No matter what season it is, you can never go wrong wearing a pair of sneakers! They’re stylish, comfortable, and practical. What’s not to love? As daunting as the world of sneakers can be in terms of keeping up with new drops and collaborations, there are always some pairs that tend to stand out from the rest – like the classics. We’ve gathered our favourite sneakers that would make a great addition to any shoe collection!
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Running shoes can play a massive part in your comfort and performance when playing sports, running, or just walking around the town. Even if you aren’t an athlete, you still deserve to get the top products available when you’re on the move. We’ve rounded up our favourite brands that offer high-performing sneakers so that you don’t have to browse for hours. Trust us, you won’t be disappointed with any of these choices!
Here are brands to shop for high-performing sneakers.
HOKA
HOKA focuses on inspiring everyone to get moving. Whether you’re an athlete or just someone who enjoys getting active, you’ll be able to perform your best with ease with these sneakers! The high-performing athletic brand has innovation and comfort at the top of its priority list, empowering everyone to feel like they can “fly high” while wearing its runners! HOKA is now officially available at SportChek for extra shopping ease.
Allbirds
If you’re on the hunt for a sneaker brand to give you the highest comfort and performance when training while also designed sustainably, you have to check out Allbirds. The company is all about creating runners with the best technologies and sustainable practices rather than with flashy logos and unnecessary details. The brand looks for the best materials it can find in nature, like merino wool, and where the market lacks, it has even gone as far as to develop its own unique materials, like SweetFoam®, made from sugarcane – how cool!?
Nike
Now of course we had to add Nike to this list because we all know and adore it for its massive selection of shoes. You can even filter through the searches by hovering over Women, Men, or Kids, and checking out the Shoe category. There you’ll find the options for running, basketball, tennis, lifestyle, and more—pretty much any kind of activity you’re looking for.
On Running
On is a Switzerland running shoe and sportswear brand that was started by three friends who shared one goal: to revolutionize running. On’s patented technology, CloudTec® is a unique cushioning system created for soft landings and powerful takeoffs – making every step effortless. It absorbs impact, reduces strain, and adapts to your running style. On refers to it as “running on clouds”. As part of the brand’s sustainability efforts, it’s introduced CleanCloud™ – which is an initiative creating high-performing materials from carbon emissions.
APL
Founded in 2009 in Los Angeles, APL is definitely a sneaker brand to get on board with. It offers a perfect mix of luxury and performance with optimal comfort so that you’re covered for all aspects of your lifestyle. APL actually created a basketball shoe called Concept 1 that used groundbreaking technology to instantly increase your vertical leap. The sneaker later got banned by the NBA because it actually gave a competitive advantage when wearing them. The brand seriously knows what it’s doing in the high-performing sneakers section!
adidas
adidas is another classic spot to browse for all of the best athletic sneakers that you need. It gives you the option to also shop under set categories for certain sports so you can get the proper fit and feel. Plus, don’t miss out on the Outlet section to score runners at a discount!
Asics
ASICS got its name from an acronym derived from the Latin phrase, Anima Sana In Corpore Sano – a sound mind in a sound body. So, to stay true to its title, ASICS continues to create concepts and ideas to align with what the body truly needs in athletic gear. Its mission is to become the number one brand for sports enthusiasts, so it continues to offer the best product possible.
New Balance
New Balance designs a blend of both function as well as style in its sneakers for those who want the best of both worlds. Its associates come from around the world, all with unique backgrounds and experiences, so you know you’re getting the top innovative products on the market. The brand just came out with a new sneaker, the FuelCell Rebel v4, which is built with FuelCell foam to deliver maximum propulsion and speed with minimal weight, making it the perfect go-to shoe for running!
Lululemon
Lululemon finally came out with a shoe collection in 2022 after 4 years of research and development. It began with a limited collection of women’s running shoes and has now expanded into men’s! A fan-favourite seems to be Lululemon’s Blissfeel Running Shoe – which has an updated version, Blissfeel 2, which features a “women-centric” fit and cushioning profile, a seamless upper which delivers support and breathability as well as flexibility, and soft, springy cushioning.
SOREL
Founded in 1962, SOREL combines expert craftsmanship and of-the-moment design to create all-season footwear. Its wide selection of sneakers and athletic shoes is both stylish and performance-driven! You may know the brand for its popular winter boots, but you really should check out its sneaker collection, too.
Arc’teryx
Arc’teryx is known for its innovative, performance-driven, active and outdoor wear, so of course, its sneakers hold the same standards. From mountain running to trail hiking, you can trust Arc’teryx to get your feet ready for the occasion with its cutting-edge technology.
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Reformation has just dropped its new sneakers in collaboration with VEJA, and you’re going to want to get your feet in them ASAP!
“Meet the VEJA x Ref Venturi. From brunch, to the park, to the bar, this thick- soled, super cushioned sneaker is equal parts cute and practical. So you can get your steps in and look damn good doing it.” – Reformation
The VEJA x Ref Venturi sneakers are available in two exclusive colourways, Walnut and Juta, and the sneakers combine VEJA’s innovative design and bio-based materials with Reformation’s sustainable, vintage-inspired style. A perfect match if you ask us!
Both Reformation and VEJA are known for their sustainability initiatives and trendy (yet always classic) styles, and this collaboration is no exception. The shoes (including their laces) are made from renewable Amazonian rubber, sugar cane, natural latex, recycled polyester, and organic cotton.
You can shop the VEJA x Ref Venturi sneakers here!
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The brand we all know and love for its timeless fashion, Aritzia, has collaborated with popular sportswear and sneaker brand, ASICS, to release a new collection of its Gel-Kayano 14 sneakers!
As of today, August 10th, 2023, you can shop the first-ever collaboration between Aritzia and ASICS!
The duo reworked the classic Gel-Kayano 14 style sneakers in 3 new colourways; White/Leprechaun, Blanc De Blanc, and White/Black, featuring unique design elements exclusive to this collaboration.
The sneakers have a lace-up closure, rubber outsole, and are made from mesh and ASICS’ GEL technology for the supportive, all-day comfort that is expected in ASICS shoes. They also include both Aritzia and ASICS branding.
The Gel-Kayano 14 silhouette is having a major moment right now and is both stylish and practical. Something that both Aritzia and ASICS value in their products – making for the perfect collab!
Shop the Aritzia X ASICS collaboration here:
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This week, a brand new sneaker collaboration has hit the market. Snoop Dogg has released his first sneaker collection with none other than Skechers!
The collaboration was teased in an award-winning Super Bowl commercial earlier this year, and now it’s here!
The line currently includes 9 pairs of sneakers available now at skechers.com/ca, Skechers retail stores in the US, and is rolling out to specialty and Skechers stores around the globe.
This is just the first drop of more capsules to come in the coming weeks and beyond, as part of a multi-year partnership between Skechers and Snoop Dogg.
“The excellent team at Skechers took my ideas and my flavour and we created this collection for all walks of life,” said Snoop in a Skechers press release. “Step yo shoe game up with my style and swag in every pair—with Skechers you’ll be comfortable wherever you go. Wear them with a suit to a wedding or on the court with shorts, you’ll look fly either way because these shoes are for everyone.”
Some may say, Snoop Dogg is quite literally, dropping it like it’s hot. (We had to).
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Another iconic New Balance collaboration is on the way, with the popular Danish brand, GANNI.
GANNI and New Balance first joined forces in 2022 with the release of a rendition of New Balance’s 2002R sneakers in 2 Colour-ways.
Now, the 2 brands are coming together again releasing GANNI’s version of the New Balance 1906 sneakers!
A sneak peek of the shoe was posted on GANNI’s Instagram account this past weekend, communicating to sign up to be the first to know about the new drop. This leads us to believe the collaboration will be dropping very soon!
The sneaker has the classic 1906 silhouette, with a mostly-neutral design with loud pops of yellow on the ‘N’ logo, heel tabs, and lace tabs – giving them that GANNI essence.
Be sure to sign up here for emails from GANNI so you don’t miss out on this new New Balance X Ganni 1906 sneaker drop!
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We love when brands put sustainability as a top priority, so we’re extra obsessed with this one. Allbirds is a footwear and lifestyle brand that you need to have on your radar.
Allbirds just opened its second Canadian location right in Yorkdale Shopping Centre (which follows the store in Vancouver) making this its first-ever Toronto location.
Co-founded in 2016 by Tim Brown, the brand is dedicated to making sustainable products using supernatural materials, designed for everyday life. Its mission is to prove that comfort, design, and sustainability aren’t mutually exclusive.
Tim speaks about the expansion saying, “We are excited to offer a new way for our Toronto customers to experience Allbirds —a city that melds so well with the Allbirds lifestyle – casual, comfortable, and an epicenter for health and wellness.”
Allbirds offers quite a range of sneakers, so you can find exactly what you’re looking for, whether you’re a runner or just searching for a go-to shoe, the brand has you covered.
It uses materials like sugarcane, wool, and eucalyptus to keep production emissions low, without sacrificing quality and style.
Plus, it recently launched an activewear line that’s made out of sustainably sourced materials as well. And let us tell you, the apparel is so sleek and comfortable!
Aside from the footwear and clothing, the store design is eco-conscious too. The service desk is constructed using locally sourced renewable maple plywood as well as featuring a table surface made using recycled paper!
A very interesting concept you’ll find when browsing around the store is that the carbon footprint of each product is clearly displayed right on it. Tim explained it as a nutrition label but for the shoe—you can see the exact carbon impact that the product has. How cool is that?
If you’re interested in learning more about the sustainability efforts that the brand has taken, check out their site. It’s definitely worth the browse.
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The emergence of the sneaker culture in Canada can be seen throughout the nation. As the sneaker community in Canada continues to grow, so does the expansion of Canadian sneaker stores. Now, with such a variety of retailers to choose from, you can bid farewell to paying duties on your new kicks!
Here are the best Canadian online sneaker stores:
Livestock
One of the original Canadian boutiques that specialize in sneakers and streetwear, Livestock has been a mainstay in the Canadian sneaker community and is one of the best boutiques in the nation. Their choices in footwear include brands such as Nike, adidas, PUMA, Converse, New Balance, Jordan, Reebok, and Saucony. If you’re looking for a one-stop shop where you can buy a complete outfit, Livestock has you covered with their selection of apparel and accessories.
STAY FRESH
Established in 2014, STAY FRESH is a Vancouver based marketplace boutique that specializes in premium and collector sneakers, streetwear, and accessories. It features a curated catalogue with brands like Nike, adidas, Air Jordon, Yeezy, Supreme, BAPE, Palace, Anti Social Social Club, and more.
HAVEN
This Canadian sneaker store’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. You may recognize the name from their latest collaborative project with adidas or highly sought after Yeezy collaborations. In addition to the latest and best from adidas, they also carry an amazing selection from Nike, New Balance, Converse, and more.
Capsule
Since 2003, Capsule has continued to build their reputation as one of the premier boutiques in all of Canada. Capsule was a part of the first Canadian collaboration on the “Canadian Tuxedo” 580MT, complete with three different denims on the upper with a maple syrup sole. In addition, you’ll find brands like Air Jordan, Converse, Nike, New Balance, and more — they also have a selection for women.
Off the Hook
Montreal residents understand the importance of having a boutique like Off the Hook in their city. A significant member of this community since 1999, the team has done a tremendous job with the growth of their store. OTH is Canada’s only Vans partnership store with Canada’s most important selection of Vans products, and this relationship has resulted in numerous OTH x Vans collaborative projects. In addition to Vans, Off the Hook carries an amazing selection of other brands such as Nike, adidas, New Balance, Converse, PUMA, Timberland, Red Wing, and more.
ALDO
ALDO has a huge variety of not only sneakers, but other footwear as well. From casual to dressy, you’ll find it all. It’s also the first fashion footwear and accessories company in the world to be certified climate neutral.
Courtside Sneakers
Courtside Sneakers is the premier boutique in Atlantic Canada, with three stores throughout the Maritimes. It offers a great selection of basketball and retro sneakers, from Nike to PUMA for men, women, and youth, while showing tremendous growth over recent years. Nathan and his team are doing an excellent job with their curation of products and customer service, evident by the interaction with customers both in-store and online.
Less 17
It was about time that the Calgary sneaker community got some love, and this is exactly what happened with the arrival of Less 17. With an excellent selection of menswear and sneakers, this Calgary shop can be your one stop shop for everything from adidas and Nike sneakers to the latest pieces of clothing from the likes of Stone Island, Reigning Champ, and North Face Black Series. For all of their Canadian online shoppers, Less 17 offers free shipping within on all orders over $100!
Call it Spring
The ultimate destination for not only shoes but handbags and accessories as well. Call It Spring is always on top of the latest trends with an affordable price tag.
NRML
Canada’s capital city is the home of NRML, one of Canada’s oldest sneaker shops. Opened in 1997, this shop has been an instrumental part of the Canadian sneaker community for over twenty years with their wide selection of streetwear and sneakers. In addition to their streetwear and sneaker centric shop, they also have NRML Femme and NRML Select. Keep an eye out for the retailer’s killer sales, where you can sometimes score sale items for an additional 50% off.
Solestop
Located in the heart of downtown Markham, Solestop is the embodiment of a success story in the sneaker business. They began their journey as an online shop and have since grown to a full sized storefront with a diverse selection of adidas, New Balance, Asics, Saucony, and more. Along with their men’s sneaker selection, they also carry a full range of sneakers, clothing, and accessories for women and kids as well.
BB Branded
Windsor is typically known as one of the main border cities from Canada to the U.S. in Ontario, but the city is so much more than that, it is the home of an amazing sneaker shop called BB Branded. Having overcome its share of ups & downs, the shop grew from a jewellery store that carried apparel to the main sneaker shop in Windsor that carries the latest Air Jordan retros.
Vessi
Vessi creates shoes that can be worn all day, every day, in any weather. Wear them in the snow, rain, or sun, because sneakers that can do it all. It produces products that move you forward, get you out there, and let you live your best life.
SSENSE
Based in Montreal, SSENSE is a no brainer when it comes to all things designer. The retailer carries classic sneaker brands like adidas, Converse, Vans, and Nike, but as more high-end luxury brands move into the sneaker world, you’ll also find those here. If you’re looking for the latest kicks from labels like Off-White, Moschino, Balenciaga, Maison Margiela, Givenchy, and more, be sure to visit SSENSE.
Gravitypope
Founded in Alberta, this Canadian sneaker store, Gravitypope is a high-end boutique that also has locations in British Columbia and Ontario. But if you can’t make it in-store, you can also shop the store online, where you can discover brands like Common Projects, New Balance, Vans, Asics, Clae, and more.
Blacktoe Running
If you’re looking for the best sneakers to train in, you have to check out Blacktoe Running. It has all of the runners you need whether you’re a beginner or a seasoned marathoner. The brand finds the most innovative and best products available on the market today!
Browns
Browns’ mission to search the world for the best brands, and to provide the most unique, head-turning styles for you and your whole family— at the best possible value— since 1940. It even produces its own in-house brand to offer an even larger variety.
Little Burgundy
Little Burgundy was founded in 2008 in Montreal, Quebec. It’s a branded footwear destination with its own unique style for discerning tastes. It operates over 39 stores across Canada and offers the best brands on the market like adidas, Converse, Nike, Vans and Herschel Supply.
The Shoe Company
The Shoe Company first opened in 1992 and the chain has since grown to more than 75 locations across Canada. The brand believes that style shouldn’t demand a huge investment of time or money. Style should be comfortable, accessible, and easy to achieve.
Simons
While the selection of sneakers at this Montreal-based retailer isn’t the largest or rarest to find, it’s still worth a peak for essentials. Online, you’ll find high-end picks from brands like Marni and Versace, as well as favourites from Nike, Vans, adidas, The North Face, and more, as well as a budget-friendly in-house line.
Adrift
This Canadian sneaker store, Adrift, is Toronto’s premier skate and lifestyle boutique, and luckily for you, they ship all across Canada. Founded over 10 years ago, the shop stocks brands like Vans, Nike SB, Converse, and adidas.
Exclucity
Montreal-based Exclucity has carries a collection of sneakers for both men and women. The store originally operated out the back of the CEO’s car and has since evolved into an online destination for streetwear enthusiasts. You’ll find brands like Nike, Jordan, adidas, and Puma on Exclucity’s roster.
Casca
Casca develops sneakers made to last and withstand the test of time. The brand believes that shoes should make you feel good, and enable you to do anything, so Casca was founded to do just that.
Groovy Shoes
Groovy Shoes boasts itself as the number one Canadian sneaker store, so it’d be remiss of us to leave them off this list. The retailer has two locations in Ontario but boasts a huge selection of sneakers for men, women, and kids online. Find brands like Nike, Asics, Saucony, New Balance, and more beyond.
Parlor 23
This Toronto-based consignment shop specializes in deadstock and collectible shoes and accessories. Head here for hard-to-find sneakers or to consign a pair that’s been collecting dust in your closet. Parlor 23 ships worldwide.
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Have you been on that never ending search for for the perfect white sneaker to add to your footwear collection? Check out all of these awesome options that’ll pair perfectly with any outfit. From sleek styles, to trendy platforms, browse the list and find which sneaker you like the most.
Here are the best white sneakers to add to your collection.
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Converse is definitely a go-to brand for sneakers due to its simplistic design and versatility— most of us have owned a pair at some point. However, If you’re interested in switching up your footwear collection with other staple sneakers, then you’ve come to the right place. Check out all of these awesome Converse alternatives, that will pair perfectly with any outfit.
Here are the best sneakers if you’re looking for alternatives to Converse.
Superga
Keds
Vans
Allbirds
Veja
CARIUMA
Nike
Everlane
Coach
Axel Arigato
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