One of the beautiful features of Toronto is the number of small neighbourhoods that create the city of Toronto as we know it to be.
When shopping for sneakers, many of you might go to the well-known malls such as Yorkdale and the Eaton Centre but you should know that there are so many shops spread throughout the city that carry different brands and products in case you’re on the hunt for something specific.
Here is a breakdown of some of the best sneaker stores in different Toronto neighbourhoods:
Downtown Yonge
Footaction
Image: Footaction
If you’re shopping for sneakers in the heart of downtown, you are probably going to stop by the Eaton Centre to see what is available. Instead of going to the Foot Locker or Champs Sports, stop by the Footaction on the first floor and see the variety of products inside the Nike Kicks Lounge, the adidas Originals Collective, the PUMA Lab and more.
Queen Street West
Exclucity
Image: Hector Vasquez
Another one of Toronto’s most popular shopping areas, Queen Street West has countless options where you can find sneakers. One of the best shops on Queen Street West is Exclucity, the retailer from Montreal who has become increasingly popular and seen numerous expansions to different parts of the GTA. You can also find their boutique shop, Status, located on the second floor of Exclucity on Queen Street West.
Yorkville
Capsule
Image: Capsule Toronto
Yorkville is known for its selection of higher-end retailers and Capsule fits right in with the selection of footwear, apparel and accessories available at the shop. It is one of Toronto’s oldest sneaker shops and they are hands down one of the best in the entire country, let alone the city. Capsule also has a second location in downtown Markham.
Roncesvalles
Livestock
Image: Livestock
As one of Canada’s top sneaker shops, Livestock is one of the best destinations for all of your sneaker needs. The location in Roncesvalles is its second location in the city with the original location being one block south of the Richmond Street and Spadina Avenue intersection.
Fashion District
Adrift
Image: Adrift
Sneakerheads are often associated with individuals who play basketball or are into fashion, but there are countless individuals who developed their love for sneakers through skateboarding. If you fall into the latter, Adrift is the shop for you with its variety of skateboarding-centric sneakers, apparel and accessories.
Moss Park
HAVEN
Image: HAVEN
This shop’s name speaks for itself as it is a true haven for those who love footwear, as well as Japanese and other globally recognized fashion labels. It is recognized as one of Canada’s top sneaker shops, as it has a location in Vancouver as well.
Chinatown
Bond Running
Image: Canadian Running Magazine
If you love to go for runs and are in the need for new running shoes and attire, Bond Running in Chinatown is the spot for you. In addition to carrying the latest in running from the likes of Nike and adidas, you can also grab a coffee at the bar in the front of the store.
Parkdale
Community 54
Image: Alex Rao
Located in one of Toronto’s most beloved neighbourhoods, Parkdale, Community 54 is a boutique that draws many of its inspiration from vintage streetwear and classic arcade games. It began as a boutique in the Lower East Side of New York City and expanded to Toronto helping bring new life to Parkdale.
The Junction
MILK Toronto
Image: MILK Toronto
The founder of SneakerTub, a monthly subscription service, recently opened a shop in the Junction to provide the neighbourhood of a new shopping destination. The interior of MILK Toronto is heavily influenced by milk, featuring milk cartons, milk crates and cereal boxes throughout the store.
North York
Essential Toronto
Image: Essential Toronto
Following the success of its first location in downtown Toronto, Essential Toronto opened its second location in North York. The consignment store stocks some of the rarest sneakers and streetwear items.
Downtown Markham
Solestop
Image: Solestop
Having started as a small shop inside Markham’s Pacific Mall, Solestop grew tremendously since it first opened and moved to a larger storefront in downtown Markham. It is a tremendous shop stocking products from the likes of adidas, New Balance, PUMA and Vans.
Do you know any other sneaker stores in Toronto neighbourhoods? Share with us in the comment section.
Featured image: Capsule Toronto
Posts you might be interested in:
Check Out The Long-Awaited Virgil Abloh’s First Louis Vuitton Sneakers
10 Pairs of All-White Sneakers You Need for This Summer
The Best Way to Clean Your Knit, Leather or Suede Sneakers This Summer
The 10 Best Canadian Online Stores for Sneakers
5 Best New Places to Shop for Sneakers in Toronto