Sneaker Stores You Must Visit in Los Angeles
You already know Los Angeles for its famous Hollywood sign, traffic, and, of course, the Lakers, but you might not know that the City of Angels has got heaps of sneaker and streetwear stores to explore. Fairfax and Melrose are two of the most popular Avenues for shopping, with many sneaker stores within walking distance, but LA has even more to offer. And after you’ve seen it all, be sure to check out our Sneaker Store Guide for the creme de la creme of sneaker stores all around the world. But before you get too carried away, keep reading to learn about the best of the West Coast!
Round Two
Whether you’re a reseller, collector, sneakerhead, or just want to pop in for a visit, the Round Two store in Los Angeles has something for you. Since its inception in 2013 by Sean Wotherspoon, Luke Fracher and Chris Russow, the brand has expanded from a single location in Richmond, Virginia to being one of the sneaker community’s most important stores with locations in major shopping cities. The second-hand shop with a cult-like following is always buying new inventory, and grails include vintage Polo Ralph Lauren, Supreme x TNF puffers, endless iterations of Jordans, Air Maxes and Yeezys, and some obscure sneakers you’ve never seen or heard of before. Round Two is the place to go to find your next hidden gem!
Sneakersnstuff
Swedish sneaker sages SNS celebrated their twentieth anniversary in style, opening their LA outpost in 2018. The quintessentially West Coast Venice Beach location brings heat to the boardwalk, expanding the in-store experience with the SNS Souvenir Shop as a nod to classic Venice retail. Their usual top-tier selection is on offer, so you'll be spoilt for choice, and the Souvenir Shop is stacked with SNS merch for the diehard fans.
CoolKicks
While CoolKicks’ storefront may not be the most enticing, once you get inside you’ll surely be hooked. Another “Buy, Sell, Trade” store, CoolKicks is full of Yeezys in every size, Pharrell Human Racers in every colourway, and more Jordan models than you can count. CoolKicks’ fun environment is clear through their not one, not two, but FOUR claw machines to try your luck on some hyped prizes. A word to the wise: make your purchase before you blow all your money on the claw!
Bodega
If you’ve read our Boston Sneaker Shopping Guide you’re probably itching to stop at Bodega, one of the most famous yet low-key sneaker stores on the East Coast. Now, the West Coast is in luck — Bodega have chosen Row DTLA as the location of their second store. LA’s Bodega really is 'hidden in plain sight', so much so that, according to the notice on their website, 'Google Maps currently puts you at an incorrect location!' Only those truly in the know get the reward of visiting Bodega. Expect two bright and airy stories of sneakers, clothing, accessories, produce, and good vibes.
Flight Club
A pioneer of the sneaker-reselling scene, Flight Club has graced LA with one of their 3 stores, and countless pairs of sneakers. You’re bound to have an almost-overwhelming amount of options of kicks at Flight Club, and if you still don’t manage to find something you fancy, you can head over to their website for another look. Models like Nike Cortez, adidas Campus, and Asics Gel Lyte 3 provide more basic options, while grails like Yeezy Red Octobers ring in at a cool $7,000. Flight Club caters to every budget, and you can always cop some Flight Club merch if the price tags aren’t doing it for you.
RIF LA
Little Tokyo's RIF has been a mainstay consignment store since it opened in 2006, selling hard-to-find sneaks and the latest sold-out drops. Since then, they've expanded their wares into a second location just down the street that's jam-packed with apparel and accessories.
SoleStage
Just down the block is SoleStage, one of the more professional sneaker consignment shops. SoleStage stocks the rarest Bape tee’s, Supreme backpacks and accessories you’ve never even imagined before, and sneakers – lots of sneakers. SoleStage has got all your basic needs like Yeezys and Jordans as well as some rarer finds – at a heftier price tag, of course. The store is included in countless Los Angeles sneaker shopping videos on YouTube, and according to their Instagram, celebrities like Logic, Offset, Quavo, Gunna, Aleali May, and Isaiah Thomas have graced its presence. Drop a couple dollars and maybe you can get a feature, too!
BAPE
A relatively new addition to the Melrose scene, the Los Angeles A Bathing Ape flagship store opened its doors on 17 February, 2018. The store’s industrial interior of grey tones, steel, and concrete is a nice backdrop for the brand’s signature bright colors and camo. You can find Bape t-shirts, shark hoodies, Bapesta’s, accessories, and occasionally some LA exclusive merch! It’s advisable to stay away from the store on drop days (Saturdays), however, due to long lines and chaos.
Supreme
We know, we know – strictly speaking, Supreme isn’t a “sneaker” store, but since many of you reading this are probably hypebeasts as well, we feel it would be unfair to let you miss it when you’re shopping in the City of Angels. The store’s plain white facade is complemented by its signature bright red neon sign, and a line of dedicated hypebeasts that usually wraps around the block, of course! Make sure you have a few hours to spare if you want to make it inside the store.
The Magnolia Park
The aptly named flagship store sits on Magnolia Avenue, about a half-hour drive from Fairfax & Melrose. BE@RBRICKs, Supreme skate decks, and claw machines are abundant in this shrink-wrapped-sneaker heaven. In addition to selling sneakers, The Mag Park also boasts a basketball half-court and a DJ booth and sound system. Needless to say, The Mag Park provides a strong community of sneakerheads, ballers, and art and music enthusiasts.
Undefeated
Whether you’re a fan of Undefeated for their own merch, or you like their collaborations with brands such as adidas, Nike, A Bathing Ape, and FTP, you’re bound to find something that catches your eye. The South La Brea Ave location has an intimidating black exterior, but inside is filled with inventory and often plays host to events and launch parties. If you’re already a fan of the brand or looking to expand your horizons, it’s a great idea to pay a visit to Undefeated.
Union
Right across the street from Undefeated is Union, a haven for men’s streetwear, high fashion, and sneakers. When founded back in 1989, Union’s purpose was to display the clothing of New York City’s youth and counter culture. Since then the brand’s principles have remained the same, but they have moved to the West Coast, and curate up-and-coming brands from international locations, namely, LA, UK, and Japan. With brands like Wacko Maria, Acronym, and Alyx, Union is perfect to satisfy your edgier side.
Kith
A juggernaut of streetwear and sneakers, Kith have blessed Los Angeles with one of five flagship stores. In classic Kith fashion, the LA location has over 200 stark white Air Jordan 6 models hanging from the ceiling, a minimalist aesthetic that perfectly showcases current clothing and sneakers, and, of course, a fully-stocked Kith Treats cereal bar for a quick pick-me-up after a day full of shopping. Shop founder Ronnie Fieg’s carefully curated brands like R13, adidas, Helmut Lang, Common Projects, Lucky Charms, Cinnamon Toast Crunch, and more!
Blends
Lesser known than its competitors in the sneaker and streetwear industries is Blends. The brainchild of Tak Kato and Mike Toe was founded about ten years ago with the purpose of combining their experiences growing up in Japan with global products: thus, Blends came about. Sneakers range from Vans, Pumas and Yeezys to “sneaker alternatives” such as the Clarks x Stussy Wallabees or Doc Martens. If you’re planning to visit keep an eye out for the store, as – true to its name – its facade blends right in with its surroundings!
Dover Street Market Los Angeles
Part streetwear, part high fashion, and part interactive museum: Dover Street Market’s LA edition has got it all – even a cafe! DSMLA’s industrial atmosphere is an ode to the building's former days as a warehouse, and now the barren floors and walls complement the rotating art exhibitions famous at all DSM locations. Attention to detail is evident throughout the stores and can be seen in the meticulously folded clothing, perfectly organized hanging racks, and spotless rooms. If you’re looking for more than just a retail experience, DSMLA is your go-to!
Sportie
As the name suggests, Sportie carries all kinds of sport shoes and sneakers. The notorious store boasts a large variety of sneakers, as well as generous selections for women, men, and children. You can find all kinds of footwear here — from Minnetonka and Birkenstock, to adidas and PONY. Sportie also stocks the essentials like Crep Protect, Jason Markk, ’47 Brand and Wu Tang to complete your purchase! Don’t pass up Sportie for a one-stop-shop for all your necessities.
BAIT
LA is also home to BAIT, another top-tier sneaker boutique. Sneakers, streetwear, skate and snow products are in full force at the Melrose store. You can find a multitude of goods including Nike, adidas, Barney Cools, Onitsuka Tiger and Stussy (just to name a few). Alternatively, you can browse through BAIT’s many obscure collaborations, which include Toy Story, Naruto, Monopoly, Sriracha and SpongeBob!
Don't forget about our sneaker itineraries for Tokyo, London, Melbourne, New York, Berlin, Chicago, and Boston. Also, be sure to check out our comprehensive Sneaker Store Guide to plot your next kickspedition.
