Paris isn’t exactly famous for their skate scene; in fact, the skate scene is something you rarely, if ever, hear about. That’s not to say the city has a wide variety of skate inspired stores that peddle the coolest sneaks on the market today, and most of the shoes you’ll find in these stores are strictly limited edition, score! Don’t even own a skateboard? No problem, it’s not required, although it won’t hurt in order to rock the skater apparel and kicks featured at these shops. Plus, you’ll get some hipster points for wearing skater clothes before everyone else is and we promise all your friends will follow suit after seeing your newest threads.

 

BlackRainbow

Upon first glance BlackRainbow might appear to be a bathroom, but those toilets in the center are actually used for you to sit on while trying on shoes. This sneaker shop located on a rather quiet section of rue des Archives is definitely hipster certified, if not for the collection of brands like Penfield, Supreme, and Carhartt, then definitely for the brunch they host on select Sundays. Collaborations with sunglass company Oakley and good American rap bumping through the sound system keeps this place relevant. Alongside classic kicks such as Adidas originials, Nikes and Pumas, you can score a pair of Alifes, Filling Pieces, or Supras.

Blackrainbow / 68 Rue des Archives / 75003 / 33 44 54 97 54

blackrainbow sneakers paris

Blackrainbow

Royal Cheese

Yes, this store is named after a hamburger, but it’s not just one store, it’s actually a collection of five shops named after a hamburger. There are two Royal Cheese boutiques featuring men and women’s clothing where you can stock up on skinny jeans and refined accessories by APC Madras, Cheap Monday, April 77 or Insight. But if sneakers are what you had in mind, check out the Royal Cheese Vans location, where both ladies and bros can slip their feet into a pair of shoes that won’t slide off your skateboard, but will satisfy the California rebel inside of you. For some shoes that are like artwork for your little toes the newest Royal Cheese location, which focuses on shoes and accessories, is your spot. Buy any of the creative boots and American-style boat shoes from here and you will have the best dressed feet in any room.

Royal Cheese / 22/24 rue Tiquetonne / 75002 / www.royalcheese.com (for all the locations)

royalcheese paris

Royal Cheese

Auguste

Triple threat alert, wait hold on, maybe even quadruple threat alert! Auguste shoe shop, which displayss art alongside their merchandise, can also boast about their foothold in the music industry because of their in-store events with American rap stars like Swizz Beats and Wildchild. After dropping all your cash on their wide array of modern and retro snapback hats, racks on racks of skateboards, and a really extensive collection of visual tees for boys and girls, check out their cantine next door. Offering healthy (and super cheap) repas, the Auguste Cantine is the perfect place to grab a sandwich or soup to refuel for your next shopping adventure. The shoe haven located in the 11th carries limited edition Reeboks, alongside K1X, Pumas and Keep Shoes.

Auguste / 10 Rue Saint-Sabin / 75011 / www.augusteparis.com

 

auguste sneaker shop paris

Auguste

Starcow

Browse the awe-inspiring Starcow blog before even stopping into the teensy little shop on Rue Saint Honoré and your shopping trip time can be minimized, unless you spot more cool merchandise you absolutely need. With a great collection of special edition kicks from Nike, Saucony, Converse and New Balance, don’t be surprised if you purchase more than you expected to. Also available are covetable McNairy button downs, impeccable leather goods from Les Petites Séries, funny tees from Fuct and the skateboards, oh the skateboards. They offer a selection of boards that could easily double as a piece of artwork.

Starcow / 8 rue saint Honoré / 75001 / http://starcow.net/shop/

 

starcow sneaker shop

Starcow

Opium

Focusing mainly on Nike shoes, Opium, which is located between Les Halles and the Pompidou Center, presents a collection of the most exclusive sneakers in Paris. Even referring to themselves as a shoe museum, this store does in fact sell shoes, in addition to displaying a collection of original and rare kicks. Inspired by the Hip Hop culture and the decade of the 1980’s, expect to find many, many different versions of Michael Jordan Nikes, as well as a few in-house collaborations. And no, they don’t sell opium here.

Opium / 9 Rue du Cygne / 75001 / www.oqiumstore.com/

Article by Dena S