Image via Complex Original
LASneakerLead
Last week we hooked you up with the best sneaker shops in NYC — this week we take it back three time zones to the left coast. Although the style tends to be more classic with love for Vans and Chucks (and Clydes, word to UNDFTD), the hype around Jordans and Jeremy Scotts is real. New to L.A. and need that connect? We got you. Click on the link to check out The 10 Greatest Sneaker Shops in Los Angeles.
SportieLA
Sportie LA
Location: 7753 and 7454 Melrose Ave., Los Angeles
Established in '85, the classic sneaker shop carries any and every brand you could possibly want (and some you probably forgot existed). From the jump the graffiti-style art on the wall sets the store apart, and when you walk in and see the waves of kicks (some that have been sitting there longer than you've been alive), you know you're taken care of. This is how sneaker stores used to be — and still should be.
Blends
Blends
Location: 125 West 4th Street, Los Angeles
As soon as you peep the Missoni Chucks, you're sold. And where else can you find Nike SBs, New Balance and Jeremy Scott adidas all in one place? (Besides the local hipster bar, anyway.) The store carries so much heat from casual kicks to athletic sneakers specified for the greatest athletes. And yes, they can help out with all your skate needs, too.
adidasOriginals
adidas Originals
Location: 503 North Fairfax Ave., Los Angeles
No garage doors here — the Originals store on Fairfax relies on good ol' fashioned windows to let in the California sun. You know what you'll find, right? Everything from Originals staples to the latest Jeremy Scott madness and adi's ever-growing skate line. And nothing says L.A. like a palm tree in the front door.
Drip
Drip Hollywood
Location: 374 Hollywood Blvd., Los Angeles
In case you're in tourist mode trying to hit Hollywood Boulevard, this is the best stop for you. They have a fair amount of Nikes and Jordans, but clean and casual adidas is the store's forte. Trying to pick something up comfortable enough to huff it all day and stylish enough for the club? Set.
Factory413
Factory 413
Location: 413 South Fairfax Ave., Los Angeles
About to approach its 13th year in the game, Factory 413 — note the address, people — has been specializing in Supra Footwear (this is where any and all limited drops hit) and in true Fairfax fashion the store implements a less-is-more design.
FCLA
Flight Club Los Angeles
Location: 503 North Fairfax Ave., Los Angeles
You already know when it comes to finding some heat from last month or five years ago Flight Club has you covered. The prices are what the market will bear, the product is legit and we all have heard war stories from ordering from someone shipping from their mother's basement — FCLA's reputation precedes. Not to mention this is the place to go when you have those feelings of buyer's remorse. Chances are someone else will want what you don't.
HolyGrail
Holy Grail
Location: 604 West Pico Blvd., Los Angeles
Original Jordans, the classic Georgetown colorway of the Terminator High — Holy Grail reps their name perfectly. The consignment shop only has what people bring in, but the variety should keep you coming back again and again. You have chosen... wisely.
SupremeLA
Supreme Los Angeles
Location: 439 North Fairfax Ave., Los Angeles
As the sole Supreme location in the US of A outside of the Lafayette Street original, Supreme Los Angeles brings a bit of downtown NYC to Fairfax. And aside from the usual Supreme goodness, they even provided an indoor bowl to escape that horrible Southern California weather.
KicksSole
Kicks Sole Provider
Location: 141 N Larchmont Blvd. and 171 North Barrington Place, Los Angeles
Another sneaker shop known for its variety of brands and style (and sizes — you can hook up the lil 'uns here) of sneakers, two locations in Los Angeles and a solid rep for great customer service — a must.
Undftd
UNDFTD
Location: 112 1/2 S La Brea Ave., Los Angeles
UNDFTD has been been linked to some of the illest sneaker releases, including the greatest sneaker of the Complex era — the "UNDFTD" Jordan IVs. They've also collaborated with the likes of Puma and Converse, bringing their signature spare aesthetic to the masses. Who brought Visvim to the U.S. market? UNDFTD did. They've been doing this for years, and doing it better than most everyone. Don't sleep.