Whether globe-trotting or neighbourhood strolling, a man is never complete without a pair of fresh kicks. In that spirit: burn your besmirched plimsols and snatch up your wallet – you fetish loving germophobe – today we’re talking sneakers.
As a scene that has become one of the most definitive streetwear movements in the past half-century, sneakerheads will continue to debate and dissect every new release from the biggest names in the business. But all we care about right now is where to get them before they end up on eBay for four times the RRP. Obviously you could head into a physical sneaker store – if you’re in Australia, Sydney, Melbourne and Brisbane are all home to some fine options – but for the broadest range of styles and colours, you’ll do well to turn your attention online.
Here are the world’s best online sneaker stores to keep those feet happily lit (and the eyes of everyone from your mate’s girlfriend to your commute-crush, firmly on your… feet)
END Clothing
UK-based END Clothing is an absolute must-visit online destination for the best and latest sneakers around. The range is nothing short of extensive, covering brands from mainstream Nike and Adidas through to luxury names such as Saint Laurent, Maison Margiela and Thom Browne. Stock is rotated regularly and it's not uncommon to find a sale with some serious discounts. With international shipping available too, END Clothing could be the online sneaker store you need.
Sneaker Studio
With a trippy aesthetic and top-notch kicks, both trend 'setters' and 'dabblers' will fall for Sneaker Studio. A must-frequent destination for high-quality products, trusted manufacturers, limited must-haves, and an up to date shoe cupboard, Sneaker Studio reveres timeless design, functionality, natural materials and original solutions, ever-expanding so that the products are a reflection of the world stage.
Nike
The Nike name practically speaks for itself. The notorious sportswear brand has been the stylish man's guide to cool footwear for an incredibly long time. From skater plimsols and lifestyle swag to athletic kicks fit for All-Star athletes and through to pairs that become so collectable and valuable that they'll never get worn. Nike is consistently at the top of its game and knows the exact formula required to make a pair of top-selling sneakers.
Foot Locker
Adding to the list of must-visit high-street sneaker stores is Foot Locker. The footwear retailer is so often a place to visit if lifestyle sneakers are your thing and is a particular favourite for Nike fans, with over 400 pairs stocked online. You'll be able to find unique pairs of sneakers at Foot Locker, as in, those that can't be found elsewhere and with generous discounts applied throughout the year, you could easily score yourself a hypebeast-worthy pair for an absolute steal.
Luisaviaroma
Based in Florence, Italy, it should come as no surprise that LUISAVIAROMA is a purveyor of good taste. In other words: a luxury footwear retailer that specialises in bringing you the latest high-end products, as soon as they drop. For the classiest collection of kicks kickin' round the web, look no further than this epic site.
Flight Club
It's not a cinematic portrayal of an underground brawlers den: it's better. For over a decade, Flight Club has paid sharp attention to the sneaker-scape, battling hard to become a dominant player. Carrying every brand name on the market, Flight Club is now a one-stop sneaker-destination-shop and a cultural hub for sneaker enthusiasts and novices alike. With two brick-and-mortar locations in New York and Los Angeles respectively, Flight Club remains your go-to source for everything sneakers.
Sneakersnstuff
Hailing from Sweden is Sneakersnstuff, an online store which keeps up with the freshest trends without making it hard for customers. The store offers a ridiculously wide range of shoes including exclusive models, enough to keep any grown man with a sneaker fetish happy. Sales are also pretty common here so be sure to check back occasionally before paying for the shipping. You might score a better deal than you intended.
JD Sports
Another online sneaker dealer from the UK is also one of the country's oldest. Starting in 1981, JD today boasts an extensive range of shoes with limited edition and exclusive designs from both Adidas and Nike. Sales are consistent throughout the year so you'll be able to score a bargain or save on shipping if you do manage to pick up a decent pair.
Footpatrol
From the UK to Australia and just about every other major region in the world, Footpatrol is an online spot to hit up if you're after the greats in the sneaker world. The list of new and exclusive release sneakers is ridiculous and most pairs are ready to ship just as quickly as they're announced. You want discounts? Hold your breath for a little while and you might find a lesser hyped sneaker in your size at a marked-down price. Big brands and the latest sneakers - what more could a man want.
Kith
KITH is one of the most recognised names in the sneaker game today. Based in The Big Apple that is New York and backed by countless sneaker collaborations with brands like Nike, Adidas and more, KITH boasts an extensive range of releases whether you're after the most hyped shoes or something a little more obscure. The online store also ships internationally for most brands.
Sneaker Politics
Sizes don't normally last more than 3 hours after the release of a highly sought after model. That's why it's always important to know who else is stocking the golden slipper you're after. Sneaker Politics is one of these places. Located in the U.S, the store offers a staggering catalogue not just from the big names you know but lesser-known ones you may not have heard of. International shipping is also available.
Overkill
Purveyors of true streetwear kicks which let their design do the talking and not their marketing will naturally gravitate to Overkill. The online store's sneaker range extends from outdoor through to skateboarding to tennis to retro. Overkill is based in Europe and provides international shipping.
Sneakerboy
Australia's premier destination for the world's most wanted sneakers has to be Sneakerboy. Headed by Chris Kyvetos, his luxury sneaker concept in bricks and mortar is certainly cool, but it's online where the deals get done. Sneakerboy brings exclusive releases and big-name sneaker models to Australian customers with an intuitive online system which allows people to try the shoes on in-store before confirming their purchase via the site. In a few weeks, the sneakers will arrive at your doorstep. Easy money.
Atmos
Japan has some of most dedicated streetwear and sneaker-heads worldwide, so it's no big surprise to find New York-based Atmos selling some of the most Japanese-flavoured shoes you can get your feet in. Japan-exclusive models team up with some of the world's most sought after releases.
Titolo
Titolo is a regular favourite of ours at DMARGE as they deliver the latest kicks time and time again when other places have seemingly sold out. Besides needing to figure out the currency conversion, everything else is pretty straight forward with international shipping available and regular sales ensuring you score a decent deal.
The Iconic
For Australian sneaker lovers, it's hard to avoid The Iconic. The online department store stocks a wide range of brands from household names such as Nike and New Balance, through to more luxurious pairs from the likes of Grenson and Common Projects. With same-day shipping available for select metro areas too, you could have a fresh pair of kicks in a matter of hours.
Hype DC
With serious sneakerheads becoming known as "hypebeasts", Hype DC caters to the hype with one of the most comprehensive, easy to navigate sites for sneakers on the world wide web. The store prides itself on sourcing the latest drops to be the first to market for styles, trends and limited editions. Oh and while you're there you won't be able to help but stop and browse 20 years’ worth of curated sneaker selections and pick the perfect pair for you.
