if that man's not wearing a gay-pirate shirt with cleevage to match! Onitsukas are about the ultimate club-floor-dancing device I must say.
Left: Onitsuka Ultimate '81 $149.95
Middle: Mexico 66 Mid Runner $179.95
Right: Mexico 66 Lauta Peacoat $199.95 - Mike says it's made from Ostrich leather!
Available from Realstore | 244 Rundle Street 5000

OK yes, you might remember them from an earlier story on this 'ere site but - whatever. Don't judge me and my love of duct tape. Anyone who's ever tried to fix anything will tell you how Duct Tape has saved their life, probably literally! The thing about these sneakers too is that apparently, the way they're manufactured, no two are the same!!
Comes in Skytop (Left), Vaider (middle) and Skylow (right) forms.
Available from USG | Shop 12 Promenade Level | Adelaide 5000

With a white paint splodge for you to draw your own logo and a spot on the toe for corporaate arse-kicking, the Blackspot Sneaker from Advusters is 100% hemp and made in a 100% unionised factory in Portugal. So if you bawk at sneaker fetishism but don't mind the boogie, slap on a pair of these eco-friendly, guilt-free sneakers that are actually designed by a magazine - how dreamy!

Available from Goodies and Grains | Shop 22 in The Central Markets 5000

We figure there’s gonna be a few heads on the Jordan tip so you might need to go a bit sideways. Easily achieved with Air Pegasus ($160 left) and Air Maxim ($200 right) for the guys and a spotty Dunk Hi ($150 middle) for the lasses.
Available from First In Flight | Shop 07 Ebenezer Place 5000

Normally I wouldn’t put vans in, because I believe like Chuck Taylors, Vans are beyond sneaker bickering they are that which is imitated! But these three are on exclusive distro with Shaun at Edukated and well, I’m in deep like with the centre pair.
Left: Vans Half Cab Lx $150
Middle:Vans Half Cab Lx full leather detail $250
Right:Vans Era. $140
Available from Edukated | Shop 13 Regent Arcade 5000

Ad-i-das or A-dee-das? EIther way, it doesn't matter if you're a guy or girl... when Run DMC say Shell-Toe, you Shell Toe (Right)! And, really the ladies have got it covered in that there Originals store with the stupidly cute Nizza Mid Sleek (centre) and the sure-to-sparkle-on-the-dance floor Top Ten Hi (left).
Available from Adidas Originals | Shop 24 Regent Arcade 5000

It's the life for me! A clean new pair of three-hundred-dollar purples suede chucks to spill champagne all over! Chin chin.
Left: A-Life Purple Suede Chuck $300
Middle: A-Life Chaser $210
Right: Everybody High America $220
Available from Edukated | Shop 13 Regent Arcade 5000