Known as the ‘City of Love’, Paris is renowned for its rich cultural history, iconic architecture, and its tasty AF creps – no, we’re not talking the pancake variety. Back in 1987, Tinker Hatfield was inspired to design the classic Air Max 1 after catching a glimpse at the ‘inside-out’ architecture of The Centre Pompidou. Since that exchange, the Swoosh and Paris have both grown to become superpowers in the sneaker game. With dozens of local hot spots catering to everyone from the homegrown heads to big spendin’ ballers, Paris is a dream sneaker destination, no matter where your sole allegiances lie.
Navigating this megalopolis can be a headache, but fear not – we’ve pinpointed the must-visit alcoves for your Parisian sneaker expedition. Bon voyage!
SHINZO BASKETBALL
Located in the city centre, SHINZO has multiple locations, all on the same block, dedicated to various sneaker categories. The basketball store has one of most impressive sneaker set-ups in all of Europe, packed with the latest Jordan Brand and Nike releases, as well as historic, uber-rare Grails.
The space definitely skews more towards the b-ball crowd (as if the scores of classic NBA jerseys lining the walls didn’t already give that away), but the trip will be well worth it even if you're not a baller. The rotating conveyor-belt display upstairs is nuts!
Opium
Located just around the corner from SHINZO is Opium – another local hot spot for the avid Jordanheads. Having built a reputation as a basketball-focussed retailer, Opium has since branched out to become much more than that.
The inventory runs deep, with the latest from the Three Stripes, ASICS, Vans, PUMA and Reebok complementing the Jumpman lineup. Also, if you’re in the market for some Nike ACG goodies, this store is a must-visit.
Sneakersnstuff Paris
Part of the retailer’s ever-growing empire, Sneakersnstuff opened a new location in the French capital back in 2015. Just like their other establishments, Sneakersnstuff Paris houses a wide range of brands and apparel inside a beautifully-executed Bauhaus-inspired interior. Always worth a visit!,
Starcow 1996
Paris streetwear/sneaker stalwarts Starcow have taken it back to basics with a brand new location just a stone’s throw from their principal store. They wanted to create a space with an authentic, throwback vibe – ‘just like when we first opened’ – and we got to say they’ve delivered in spades.
Specialising in timeless items, special releases (including rare Dunks), graphic tees, and collectibles, Starcow 1996 is a more memorable pitstop compared to the main space. However, you’ll no doubt end up visiting both of them.,
Larry Deadstock
Arguably the city’s best consignment sneaker store, Larry Deadstock is a hype fiend’s wet dream! The archetypal sought-after labels are all there – Supreme, Palace, Off-White, Jordan Brand, and Yeezy, just to name a few – but it’s the sheer volume of goodies that will blow your mind.
A must-visit, whether you’ve got the dough or not.
Snipes
Boasting more than 300 stores across Europe and the US, it’s safe to say that Snipes have become a retailing behemoth. The brainchild of Sven Voth, Snipes first opened in Essen, 1998, citing hip hop, streetball, dance, and action sports as their inspiration. Frequent collaborators in the pop-culture space (including a Stranger Things collaboration last year), Snipes recently announced DJ Khaled as their chief creative officer. WE THE BEST!
Pigalle
Specialising in hard-to-find Japanese labels, Pigalle takes its name from a former red-light district in Paris. Collaborating on clean renditions of the Air Force 1 and Air Raid silhouettes, Pigalle is the epitome of Parisian swagger. Founded in 2008 by Stéphane Ashpool, Pigalle is a must for any self-respecting sneakerhead.
NikeLab P75
From Tokyo to New York to Paris and over the pond, Nike Lab established their maiden European outpost in 2014. Located in the former Marais book store, NikeLab P75 reconstructs the two-story library into chic space stocking seriously coveted collaborations from across the globe. Offering some of the most advanced footwear on earth, you might need a notepad and pen for this one – there’s plenty to study!
Footpatrol
The widely-respected Footpatrol threw open their Parisian doors in 2018. The OGs since London ‘02, Footpatrol are providing some of the most elusive sneakers in the game from their shopfront in the historic Le Marais district. Not far from the iconic Pompidou building (part of the inspiration behind the Air Max 1), this is a store you’ll no doubt revisit.
The Next Door
The maestros of the Parisian skate scene, The Next Door, is a must. One of the dopest spots in the country, proprietor Nicolas Ivars built the initial The Next Door in Avignon, southeastern France, back in 2006. He followed up in Paris in January 2019, the inner-city counterpart boasting 800 square metres and several floors close to the Canal Saint-Martin. Still sleepless over colette closing their doors? The Next Door should help the healing process.
size?
Quite simply, you’d be mad to miss size? in Paris. Packed with exclusive footwear, size? are some of the most active collaborators in the game, recently putting their own spin on silhouettes like the Air Max 270, adidas LXCON 94, and adidas BC Trainer.
Make sure to stop in and congratulate them on their 20th anniversary!
Is your wanderlust kicking in yet? Be sure to check out our sneaker itineraries for Tokyo, London, Melbourne, and New York. In the meantime, be sure to check out our comprehensive Sneaker Store Guide to plot your next kickspedition.
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