Sneaker Stores in Chicago

Sneaker Shops in Chicago

The Windy City sure has a lot of sneaker stores that blow over and close up shop quick, but these on this list have managed to withstand the test of time and demand.

01
of 07

St. Alfred

Joseph Schaefer/Flickr

Saint Alfred is one of those very rare streetwear shops, like Concept in Boston, that carries the most exceptional, limited, and rare designers and editions. Years back Vogue magazine did a story on Supreme, the NYC skateboard shop, and compared it to Chanel in how it has won the hearts and minds of its core customers and that same paradigm would apply to Saint Alfred too. You'll find your expected stuff from adidas, Stüssy, Nike, Diamond Supply, and the like here but also things like the ultra-lux Japanese streetwear brand Visvim. Their staff is friendly and know their products, too. The house Saint Alfred line is also really awesome, seriously understated but offers slick caps and tees.

Chicago, IL 60622

02
of 07

Leaders 1354

Leaders 1354 opened in 2002 in Chicago’s South Side historic Hyde Park neighborhood. In 2005, gentrification coerced a transition over to Bronzeville for the better. Once small and quaint, 1700 square feet of space now houses Chicago’s premier streetwear shop. In April 2007, a second location opened in the trendy Wicker Park neighborhood. Leaders offers an awesome selection of streetwear and sneakers and is worth checking out when you are in Chi-town.

03
of 07

Akin

The staff is friendly and the store is loaded with a lot of nice gear. Akin offers a nice selection of sneakers for both women and men. Prices are very reasonable. Sneakerheadsobviously know about this place already. For everyone else, if you like some sporty gear that's trendy and unique then check this place out. I wouldn't take you dad here to shop, but for the trendy urban shopper I would give it a try.
1313 S Halsted
Chicago, IL 60607

04
of 07

Succezz

Succezz always gets the shoes that are limited releases and hard to find. A lot of AF1s, a big consignment collection, and tops and kicks grouped by color. Clothing seems to be a little overpriced but the shoes seemed fair. Although the staff is cool and helpful, they seem to smother you a bit, so if you like to shop on your own, this place could be a bit suffocating. Overall, the store is a decent place to shop for some of the latest in a clean laid-back environment.
1329 S. Michigan Ave
(between 13th St & 14th St)
Chicago, IL 60605

05
of 07

House of Hoops

One of eight House of Hoop locations around the country is located at North Riverside Mall. Although the location is unusual as one might expect to see a store like this at a grander location; nevertheless, the store has terrific visual appeal with many great setups. Many exclusive Nike/Jordan shoes in exclusive colorways are only released to this store and other House of Hoop/Niketown locations. They do have midnight releases for highly anticipated Jordans. Staff is terrific and extremely knowledgeable about sneakers. Prices are retail and it's rare to catch a deal as most get sent to the Factory stores. 7501 W Cermak Rd
Ste G07
(between 9th Ave & 10th Ave)
North Riverside, IL 60546

06
of 07

Uprise

Uprise is truly for everyone and what's cool about it is that the skate veterans/employees are very welcoming. This local skate shop is a mainstay for Chicago. The legendary Stevie Dredd sometimes mans the place along with Uriyah and Ken, dropping knowledge and recommending certain shoes or apparel, or telling skate-stories worth hearing. Not into dialogue much? There's always a skate video on. From decks to cruisers, hardware to apparel, shoes to wheels, Nikes to Vans to Vegan shoes, Core skate shoes to the grown man minimal skate silhouette, this store has something for everyone. Also worth mentioning are the Uprise tees and in-house accessories/stickers.
1820 N Milwaukee Ave
(between Bloomingdale Ave & Moffat St)
Chicago, IL 60647

07
of 07

Sugar Hill

Wild colors, limited edition kicks, womens sneakers and tees too. Most places really don't look out for the female market, but Sugar Hill has them all covered. Offering an impressive selection of Jordans and kicks that are hard to find elsewhere, the offering are cool but very slim.
517 E 47th St
(between Vincennes Ave & Forrestville Ave)
Chicago, IL 60653