Sneaker Stores You Must Visit in New York City
This article was updated on November 20, 2023.
It’s no secret that New York City is known for being one of the world’s best fashion destinations. However, what is a secret to some is where and how to find the best places to shop for sneakers when you visit the Big Apple. Lucky for you, we’re here to help.
Aside from the well-known places like the flagship stores for adidas and Nike, there are a few other sneaker stores that are necessary to stop in when you’re in NYC. Even if you’re not looking to purchase anything, the atmosphere in these places will make you feel at home, regardless of whether you’ve travelled from a long way away. As an added bonus, there are so many good restaurants to fuel you as you go on your way!
UNDEFEATED
UNDEFEATED have been the game since 2002, with stores primarily on the West Coast of the US. They have however recently opened doors abraod, with two in Japan and three in China. Now, the 5 Strikes have finally opened up shop in NYC, right in the heart of Soho at 75 Kenmare Street, which is directly off the 6 and JZ train. Carrying the likes of Nike, adidas, New Balance, and their own in-house label, UNDEFEATED have curated a beautiful shop that tries to differentiate themselves from their West Coast chapters but still rooted in sports and military influence.
Kith
Ronnie Fieg’s famous New York City Kith store recently opened their new building which contains three floors of heat on the corner of Lafayette and Bleeker streets. With products ranging from The North Face and Carhartt WIP to Aimé Leon Dore and Stone Island, you won’t be disappointed by the range. On the second floor, there is a room that has rotating exhibits highlighting the newest collaboration, so even if you’re not planning on buying anything, it’s always worth a walk in the store to check out their signature art pieces. If you need a little pick-me-up, make sure to stop by the Kith Treats counter for a signature cereal-ice-cream blend!
A Bathing Ape
Walk a little bit down Greene Street and in the middle of the block you’ll find the BAPE store. Though it may look out of place next to the Chloe and Tiffany & Co flagship stores, it’s no surprise to find people camped outside the store on any day of the week. They recently renovated and opened the second floor of the BAPE townhouse, and the range includes a plethora of men’s, women’s, and kids clothing and accessories.
EM PTY Gallery (Off-White Store)
EM PTY Gallery, or more colloquially known as ‘the Off-White store’, should be your next stop. The store has the largest selection of Off-White in the city, and in-store products are constantly changing with each of Virgil’s new collections. Again, the line outside may be long, but if you’re searching for the latest Off-White piece, EM PTY Gallery is the place to go.
Stadium Goods
Hidden in plain sight, world-famous Stadium Goods is the best place to find that rare pair of kicks you’ve been dreaming about. With floor-to-ceiling walls of sneakers, and a glass case full of coveted Supreme and Louis Vuitton accessories, this place is a shrink-wrapped heaven. As an added bonus, the store often contains a large range of sizes and styles, from Disney Vans to Supreme Vans, BAPE Stas, Yeezys, and every Air Jordan model you can imagine. The staff are also extremely helpful, so if you want to see another size don’t hesitate to ask!
Supreme
It kind of goes without saying, but when you’re in New York City it is absolutely necessary to visit the original Supreme store. Founded in 1994 by James Jebbia as a small community skate shop, the store now has permanent barricades outside to keep the lines of people (often around the block!) in order. While the original store on Lafayette undergoes renovation, the Supreme store has temporarily relocated to a bigger space on the corner of Bowery and Spring streets. When you finally make it inside the store you will be met with Supreme’s signature aloof vibe, but that’s all part of the brand’s charm. Visiting the Supreme store is worth the wait, but if you’re there on a Saturday and don’t have a ticket in line, you won’t get in the store. Otherwise, if the line looks long, be sure to reserve about a half-hour for this stop.
Extra Butter
Dedicated to offering customers a ‘cinematic retail experience’, Extra Butter makes sneaker shopping feel like a movie. The small boutique on Orchard Street is decorated to resemble a movie theatre, hence its seemingly-obscure name. Complete with red velvet curtains, a cash register made to look like a concession stand, and plush theatre seats for trying on shoes instead of couches, this is only a preview of Extra Butter’s calm and cool atmosphere!
Flight Club
With a reputation as one of the original and most famous sneaker resale marketplaces, it’s no surprise that Flight Club boasts walls upon walls upon walls of shrink-wrapped treasures. Floor-to-ceiling racks of sneakers line the walls of the sparsely-decorated space right off East 11th Street, and the abundance of rare and almost priceless sneakers leaves one in awe. With so many options and sizes to choose from, Flight Club really is full of Shrink Wrapped Dreams!
Concepts
Although Concepts is a short walk away from the heart of Soho, it is another sneaker store that shouldn’t be missed. Concepts is loaded with the créme de la créme, and also boasts a stack of top tier apparel and accessories. The store’s interesting and thoughtful decor is another added plus!
Sneakersnstuff NYC
Sneakersnstuff got things started back in 1999, opening up their first location in Södermalm, Sweden. Fast forward to today, those humble beginnings have blossomed into seven locations, with the Meatpacking District location setting up shop in 2017. Carrying accounts like adidas Consortium and NikeLab, the SNS NYC location also doubles as an event space with its adjacent bar, open for special events and pop-ups. Check them out at 22 Little W. 12th Street.
West NYC
Tucked away in the Upper West Side off the 123 train, West NYC have been doing their thing for over 15 years. They’re your friendly neighbourhood boutique, carrying brands like and wander and nanamica alongside the heavy hitters such as Nike, New Balance, and adidas. Catch them at 147 W. 72nd Street and get yourself Gray’s Papaya afterwards.
atmos
The NYC outpost of Japanese sneaker titan atmos, there was no way this wasn't going to make the list! The boutique is located up in Harlem, and though it is chock-full of sneakers and streetwear, its premium fitout holds its own next to the shelves of Grails. Coveted atmos BE@RBRICKs and other creative displays are scattered around the store.
Jimmy Jazz
A Harlem landmark for over 20 years, Jimmy Jazz has an unbeatable quantity and variety of sneakers and clothing. More similar to Foot Locker, Jimmy Jazz has a large selection of GR sneakers and streetwear – like Air Force 1s, Kappa, and a wall of caps and snapbacks. Jimmy Jazz is a great place to go for all your basic sneaker needs.
Dover Street Market
Dover Street Market is a hub for high fashion products, although they do also stock streetwear brands. Their range includes adidas, A Bathing Ape, Converse, Brain Dead, ASICS, Gucci, Kiko Kostadinov and many more. Hosted in a 1908 building with groovy interiors, Dover Street Market is an experience not to be missed.
