Let’s face it, it’s not just about women’s shoes anymore, shoes are now considered the style staple of every trendy guy’s wardrobe. Famous for their flexibility, innovative material, up-market appeal and ability to enhance any outfit, shoes are no longer for shoes. Shoe shopping is never an easy task which is why a list of the best sneaker shops in Melbourne has been created.
Capsule
Shop 27/287 Lonsdale Street
Capsule has an established shop at the Emporium shopping center, situated in the very heart of Melbourne’s CBD. They are home to numerous sneaker collaborations, particularly ones with Asics. What sets them apart from the competition is that their website includes a section called ‘Stylistics’, which is a set of photographic blog articles that provides suggestions about the best ways to wear your shoes and what outfits they can go nicely with. If you are ever in need of style inspiration, then Capsule is always there to help.
124 Shoes
Shop 24/16-30 Russell Place
124 Shoes are known as ‘authentic shoes, not for the ordinary’. It is a really fitting mantra to the brand, considering that each and every shoe is made with tender loving care. All these are specially chosen from Italy’s best labels, produced by second and third generation shoemakers which have utilized traditional artisan methods to create the ideal shoe. If you’re searching for real quality and powerful lasting energy for your shoes, look no further than this shop. However, all of their selections are Italian manufacturers only.
Sneakerboy
Shop 1/265 Little Bourke Street
Sneakerboy guarantees an experience you will remember long after your feet have slipped into your own kicks. They had quite the hype at the lead-up to their shop openings in Melbourne and Sydney. What is different about this brand is that it does not adhere to the standard retail version. Instead, the store is a showroom with their inventory, where you try on the shoes in store and then buy shoes online, wait a couple of days and before you know it, your shoes have arrived on your doorstep.
Up There Store
Level 1/15 McKillop Street
One quaint small Melbourne shop that’s devoted to supplying a nice assortment of internationally sourced labels and shoes for men is Up There. Located in Melbourne’s CBD and two other convenient places, Up There pitches itself on quality men’s dress shoes together with unprecedented product knowledge to back this up. As a bonus, the shop also provides online sales and shares some of the best boutique clothing.
Culture Kings
1 Queens Street
Culture Kings is the best destination if you are searching for a one-stop shop for all matters of streetwear including snapback hats, crewnecks and needless to say, sneakers. Shopping there is an indulging experience to the say the very least they have DJs playing the best songs from all over the world and even barber’s on hand. You are going to be buying shoes while pumping to the beat all day, emerging out a completely new man.
Hype DC
139 Swanston Street
This shop is a top choice if you are a guy who wants the most recent kicks, but does not comply with the fashion trend religiously. What is good about Hype DC is that they are among the very widely available stores, with stores around Melbourne. If you are too lazy to leave home, they have an online shoes store where you can research the products. And if you are concerned that you might not be able to pick up your purchase, they also provide quick free delivery to your workplace.
Platypus
149-151 Swanston Street
Very similar to Hype DC, Platypus is easily accessible with various shops around Melbourne and more than sixty stores in Australia. So no matter where you reside, you are certain to find one close to you. They have plenty of iconic shoe brands from all over the world, which is great if you are not one to go from store to store in your search for the perfect sneaker.
Prime Athletic
188-190 Little Collins Street / 227 Barkly Street / 234 Brunswick Street
Prime Athletic are the people’s shoe shop, with just 3 stores in Melbourne. First opened in 1997, it has since become a Melbourne destination for the style-savvy, bringing customers in with its relaxed vibes. Over seventeen years later and they are still standing against the big guns, a testament to their approach which does not overwhelm you with fashion jargon. Their website has a ‘Prime Daily’ segment, a hub where site articles are updated frequently with new products bringing you style inspiration.
Harrolds
101 Collins Street
For the cultured gentleman whose toes deserve only pure luxury, Harrold’s is the go-to sneaker place. The Melbourne luxury department store shares a few of their very extensive sneaker ranges from designer labels like John Lobb, Giuseppe Zanotti, Comme Des Garcons, Rick Owens and much more. The shop’s immaculately chic fit outside can also be a sight to behold as it shares a number of the world’s most distinguished labels such as Tom Ford and other men’s shoes.