The Eight Best Sneaker Shops in Chicago

Image via Complex Original

Complex is on a world tour showcasing some of the top spots to grab kicks and chop it up with fellow 'heads. We already hit you with NYC and L.A., and now we take it to the greatest city in between the coasts — Chicago. If it wasn't for the city in which His Airness took foes to flight school, who knows how far this thing of ours would have really gotten? For our people new to the game or planning a summer getaway we got you — The Eight Best Sneaker Shops in Chicago. 

RELATED: The 10 Best Sneaker Stores in New York

LDRS 1354 

Location: 672 N Wells St.

When a sneaker shop gets called on for collabs with the hottest brands, that's the epitome of official. The hometown-crew run store is one of the best in the nation, let alone the city with some of the illest kicks and apparel in the states — true leaders of the new school. Their fitteds run the game, and they've got the latest heat from New Balance, adidas Originals, NSW, and of course Jordan.

Born With Soul 

Location: 2092 N Milwaukee Ave.

What's better than talking shit about how D. Rose broke ankles last night while getting a fade and picking up some OG Jordans? Nothing. Head barber and sneakerhead Melo is going to have you fresh to death from head to toe — no doubt. 

Diana Shoes 

Location: 2541 W Cermak Rd.

Trying to get laced with the latest Nike Dunks, runners, or Jordan Brand footwear — Diana Shoes is the spot. You can hit off the sneaker joint in Little Village any day of the week and get fitted to stay fresh. And if you know how classic sneaker spots work, look towards the floor for some dope leftovers.

Niketown

Location: 669 North Michigan Ave.

Down for the count right now due to construction, Niketown Chicago is a staple in the city for a go-to spot on elite Swoosh kicks as well as apparel. You can be sure when they upgrade and get back to business the new RSVP system will save you from harsh winter lines to grab the iconic "Bred" XIs this winter. And what other Niketown would you hit to see some of MJ's own gear?

Overtime 

Location: 1021 W Lake St.

Not everyone is a fan of consignment shop prices, but when you have been trolling the 'nets and can't find exactly what you need sometimes you find it in your backyard. The spot is new to the game just opening up a few months ago and kicked things off with a lot of heat — a must if you're trying to stack up on Js for summer. 

Succezz

Location: 1329 South Michigan Ave.

You don't have to be from the stinky onion to know that Michigan Avenue reps the hardest when it comes to retail spots, and Succezz lives up to its name with the latest and greatest from Nike, Jordan, Converse and Puma. The spot even has some older retro releases on hand from time to time, so make sure you stay posted on their site.  

Vivid Braille

Location: 2064 N Damen Ave.

A little more grown man then the other places, always a good look if the girl you're trying to smash isn't into the standard hypebeast kicks. If you're into brand-name only this isn't your game but the handmade boots are the epitome of quality and we promise the girls always catch that one at first sight. 

Saint Alfred 

Location: 1531 N Milwaukee 

One of the dopest shops in America calls Chicago its home, and with clean decor and top products there might not be much of a need to leave the city for the hottest ASICS, Jordans, and Vans — nothing but top-shelf kicks. Looking for the latest Nike quickstrike, or drops from Vans Vault or UNDFTD? St. Alfred's got what you need.