New York City is known for a lot of things: good pizza, the Yankees, yellow taxis and sneakers.
A streetwear capital of the world, Manhattan is the hypebasts' concrete jungle, and the sneakerhead culture here is rife with history and passion. A movement spawned by basketball legend Michael Jordan and hip-hop icons Run DMC, the need for Jordan and Adidas kicks is as strong in these streets as ever.
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Sneakers go sole-deep, and for many people, they transcend the function of a shoe and operate as a cultural relic. Luckily, Manhattan is ripe ground for avid sneakerheads. Whether you’re a seasoned sneaker-enthusiast or just dipping your toe in the sneaker world, we’ve scoured the block to dig up the 10 best sneakers stores in Manhattan. Happy hunting!
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113 Stanton Street, Manhattan / Website
A sneakerhead’s paradise, this little store is an endless Eden for the sneaker-obsessed. Open from noon to 7 p.m. every day, come through for the latest in retro styles, Yeezy boosts, vests, hoodies, shorts and other streetwear musts.
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125 Orchard Street , Lower East Side; 22-03 Jackson Ave., Long Island City / Website
Don’t be fooled by the name. Extra Butter is not a bakery. It is, however, cooking up the hottest new sneaker releases on the market. Visit one of the store's two locations for the latest from Hender Scheme, Nike, Adidas, Salomon, Karhu and more. Extra Butter also carries Timbs, boots and apparel.
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99 University Place, Manhattan / Website
Concepts is a luxury streetwear and footwear conglomerate with locations around the world. While you can find the store in Shanghai and Dubai, you can also head to its New York City location for a local dose of good taste. Nike, Converse, New balance, Adidas and Vans are all represented, ready for mens, womens, kids and more.
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22 Little West 12th Street, Manhattan / Website
Founded in 1999, Sneakernstuff is a brand founded out of “the love and curiosity for the culture and life around sneakers, fashion, art, music and basketball." The Meatpacking District location has been open since 2017. The space also has its own bar, so you can shop and sip, then show off your new kicks.
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203 W 125th Street, Manhattan / Website
Atmos originally started in Japan as a small storefront selling vintage sneakers. The brand has expanded exponentially over the past two decades, with a focus on streetwear and sneaker releases. Atmos has collaborated with Adidas, Nike Air Max, Puma and other industry giants, making this shop the cool, knowledgeable older brother of the sneaker community.
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147 W 72nd Street, Manhattan / Website
West NYC is a boutique sneaker store for limited-edition footwear. It's been “keeping NYC fresh since 2007,” and even released its New York-inspired own apparel line. Come through for kicks from Saucony, Nike, New Balance, Adidas and way more.
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337 Lafayette Street, Manhattan; 233 Flatbush Ave., Brooklyn / Website
Even if you don’t have extensive sneaker knowledge, you’ve probably heard of Kith. Not only does Kith offer an in-house collection; it also offers a curated, multi-brand selection of footwear. If the coolest sneakers on the market don’t satisfy your taste, maybe the in-house cereal dessert bar will.
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2115 3rd Ave., Harlem / Website
Solestice is a woman and minority-owned sneaker boutique located in East Harlem. We recommend visiting the store in-person, because according to its Instagram bio, DMs are not monitored for those trying to lay claim to the latest releases. Check the feed for the dope styles on hand either way.
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Various locations / Website
With four locations in Brooklyn, you can’t miss Lace Up’s ever-changing selection of sneakers. Vans, New Balance, Adidas, Puma, Timberland and more are on hand, and Lace Up even makes its own original sneaker line, so don't sleep.
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3806 Broadway, Manhattan; 519 W 207, Manhattan; 2490 3rd Ave., Bronx / Website
Since 2016, UP NYC has been a destination for the best sneakers and clothing in Manhattan. Visit one of its three Manhattan locations to catch the dope selection UP close and personal.
Photography by: Lefteris Kallergis / Unsplash
