Best sneaker shops in Tokyo

Sneakerheads will go into a frenzy when they see this three-building sneaker shop that's moved into Daikanyama's Log Road. The space is now home to Sneakersnstuff, the Swedish-born sneaker empire that's taken the world by storm. The brand's seventh store worldwide and first store in Asia, the Tokyo shop features two unique buildings that almost feel like an art gallery and store merged together, as well as a tranquil café and terrace space.

Visit A+S, otherwise known as Architecture and Sneakers, for a dose of Tokyo’s ever-evolving streetwear and sneaker culture. Just as the shop name suggests, what you’ll find here is a well-edit selection of sneakers inside an immaculately designed space run by the folks behind Japanese streetwear label Soph (whose store is located right below). Along with some of today’s most popular footwear models, mostly from Nike, you’ll also find sportswear basics like T-shirts and caps. They even have mini versions of selected shoe styles for children. The items here straddle a range of budgets, from Nike and Cole Haan to luxury brands like Balenciaga and Maison Margiela.

Styles Daikanyama has a well-curated selection of international best-sellers and some great limited-editions. The store prides itself in offering sneakers that are both fashionable and functional. You’re best to check their website frequently to get the drop dates of rare collaborations. For mini versions of your favourite sneakers, they’ve got a decent kids’ selection as well.

Sneaker 'select shop' Atmos now has a dedicated ladies-only flagship store in Harajuku, with a relatively discrete amount of pink flying around the shop. You'll find anything from international bestsellers such as Nike, Adidas and Reebok and domestic sneaker brands to original clothing and accessories, all perfect for daily wear.

The food-centric district of Ameyoko might be the least likely place to find an amazing sneaker shop, but Mita Sneakers is just that. Skip the shop’s small street-level outpost and go to the main store, located on the second floor of the Ameyoko Center, instead. They have everything from Nike, Adidas and Puma, plus some under the radar Japanese brands like Patrick and Panther. They sometimes offer a pretty good selection of sale items as well.

This small collectors shop which recently re-opened in Harajuku stocks some of the rarest editions in the city: think Kanye West Yeezys, models from the Off-White Nike collab and unique colourways from Adidas all in mint condition, wrapped in plastic and awaiting you. As for the rest of the shop, you’ll find a mass of Nike styles including Air Jordans, Nike SBs and models from the Nike Running collection, as well as out-of-stock Converse and a few other rare finds.

Rows of colourful, wrapped-up shoes line the walls at this Kichijoji store that offers an exhaustive range of sneakers from the likes of Adidas, Puma, Nike, Admiral, Reebok and Onitsuka Tiger. They deal in everything from the latest models to 'dead stock' while also carrying limited-edition versions – enough to pique the interest of even the most discerning sneakerhead. The store’s Twitter timeline is a must-check, with daily updates on new arrivals. Skit mainly selects products on a pair-by-pair basis, so if you see something you like in your size, best make a quick decision. Men’s shoes are the focus here, but they do offer some women’s models as well.

Don’t be fooled by its size: Pistacchio Daikanyama may be tiny, but its modern interior is filled with a wide range of sneakers, from classic to the latest trends. Located mere steps from Daikanyama Station, the store’s blue exterior is reminiscent of a Parisian bakery, and the narrow wood and brick-walled boutique houses brands such as Nike, New Balance and Adidas. Lacoste, Patrick, Hunter rain boots and Sorel snow boots are also available in store or via their online shop. Follow the shop’s Instagram account for inspiration and to see shoes photographed in their natural habitat.  

Los Angeles-born sneaker shop Undefeated has finally opened on Shibuya's Cat Street with two floors of streetwear goods including everything from the brand's cult worthy sneakers, clothing and accessories to a selection of rare finds and brand collabs. Stick to the first floor for all your sneaker needs, as the shop offers a good range of Undefeated x Nike styles as well as Undefeated x Adidas designs. 

Opened in 2008 by a group of sporty-shoe aficionados, this light-filled shop houses limited-edition models and collections only released in Japan. If you’re in the market for a rare item, check out collaborations such as the bright Taro Yamada-covered Converse x Chinyuki, a popular Japanese anime from the ’90s, and tri-coloured trainers from French sportswear brand Le Coq Sportif with Tokyo-based Mita sneakers. While you’re there, stock up on shoe-care goods from Jason Markk, and ‘Sneaker Freaker’ magazine. 

One of the many sneaker shops in Harajuku, Gettry consistently carries a hefty selection of sneakers including everything from Nike, New Balance and Asics, plus Reebok Classic and Adidas. Keep an eye out as you might miss this store – it’s hidden down in a semi-basement location off the busy streets. This shop is definitely a must-go for those looking for a new pair of sneaks.

Shoe geeks will love Billy’s, which always carries an exciting selection of sneakers for men and women as well as exclusive models and unique colourways from your favourite brands. Look forward to shopping through kicks from the likes of Nike, Vans, Saucony Originals and Converse, as well as other shoe options including Sperry boat shoes and Danner work boots. Clothing and other lifestyle goods are available too, so you can get all geared up before you leave.

Stocking a hefty selection of vintage sneakers, Soma imports their carefully curated selection directly from North America, as well as finds from here in Japan. Sifting through the store you'll mainly find rare, vintage kicks from the likes of Nike, Adidas and Converse. We highly recommend you check up on their blog every so often, as they update with the latest additions to their store. 

A classic pair of Converse is a fashion staple, but did you know you can also personalise your own kicks with the brand? Enter this Converse store, where you can deck out a pair with various designs and patterns created by popular artists, as well as add on personal touches such as charms and coloured laces – all from ¥9,000 (price includes the shoes).

The process is straightforward. First, try on a sample pair to determine your size and pick either an all-white high- or low-top All Star, which is exclusive to the White Atelier. The Kichijoji shop also offers customisation for toddlers’ and children’s shoes. Next, flip through the design book and pick out your favourite pattern. Converse regularly changes the options to showcase different artists, but there are also simpler typography options (English alphabets, katakana and numbers).

Harajuku's Cat Street, known as the spiritual home of Tokyo's vibrant street fashion culture, houses this shop that's centred around Reebok's casual line, Reebok Classic. The range of more than 1,000 items is a throwback to styles from the '80s and '90s, so you're bound to recognise classic motifs and designs used in their sneakers and apparel from those eras. The ground floor is focused on iconic lines like the Insta Pump Fury and the Ventilator, while the second floor is where to find clothing – including the Tokyo-themed TYO Collection. They may be very retro, but these creations all still feel as fresh as ever.

Founded in 1949, Japan’s biggest shoe brand Onitsuka Tiger has streetfront stores in all the trendiest districts of Tokyo. Many of their sneakers feature a vintage vibe, and their iconic Mexico 66 model continues to be one of the most popular pairs around. Onitsuka Tiger’s sleek flagship store in Shibuya houses shoes for men, women and children. If you’re feeling flush, continue on next door for the brand’s premium made-in-Japanese collection. 

As Tokyo's flagship Adidas Originals shop, this location has almost every Adidas model you can think of, with kicks for men, women and children spread over three floors. From collaborations with local designers and brands to countless limited-edition products, there’s an endless amount of merchandise for Adidas fanatics. Here you’ll also be able to cop the latest Adidas NMDs, which have been flying off shelves the past few seasons.