Sneaker shopping : Downtown

Sneaker Shopping: Downtown

Toronto’s sneaker scene has undergone a constant expansion throughout the last two decades. It has never been easier to find the sneakers you need in the convenience of our city. From hyped to luxury, the city’s got you covered. 

Livestock 

First stop, Livestock. They have been supplying the city for almost a decade with the latest releases, collaborations and special in-store exclusives. This is the go-to spot for all sneakerheads, either local or visiting. Alongside the impressive sneaker array they are fully equipped with clothing: with everything from Palace to Arc’teryx’s Veilance line. Here, you will find a broad selection of the season’s Nikes, Adidas, Y3s, Jordans and Asics.  With two locations, one at 116 Spadina Avenue and the other at 406 Roncesvalles Avenue, you will be able to find what you are looking for. 

Ossington Ave. 

Next up, Jonathan and Olivia (49 Ossington Ave). This store is definitely one of Toronto’s top designer boutiques and their sneaker selection reflects that. Here you are able to find the new Raf Simmons, Maison Margiela and Rick Owens. Although the stock does move quickly due to its strong following, this is a great place to check out. Stocking the latest seasons by your favourite designers, here you will also be able to find an outfit to pair with your new kicks.

While checking out the Ossington strip: Lost and Found (44 Ossington Ave) is also a great spot to find what you’re looking for. Stocking Nike and Adidas’ latest releases, they will not disappoint. 

Department store pick-ups

Side note: if you are looking for luxury sneakers, without a doubt make sure to check the luxury department stores. Holts and Harry Rosen have been supplying the luxury sneaker market for a long time now; with the recent expansion of the American stores like Saks and Nordstrom, a huge variety of luxury sneakers  is now available.

A few notable mentions:

• New to Toronto, Exclucity (552 Queen St W), are now supplying the market with a vast selection of sought-after sneakers, they also run raffles for the hyped shoes , (keep in mind for the next Yeezy drop).  
• Capsule (69 Yorkville Ave #106) has also been a front runner in the sneaker scene, a must-see for sneaker heads. Also located in Yorkville, Serpentine (132 Cumberland St). They are at the forefront of the grunge aesthetic, here you will find the Rick Owens you have been dreaming of. 
• Lastly, Essential located at 384 Yonge Street @ shops of Aura If you have had your eyes on a pair of Yeezys or Jordans and need them this is your spot, a hypebeast’s dream.