Superkicks
Recent years have seen an uptick in functional fashion that prioritises both comfort and style. Streetwear and sneakers form an integral part of the street culture, which sets out to combine self expression and self possession, seamlessly. With this global revival of comfy footwear and apparel, India has gained an influx of boutiques that redefine style. Here’s a complete guide to sneakers and streetwear in India.
Crepdog Crew
When it comes to a perfect amalgamation of streetwear and kicks, Crepdog Crew fits the bill. CDC started its journey as an Instagram page, with an online marketplace of sneakers, and soon expanded to become the CDC Experience, a multi-brand sneaker and streetwear store in Delhi. Their physical store features a downsized basketball court along with their premium sneaker wall. The latter boasts footwear giants such as Jordans, Yeezys, and Off-Whites. They’re also home to established homegrown streetwear labels.
VegNonVeg
The first in India to create a multi-brand sneaker haven, VegNonVeg has retail stores in Delhi, Mumbai and Bangalore. VNV sets itself apart from other sneaker boutiques with their curation of the many subcultures that accompany street fashion — they feature vintage NBA jerseys, dedicated basketball sneakers, and exclusive art collectibles. By tapping into this intersection of sneakers, sports, fashion and art, they’ve established themselves as a favourite marketplace for street and sneakerheads.
SoleSearch India
Modelled after global sneaker marketplace StockX, SoleSearch India connects sneaker buyers to sellers. Operating through both their website and Instagram page, SoleSearch brings the most exclusive sneakers to the Indian street scene, that are then ‘auctioned’ through asks and bids by prospective buyers. They also offer a range of international streetwear and accessories, like watches.
Superkicks
Superkicks is another multi-brand sneaker and apparel store. They currently have two physical stores, in Delhi and Mumbai. Their Delhi store is not only the biggest sneaker store in the capital, but it's also an architectural marvel, inspired by the city's forts and their characteristic sandstone foundations. Superkicks offers a unique shopping experience that spotlights streetwear and sneakers. For instance, they have acquired many loyal customers through their frequent sneaker raffles, which promise sneakers at retail prices.
Mainstreet
The Mainstreet Marketplace
MNST Marketplace is a sneaker reselling store. Initially, their primary purpose was to make space for sneaker culture by tapping into the then untouched market of sneakerheads through their YouTube channel and Instagram. Later, they expanded, along with their increasing clientele, to physical stores in Mumbai and Delhi, which house sneakers and apparel, including products from their very own homegrown label, MNST Gear.
10 Hills Studio
10 Hills Studio does everything street. The boutique offers a wide range of sneakers, homegrown urban brands, and lifestyle products. Their store is located in Kolkata, and what sets them apart from other multi-brand stores, is their thrift section. 10 Hills Studio features a curation of vintage and thrifted clothing items that aren’t exorbitantly priced, both in-store and on their website.
Text Nandini Chand
Date 17-10-2022