10 Los Angeles Sneaker Shops
The sneaker scene in Los Angeles is as expansive and varied as the city itself. You’ll need GPS, a full tank of gas and plenty of patience if you want to hit all the spots in one day. Be prepared to sit in traffic on the 405, 5, 10 and 91freeways. On the plus side, it’ll likely be sunny out, and you’ll have plenty of opportunities for a great Mexican or a gourmet burger when you get hungry. You’ll also have plenty of time to compile your shopping list and plan your retail strategy of attack. As for the sneaker shops themselves, the following are the 10 spots you’ll want to hit on your epic heat seeking mission.
Produced by: Dan Hwang
Founded in 2002 by Eddie Cruz and James Bond, UNDEFEATED is a veteran presence in the L.A. sneaker landscape. And just as in sports, it’s the wily veteran you always turn to, for both dependability and knowledge. Aside from the OG location on La Brea, there are additional chapter stores in Santa Monica and Silverlake. All offer an unparalleled selection of sneakers, along with great basics from UNDEFEATED’s house line of apparel.
112 1/2 S La Brea Avenue
Los Angeles, CA 90036
Tel: +1-323-937-6077
Hours: 11:00 am – 7:00 pm
www.undefeated.com
The tasteful, minimalist décor in each of the Blends locations throughout Southern California is designed to place the focus squarely on the sneakers on display. Retro offerings from all the heavy hitters are a specialty here, but if you’re lucky — and plan ahead — you may be able to score the occasional collaboration with the likes of Vans Vault. A new location in Beverly Hills gives new meaning to the term “sneaker boutique.”
725 S Los Angeles Street
Los Angeles, CA 90014
Tel: +1-213-626-6607
Hours: 11:30 am – 7:00 pm
www.blendsus.com
A smaller store offering great service, and the occasional happy hour promotion in which shoppers get to enjoy free beer while trying on kicks. Come here if you’re looking for the latest offerings from PUMA, Converse Skate, Nike SB and Vans Vault.
2253 Westwood Boulevard
Los Angeles, CA 90064
Tel: +1-310-446-5527
Hours: 11:00 am – 7:00 pm
www.hotrodla.com
Located in downtown Long Beach, Proper has cultivated a reputation as one of the most service-oriented sneaker shops in the greater Los Angeles area. Its no frills atmosphere — reinforced by the old school shelving and simple wood-beam walls — adds to the notion that selection and service are the things that matter here.
425 E 1st Street
Long Beach, CA 90802
Tel: +1-562-628-9100
Hours: 11:00 am – 7:00 pm
www.apropersite.com
This consignment shop in L.A.’s Little Tokyo district can’t be beat when looking for rare, covetable kicks. Pricing is competitive, and you may even be surprised to procure yourself a pair at below market prices.
334-A E 2nd Street
Los Angeles, CA 90012
Tel: +1-213-617-0252
Hours: 12:00 pm – 7:00 pm
www.rif.la
The Valley has largely shed its erstwhile reputation as a cultural wasteland. Partial credit for the area’s renaissance goes to Paul Rodriguez, whose Primitive shop maintains an inventory featuring skate shoes from Nike SB, HUF and Vans, as well as retro models from New Balance, adidas and Jordan.
17060 Ventura Boulevard
Encino, CA 91316
Tel: +1-818-479-7171
Hours: 11:00 am – 8:00 pm
www.primitiveshoes.com
A sneaker mainstay in Los Angeles since way back in the ’80s, Sportie LA is something of an institution, holding it down for shoppers in the always trendy Melrose district. Every nook and cranny in the space is crammed with sneakers, and especially determined patrons may find an obscure gem from the PUMA archives.
7753 Melrose Avenue
Los Angeles, CA 90046
Tel: +1-323-651-1553
Hours: 11:00 am – 8:00 pm
www.sportiela.com
Tucked inside Fred Segal Santa Monica, Conveyor carries brands that appeal to both sneaker freaks and style mavens alike. Get the new retro Stabs from Nike Sportswear here, as well as a pair of navy leather Achilles from Common Projects.
420 Broadway
Santa Monica, CA 90401
Tel: +1-310-458-2800
Hours: 10:00 am – 7:00 pm
www.conveyorwest.com
The Left Coast version of the famed sneaker consignment Shop, Flight Club L.A. is planted in the heart of the Fairfax district, meaning you can shop your favorite streetwear brands after you’ve purchased the sneakers you’ve been thirsting for but couldn’t find anywhere else.
503 N Fairfax Avenue
Los Angeles, CA 90048
Tel: +1-888-937-8020
Hours: 12:30 pm – 7:00 pm
www.flightclub.com
Located in downtown Fullerton, BTNC is the go-to spot for locals looking for hard-to-find offerings from the Swoosh, Vans Syndicate and ASICS. Regular group art shows are another reason to make it out to this northern Orange County gem.
203 Harbor Boulevard
Fullerton, CA 92832
Tel: +1-714-441 3434
Hours: 11:30 pm – 7:30 pm
www.beatniconline.com
