The 10 Best Sneakers Shops In New York City
When it comes to sneakers, few cities compare to New York, the metropolis that turned athletic shoes into a thing. However, unless you’re a seasoned sneakerhead, you might not know where to look, and searching such a vast area can turn into a mission. While some of the city’s best sneaker shops are all but impossible to miss, others are hidden. In either case, you don’t have to be a local to find the latest releases or whatever else you’re after. We’ll take care of you. Here are 10 spots that should be on every serious sneaker collector’s radar.
Reed Space — 151 Orchard Street, Manhattan
Reed Space has been doing its thing on the Lower East Side since 2003. The shop is obviously known for Staple Design, its house brand, but it also stocks a solid selection of shoes by New Balance, Huf, Vans, and more, not to mention an impressive range of gear. Don’t miss Reed Space’s collaborations — over the years, the shop has messed with everyone from Fila to Penfield.
Atmos — 203 West 125th Street, Manhattan
Atmos earned its international renown by way of its heavy-duty collaborations with brands like adidas, New Balance and Nike, among others. It’s also known for its Japanese exclusives and its day-to-day selection is definitely no joke. So if you’re uptown, you’ll want to check out a store known for drawing dudes like Grandmaster Flash and Method Man.
Premium Goods — 347 Fifth Avenue, Brooklyn
Park Slope’s Premium Goods is far from the biggest sneaker boutique in the city, but it stocks enough kicks by brands like Vans and Nike to make it worth a stop. It also carries a solid selection of gear, including its own brand, and its staff is always welcoming. If you’re in the area, drop in and see for yourself.
DQM — 7 East Third Street, Manhattan
DQM is what happens when some of the most legit skaters in the city open a boutique and stock it with the gear they like. You’ll find plenty of shoes by Nike and Vans along with clothes from Huf, Palace, the shop’s house label, and more. How many stores can count former pro skater Lee Smith as an employee and the legendary Gino Iannucci as a team rider?
Kith — 644 Broadway, Manhattan; 233 Flatbush Avenue, Brooklyn
Ronnie Fieg, a pedigreed sneaker designer, is behind Kith, a store with locations in Greenwich Village and Prospect Heights. Both shops stock all the freshness you would expect, including new releases from Nike, Asics and others. If you’re a Timberland head, you’ve definitely come to the right place.
Rime — 167 East 87th Street, Manhattan; 157 Smith Street, Brooklyn
If you’re in downtown Brooklyn, you’ll want to check out Rime. The shop, which opened in 2007, boasts a good selection of everything from Nikes to Ewings, including limited-run models. It also carries plenty of gear, so no matter what you walk in for, you probably won’t leave empty-handed.
Alife Rivington Club — 158 Rivington Street, Manhattan
As its name suggests, Alife Rivington Club feels a little more exclusive than other sneaker boutiques. After you’re buzzed in, you’ll find limited-edition Nikes, adidas and Vans, along with items from the shop’s own line. Alife Rivington Club is definitely worth a stop. Its atmosphere really does distinguish it from its contemporaries.
21 Mercer — 21 Mercer Street, Manhattan
21 Mercer is Nike’s answer to the sneaker boutique. It stocks releases that you’ll have a hard time finding elsewhere as well as a good range of Nike Sportswear. There’s also a Nike ID station for those in the market for something more unique. The store is easy to miss though, so if you’re not looking for it, you might walk right past.
Supreme — 274 Lafayette Street, Manhattan
Supreme, possibly the most recognizable skateshop on the planet, has been heavy in the sneaker game for years. The store’s regular selection of shoes, including plenty of Nike SBs and Vans, is obviously good, but it’s Supreme’s collabs — not to mention its line of clothes — that have heads lining up down the block.
Flight Club NY — 812 Broadway, Manhattan
Flight Club might have the most overwhelming selection of sneakers in the city. Whether you want SBs, Air Maxes, Air Trainers, or whatever, it’s all here. The shoes are on consignment and can definitely be pricey, but if you’re looking for something rare, this landmark is without a doubt the place to go.
Flight Club NY — 812 Broadway, Manhattan
Flight Club might have the most overwhelming selection of sneakers in the city. Whether you want SBs, Air Maxes, Air Trainers, or whatever, it’s all here. The shoes are on consignment and can definitely be pricey, but if you’re looking for something rare, this landmark is without a doubt the place to go.
When it comes to sneakers, few cities compare to New York, the metropolis that turned athletic shoes into a thing. However, unless you’re a seasoned sneakerhead, you might not know where to look, and searching such a vast area can turn into a mission. While some of the city’s best sneaker shops are all but impossible to miss, others are hidden. In either case, you don’t have to be a local to find the latest releases or whatever else you’re after. We’ll take care of you. Here are 10 spots that should be on every serious sneaker collector’s radar.