The Coolest Sneaker Stores to Visit in Tokyo
Japan has no shortage of style, from its head right down to its footwear. A good pair of sneakers can take you from the gym to the street and everywhere in between while being both practical and a fashion statement that turns heads. If you want to get your hands on a pair – for function or fashion – check out these cool, must-visit sneaker stores in Tokyo.
Sports Lab by atmos
Sports Lab is a Shinjuku shop opened by the Japanese retailer atmos. The huge space was planned and developed in part by Nike, featuring a sleek and modern look. Sports Lab carries a large variety of limited edition sneakers from Nike, Air Jordan and atmos, among others, so if you only check out one store on this list, make it this one.
Monday–Sunday: 11AM–9PM
Shinjuku 4-1-1-1F, Shinjuku-ku, Tokyo 160-0022, Japan, +81 03 6457 8755
Visvim
Visvim is located inside Tokyo’s Gyre shopping center. The store is done up in antique-style furniture and décor with floors made of reclaimed wood. Visvim carries clothing, accessories and, of course, shoes. There’s also the brand’s flagship coffee shop called ‘little cloud coffee’, which resembles its namesake.
Monday–Sunday: 11AM–12AM
GYRE2F, 5-10-1 Jingumae, Tokyo 150-0001, Japan, +81 3-3498-6990
http://instagram.com/p/BHZxT5WgDnY/
Mita Sneakers
Mita Sneakers is a well-known Japanese retailer with a massive selection of shoes. In the past, Mita Sneakers only stocked Japanese brands, but today their roster includes designs from around the world. From time to time, Mita Sneakers partners with sportswear giants like PUMA to create unique looks that are only available at their stores, making it the perfect gift for sneaker lovers back home.
Monday–Friday: 11AM–7:30PM
Saturday–Sunday: 10AM–7:30PM
AMEYOKO Side Building 2F, 4-7-8 Ueno, Tokyo 110-0005, Japan, +81 3 3832 8346
Band of Outsiders
Band of Outsiders is a Los Angeles brand that has branched out into the Japanese market. Their Tokyo store is located in the Shibuya District. This store’s pull is the massive, centralized contraption known as The Monster, which holds onto all the display racks, shelves and even the cash registers. You’ll find clothing and accessories in addition to shoes here.
Monday–Sunday: 11:30AM–7PM, closed Tuesday
2-6-3 Sendagaya, 150-0001 Tokyo, Japan, +81 3 6758 0620
https://instagram.com/p/BJAHfj9jFtf/
Heather Grey Wall
Heather Grey Wall was founded by the famous Japanese designer Kazuki Kuraishi. Kuraishi is known for his fashion line The Fourness, and has collaborated with various clothing giants like Adidas and Burton to create unique designs. Heather Grey Wall stocks clothing, shoes and accessories from a carefully selected roster of brands like The Fourness x Mark McNairy x Adidas sneaker collaborations.
Monday–Sunday: 12PM–8PM
Imai Building 1F, 5-38-8 Yoyogi, Tokyo, Japan, +81 3 5738 1330
Architecture and Sneakers
Architecture and Sneakers’ Shibuya shop is an emporium of athletic footwear. With large leather couches and spacious coffee tables, it’s possible to spend an entire afternoon choosing just the right pair. Here, sneaker fans will be spoiled for choice.
Monday–Sunday: 12PM–8PM
http://instagram.com/p/0jcMbmvxyF/
Chapter World
A little more low-key than its contemporary Kicks Lab and atmos, Chapter World has a number of outlets across the city, but Harajuku is where you’ll find their best stuff. Generally, the store is more about new releases and classic silhouettes than collector items. If you’re looking for a fresh pair of sneakers with a budget-friendly price tag, this is a good place to go. Also if you need new laces, accessories and shoe cleaning gear, Chapter World has you covered.
Everyday: 11AM–8PM
Fool’s Judge
This one is for the more serious sneaker connoisseur. The selection at Fool’s Judge is geared towards the more discerning shopper, and the prices tend to reflect that. Within a day or two of release, expect to find the latest Yeezys on the shelf, with a price tag that will probably blow out your travelling budget. That said, if you’re hunting for something exclusive and elusive, this place is a goldmine.
Everyday: 1PM–8PM
Fool’s Judge Tokyo, Shibuya, Jingumae, 4 Chome−3-13, B1, +81 3 3796 6664
Billy’s
With a number of outlets sprinkled across Japan, Billy’s is one of the more understated major players in the local sneaker scene. The must-visit location in Tokyo is in the centre of Harajuku. Tastefully minimal, the store features a collection of everyday style sneakers and special one-off collaborations with shoe companies.
Everyday: 11AM–8PM
Billy’s 6 Chome-23-7 Jingumae, Shibuya, Tokyo 150-0001, +81 3 5413 6946
Kicks Lab
This cavernous store opened in 2007 and over the years has really established itself as one of the main ‘go to’ outlets for chasing hard-to-find Kicks. With a selection of Jordans unlike anywhere else, the super accessible shop’s inventory is a combination of collector’s items and causal everyday sneakers. It doesn’t matter if you have thousands to drop on special exclusive creations or if you just need to grab a fresh pair of Reeboks, you’ll find something here.
Everyday: 12PM–8PM
Kicks Lab 4 Chome-32-5 Jingumae, Tokyo 150-0001, +81 3 6459 2124
Gettry
Originally founded in Kyoto, Gettry is a store that feels more like a cool friend’s living room than a shoe store. With a welcoming staff, a laid-back atmosphere and meticulously chosen stock, Gettry is all about taste over bravado. The staff members here are passionate about what they do, but they’re never sneaker snobs. If you’re after a pair of skate shoes, Gettry is a good place to visit as their stock leans more towards the skate side of sneaker culture than the basketball or fashionista world. If it’s Vans or Nike SBs you’re chasing, chances are you’ll find them here.
Everyday: 11AM–8PM
Gettry 4 Chome-26-35 Jingumae, Shibuya, Tokyo 150-0001 + 81 3 5786 2212