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Charlotte’s role in the intersection between NBA All-Star and sneaker culture

Call it a game within the game — a side show packaged within the biggest sporting event to hit Charlotte since 1991. Not the dunk or three-point contest, not the skills competition, celebrity game or any of the myriad events throughout the city.

NBA All-Star Weekend offers excitement in almost any direction, but look down to see some of the most exclusive sneakers in the world hit the Uptown pavement. No sport is more intertwined with sneaker culture than basketball, and this annual showcase brings with it some of the community’s biggest sneakerheads.

Combined Nike, adidas and Under Armour sold $37 billion worth of shoes in 2017, per Statistica.