Best sneaker shops in New York

If you wear sneakers regularly, you can’t leave New York without taking home a pair made here. You’ll find all kinds of styles in New York shoe stores. Better yet, if you have time, you can customize your own sneakers and walk out with a one-of-a-kind pair. Here are two ways to do it.

The Converse store closed in 2025

• Update March 5, 2025: the Converse store in SoHo has permanently closed. Here are other places where you can find sneakers in New York.
• The iconic Converse flagship store deserves a mention. Located at 560 Broadway in SoHo, it was the largest Converse shop in the world. Among its vast selection, the store invited customers to customize their own sneakers. That chapter has now closed as of 2025. Fortunately, other excellent sneaker shops remain throughout the city.

The best sneaker shops in New York in 2025

1. Flight Club. Address: 812 Broadway, between 11th and 12th Streets. This store is near Union Square in Manhattan. It carries incredible models, some designed by celebrities. Prices for these rare pairs are steep.
2. Stadium Goods. Located in SoHo just behind Canal Street on Howard Street, between Broadway and Mercer Street. Prices here are also high. But for that investment, you’ll find sneakers you won’t see anywhere else.
3. Yankee Kicks. Address: corner of Broadway and Bond Street, between SoHo and Union Square. Part of the store is dedicated to rare collector sneakers. You’ll also find more affordable options. It depends on what you’re looking for.
4. Nike Shop. On Fifth Avenue. You’ll find Nike brand models exclusively. Perfect if you’re a Nike fan.

Where to create custom sneakers

• Here’s an even more original option: join a creative workshop with a New York artist in a studio in the Garment District, steps from the Flatiron Building. This time, you won’t choose from preset designs or images—you’ll paint white sneakers yourself.
• The artist will guide you as you draw the Empire State Building on the front of your shoes, but you’re free to let your imagination take over. It’s your creation.
• The workshop lasts about 2 hours and includes a new pair of sneakers plus all the materials you need to customize them. You’ll leave with your painted sneakers on your feet.
• You must book the workshop in advance. Visit the sneaker customization workshop booking module. If your plans change or you need to cancel your New York trip, you can cancel free of charge up to 24 hours before the workshop starts.