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 big manufacturers. But all we care about right now is where to get them before they end up on eBay for four times the RRP.
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).
Advertisement
END Clothing
Based in the UK, END Clothing is a major player in both the sneaker and luxury streetwear scenes. This is reflected in their choice of kicks—with their consistently up to date collection of premiere releases, and ‘hype-page’ dedicated to counting down the most exclusive drops—so that you can fight your way through the hypebeasts on the release date. They also do international shipping and hold decent sales occasionally.
Brands: Asics, Common Projects, Converse, Maison Margiela, Filling Pieces, Rick Owens, Saint Laurent, Valentino, Y-3, Thom Browne.
SHOP END.
Mr Porter
The online destination for those with deep pockets and a penchant for the luxurious, MR PORTER has a tight sneaker section which only stocks the good stuff – exclusive releases from Nike and Adidas along with some of Italy’s most luxurious sneaker names. You’ll need to move velocemente to pick up in-demand shoes though; they don’t last long on MR PORTER.
Brands: Nike, Adidas, Lanvin, Paul Smith, Balenciaga, Tod’s, ACNE Studios, Converse, Gucci, Valentino, Maison Margiela, Zegna.
Sneaker Studio
With their 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 their products are a reflection of the world stage.
Advertisement
Brands: Adidas, Converse, Nike, Asics, Reebok, New Balance, Puma, Jordan.
Nike
A timeless classic, Nike has been the stylish man’s guide to cool footwear for a darn long time. From skater plimsols and lifestyle swag to athletic kicks fit for All-Star athletes, Nike continues to refine their legacy items and pump out novelty goods (that, if you look after them, could be the legacy goods of 2050).
The Iconic
For the latest men’s shoes with free and fast delivery, it’s hard to go past Australian online department store, The Iconic. Peruse flagship names like Nike and Adidas, or get acquainted with Veja, Dickies and Kappa.
Brands: Nike, Adidas, New Balance, Reebok, Converse, Veja, Dickies, Vans, Kappa.
Hype DC
It’s no coincidence sneakerheads have come to be known as “hypebeasts”. Hype DC lives up to its name with one of the most comprehensive, easy to navigate sites for sneakers on the world wide web. They pride themselves on shoring up the latest drops; they’re 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.
Brands: Nike, Vans, Adidas, Converse, Saucony, PRO-Keds, Reebok, Arkk, HI-TEC HTS74, New Balance, Lacoste, Onitsuka Tiger.
Advertisement
Foot Locker
In this day and age, there are multitudes of flashy, complicated retailers muddying the water of an already saturated footwear market. Enter: Foot Locker—an outlet keeping things simple, so that you can buy your shoes without losing your sanity. With casual shoes easily compartmentalized from trainers, skate separate from soccer, Foot Locker makes your (online) in and out dash as easy as can be.
Brands: Asics, Columbia, Fila, Timberland, Nike, Under Armour, Adidas, K-Swift, Puma.
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.
Brands: Nike, Gucci, Adidas, Versace, DSQUARED2, Valentino Gavarani, Givenchy, Alexander Mcqueen, Prada, Atlantic Stars, Off White.
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.
Brands: Air Jordan, Adidas, Nike, Puma, Balenciaga, Reebok, Ewing, Yeezy, New Balance.
Advertisement
Sneakersnstuff
Hailing from Sweden is Sneakersnstuff, an online store which keeps up with the freshest trends without making it hard for customers. They offer a ridiculous range of shoes including exclusive models which is 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.
Brands: Adidas, Y-3, Asics, Converse, FILA, Le Coq Sportif, New Balance, Nike, Puma, Reebok.
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.
Brands: Adidas, Nike, Asics, Puma, Converse, Diadora, Lacoste, Le Coq Sportif, New Balance, Fila.
Footpatrol
Advertisement
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. Their list of new and exclusive release sneakers are ridiculous and 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.
Brands: Adidas, Nike, Asics, Reebok, New Balance.
KITH
KITH is one of the most recognised names in the sneaker game today. Based in the big smoke of 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. They also ship internationally for most sneakers.
Brands: Nike, Adidas, Diadora New Balance, Asics, Saucony, Converse, Y-3.
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. They also ship internationally like the others here.
Brands: Adidas, Asics, Lacoste, New Balance, Nike, Puma, Reebok.
Advertisement
Overkill
Purveyors of true streetwear kicks which let their design do the talking and not their marketing will naturally gravitate to Overkill. Their sneaker range extends from outdoor through to skateboarding to tennis to retro. They’re based in Europe and provide international shipping.
Brands: Adidas, Nike, Asics, Reebok, New Balance.
Sneakerboy
Australia’s premiere destination for the world’s most wanted sneakers can be found at 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.
Brands: Alexander Mcqueen, AMI, Balenciaga, Buscemi, Common Projects, Filling Pieces, Raf Simons, Nike, Rick Owens, Reebok, Valentino, Y-3.
Solebox
Advertisement
Germany’s Solebox is one cool place to hit up if all of the popular places have sold out of your favourite sneaker. They carry a pretty decent range with some models that are unseen in our parts of the region. They do international shipping.
Brands: Nike, Adidas, Diadora, Asics, Reebok, Puma, New Balance, Saucony.
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.
Brands: Nike, K-Swiss, Converse, Diadora, Fred Perry, Le Coq Sportif, New Balance, Supra Footwear.
Undefeated
Undefeated has been around since 2002 wheeling and dealing some of the scenes coolest kicks. Their range is rather extensive and includes a great mix of unique street styles shod in exclusive designs. Shipping is also available to most places around the world.
Brands: Nike, Adidas, Asics, Converse, New Balance, Reebok.
Advertisement
Titolo
Titolo is a regular favourite of ours at D’Marge 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.
Brands: Nike, Adidas, Asics, Converse, Mizuno, Diadora, Le Coq Sportif, Reebok, Saucony, Warrior Shanghai.