Sneaker Stores You Must Visit in Tokyo
Spurred by the mid-90s Air Max phenomenon, Tokyo’s fascination with sports footwear has led to the city becoming an international mecca for avid sneakerheads the world over.
Sneaker stores in the region experienced exponential growth at the turn of the century to feed the obsession, with ubiquitous chains and speciality boutiques emerging to assert themselves as sneaker superpowers and must-visit stops on every collector’s itinerary.
We know the city has culinary and cultural treats aplenty, but we’ve built on our Sneaker Store Guide to curate the only to-do list you’ll need: the Tokyo sneaker spots you simply have to visit.
Home to everything from shrink-wrapped vintage Grails to region-exclusive releases, Japan's capital has something for everyone — just remember to leave some extra luggage space for the trip back.
KICKS LAB – Harajuku
Opening in 2008, KICKS LAB is one of the most iconic spots in Harajuku’s famed streetwear precinct. Built on the concept of ‘coming together and sharing love for kicks’, the store’s laidback vibe is apparent from the moment you walk into the warehouse-like space. Tall wooden shelves are lined with everything from Air Max classics to the latest Off-White collaborations, so if you’re looking for anything specific, the LAB has got you covered.
mita sneakers - Ameyoko
Located just outside central Tokyo, mita sneakers is nestled in the vibrant Ameyoko market area. Setting it apart from many of the other local boutiques, mita’s unpretentious layout is decked out with plenty of shrink-wrapped goodies and their own killer collaborations. Pop in, cop, then take your new creps for a stroll down to Ueno Park or Akihabara to cap off the day.
Kinetics - Harajuku
The kick-pushers will appreciate skate-focused boutique Kinetics. Primarily filled with branded streetwear, including their own killer in-house apparel, they specialise in outer wear and skateboarding gear. Don’t let that fool you, though — there’s plenty of sneakers on offer, from the latest Jays to skate staples.
WORM TOKYO - Harajuku
Founded by Shirahama, one of local scene’s OGs, is WORM TOKYO — a cave of crep wonders for the avid collector. Renowned for its inventory of vintage and rare finds – namely Nikes and Jordans – WORM is a relatively small space with a big reputation among locals and international visitors alike.
A+S (Architecture and Sneakers) - Harajuku
Just a block away from WORM, you’ll find A+S, short for Architecture and Sneakers. Created by local streetwear label SOPHNET, whose flagship store sits directly below, the elegantly designed space is a showpiece for Japanese minimalism. It may carry an opulent vibe, but A+S caters for a variety of sneaker palates. Choose from GR Nikes to luxury items by the likes of Maison Margiela, nonnative, and Balenciaga.,
atmos Flagship Store - Sendagaya
Japan’s most famed sneaker chain atmos has outlets all over the country, so you won’t have any trouble finding one. However, we know your time over is valuable, so you’d best cut to the chase to check out the brand new flagship space in Sendagaya. Part gallery, part boutique sneaker space, the store is blessed with a seriously aesthetic white-themed layout, decked out with choice picks from various brands. Be sure to suss the gallery on first floor, which houses a different pop-up exhibition every month showcasing Tokyo’s local talent.
SKIT (K Skit) - Kichijoji
Simply put – SKIT is the s***! Located in the inner-west neighbourhood of Kichijoji, this archetypal sneaker hub is home to countless shrink-wrapped Grails, both new and old. There’s a lot to navigate when you explore the rows of shelves, but if you’re a basketball fan – we think you’ve found the Shangri-La of sneakers.
UNDEFEATED - Shibuya
Adding to its heavyweight local clout, streetwear stalwarts Undefeated unveiled a brand new location in Shibuya in 2018 — their largest store in the country. The stylish two-floor set-up comes equipped with region-exclusive apparel and a healthy array of footwear, including some of the label’s most sought-after collaborations and other rare Air commodities.
Fool’s Judge - Harajuku
If you’re a fiend for all things ‘Preme, and you’ve got some yen to spend, then Fool’s Judge ought to be one of your must-visit stops in Tokyo. A heinous hive for all things hype, don’t let the cheap-looking storefront sign ‘fool’ you — this place will put a serious dent in your coin pouch. If Supreme doesn’t do it for you, fear not, there’s a curated selection of the latest sought-after sneakers, most notably Air Jordan 1 collaborations, Yeezys, and Off-White x Nike.
Is your wanderlust kicking in yet? Stay tuned for more sneaker itineraries from London, Berlin, Melbourne, Sydney, and New York. In the meantime, be sure to check out our comprehensive Sneaker Store Guide to plot your next kickspedition.
