The best sneaker shops in Toronto

Toronto’s sneaker scene is possibly at its peak right now. The city has more sneaker stores than ever before, and whether it’s vintage, collectible, new or special edition shoes that you’re looking for, you’ll definitely find it here. These are nine of the best sneaker shops in Toronto to visit the next time you need to elevate your closet. 

Size?

Hidden in West Queen West is Size?, a U.K.-based streetwear store built to serve a subset of trendy individuals. Their Toronto location is full of brands that the average streetwear fanatic can not only appreciate but geek out about. They’re regularly stocked with Air Jordans, Foamposites and Nike SBs. They’re also supplying Torontonians with fad-specific footwear, like Adidas Gazelles and Sambas.  

Hotbox

Hotbox might be Toronto’s most prolific streetwear resale store. Started by Chris Solhi, the Hotbox brand has expanded all over the GTA, with a store just about twenty minutes away from anyone in and around the city. Their selling feature is most definitely their selection of deadstock (never worn) sneakers with prices that compete with not only other local stores, but online markets. At Hotbox, you could walk away with a pair of Off-White sneakers, a Bape hoodie and Supreme Oreos all in one shot. 

Groovy

Stroll down Queen West and you’ll find Groovy, an underrated sneaker shop that prides itself on carrying spinoffs of classics. At Groovy, shoppers can pick up some of their favourite silhouettes like the Nike Air Max or New Balance 990s. Don’t expect anything basic either, as the brand seems to favour monochromatic colourways that match your whole wardrobe. 

Little Burgundy

Little Burgundy is the only mainstream chain on this list and for good reason. Little Burgundy has consistently updated its collections in order to stay current with fashion’s hottest trends. At any time of year, you can walk into a Little Burgundy and find at least three different colourways of the latest shoe worn by streetwear trendsetters. For example, the New Balance 550 is having its moment this summer and you can shop five different colourways on their website right now. 

Capsule

This aptly named sneaker store carries silhouettes that we used to love, currently love, and will love in a few years time. The website is currently stocked with a ton of beloved silhouettes, and their brick-and-mortar location in Yorkville almost mirrors the website. Their selection of Nike sneakers is top-notch, ranging from Air Max silhouette’s like the 1 and 90, all the way to modern sneakers like Nike’s ISPA line. 

OD Toronto

Resale stores are abundant. However, the city has a few which are consistently fighting for the top spot — and OD Toronto might deserve it. Overdose — or OD — Toronto will have you drowning in just about every sneaker you’ve ever wanted. Their selection of Air Jordans is extensive, and just as impressive as their full-size run of Yeezys.  

Livestock

One of the more gender-neutral yet fashionable sneaker stores in Toronto is Livestock. Although they carry similar stock to some of the other local powerhouses, they make up for their similarity in universal sizing and colourways. They carry the Commes des Garcon and Converse Chuck Taylor, a collab that clearly has some staying power.

Makeway

Makeway is for the girls, by the girls. They double as a sneaker customization shop and retailer of some of the wackiest colourways available today. Their Cow Print Air Max 97 and baby blue Vomeros are amongst their most fun silhouettes. Stopping by Makeway means you’re making two decisions. The first is, “What shoe am I taking home?” and the other is, “What colour am I painting the ones on my feet?”

Plus 

Separating yourself as a resale sneaker store in Toronto can be difficult. Plus boasts one of the wildest price ranges among local sneaker stores. Near the top is the Christian Dior and Air Jordan collab which is fetching $12,500 at its lowest. Chilling at the bottom is a few general releases that Plus is offering for below retail like the Adidas Ultraboost and Nike Corteiz.