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Sneaker freak
If cool kicks are your passion, don't miss these shoe-centric shops
By Cory Robertson and Iman Jefferson
April 7, 2008
PHLI
5210 S. Harper Ct. - ChicagoBefore the sneakerhead craze hit Chicago hard, there was PHLI. Tucked away in the cultural mecca of Harper’s Court in Hyde Park, this chic shop is a sneaker fiend's dream come true. PHLI (pronounced "fly"), a backwards acronym for "I Love Hyde Park," covers two floors of exclusive kicks and clothing for both men and women. Owner Dave Jeff is one of the few that NIKE has allowed to carry their “boutique” line of sneakers, and a collaboration with K-Swiss has also resulted in the PHLI Classic shoe. Considered the go-to spot for the best shoes in the city, their PHLI-branded gear, which ranges from hats to tee-shirts, has been seen on the likes of LeBron James, Will Smith, Just Blaze and DJ Jazzy Jeff.
A.Okay Official
3270 N. Clark St. - ChicagoThis Lakeview boutique not only sells designer toys and limited-edition sneakers, but also doubles as an art gallery focusing on urban art. Calling on the skills they developed running their web development and marketing agency, dWebz, husband-and-wife team Jason and Jessica Uzarraga took things to the next level with their lifestyle-centric boutique, A. Okay Official. This colorful shop offers shoes by brands such as Raymond Choy, Bubi Au Yeung, Flying Fortress, Alife, Lacoste (plus local designer Fashion Geek and their house A Okay Official line) alongside pop culture-inspired oil paintings and cool plastic and vinyl toys.
St. Alfred
1531 N. Milwaukee Ave. - ChicagoFresh kicks are the showpiece at this hip men's and women's streetwear boutique in Wicker Park. Unlike other sneaker stores where every inch is plastered with shoes or graffiti, St. Alfred takes a minimalistic, bordering-on-barren approach. Shoes, from Vans to special-edition dunks, are neatly lined on the walls, while tees and hoodies are perfectly positioned on racks. You'll also find vintage Jordans and other apparel displayed in antique luggage and wooden cases. Stocking brands Visvim, bittersweet, HUF, Futura Lab, Stussy, and local designers Fallen Stars and of course, the house St. Alfred line, this store has earned a reputation among skateboarders and hip-hop heads alike.
Self-Conscious
1021 W. Lake St. - ChicagoSelf-Conscious is retail equivalent to hanging out at the cool dude in school's house. This West Loop store is a destination for shoppers looking to stay in the loop about what’s new in the sneaker world. We love the creative themed window displays, such as boldly colored Nike Quickstrikes dangling from lengths of wire. This men’s and women’s boutique also boasts a wide array of clothing, including Artful Dodger, LRG, Adidas, Crooks & Castles and denim from Levi’s and Rock & Republic. Aside from offering mainstream brands, Self-Conscious is dedicated to supporting Chicagoans, featuring local brands such as Enstrumental and Style Museum in addition to playing local hip-hop music. Considered more of a lifestyle store than just a sneaker shop, their knowledgeable staff promises to style you head to toe.
EnCore
3941 N. Sheridan Rd - ChicagoA spin-off of Self-Conscious, EnCore is even more sneaker-driven than its sibling store. This Wrigleyville boutique is tailored for the hard-core sneaker collector who is all about exclusivity. Consider most kicks here on a limited run -- such as the Adidas Consortium or limited edition Nike Air Force Ones, Air Max and Quick Strikes (available in every hue in the rainbow) -- it’s best not to hesitate on a purchase. While they do offer some apparel -- mostly t-shirts -- this spot also offers a sneaker consignment program and an option to customize your kicks using -- we're serious -- laser technology.
Leaders 1354 - Bronzeville
4351 S. Cottage Grove Ave. - ChicagoLiving by the motto “Stay ahead of the curve," Leaders 1354 manages to do just that, offering some of the hottest kicks in the city for sneaker connoisseurs, novice shoe enthusiasts and everyone in between. Open since 2002, a smart move from their original Hyde Park location to the current colorful, sprawling space in Bronzeville has allowed this men’s and women’s boutique to showcase more than 70 brands. Highlights include Supra, Alife, Adidas and limited-edition Nike dunks (in every hue imaginable) along with their exclusive LDRS 1354 line, local brand Enstrumental and style icon Pharrell Williams’ popular line, Billionaire Boys Club.
Leaders 1354 - Wicker Park
1400 N. Milwaukee Ave. - ChicagoThis second location of the popular Leader 1354 store in Bronzeville, this spot offers north-side hipsters fresh kicks and fly apparel. Though smaller in size, this urban lifestyle shop still offers a wide array of hard to find sneakers, from Nikes to the LDRS 1354 line.
ATE20
820 Dempster Ave. - EvanstonUnique sneakers rule at this youth-infused Evanston boutique, where young artists display their own artwork, graphic T-shirts and hats. Co-owners Danielle Dickerson and Dorie Hicks keep the focus on footwear, though: ATE20 is a one-stop shop for kicks by Lacoste, Puma, PF-Flyers, Converse and Vans -- brands that are otherwise hard to find in the 'burbs. Commercial sportswear shares the racks with DIY duds, creating an adventurous vibe that's in keeping with the co-owners' outlook -- the two journeyed to New York City, exploring sneaker shops in Soho and the like, before bringing their newfound knowledge back home.
SuccezZ
1329 S. Michigan Ave. - ChicagoThis South Loop store openes June 21 with urban flair to spare, stocking a range of sneakers, T-shirts and sportswear for men, women and teens. And there's no question two forces behind this store know a thing or two about what to put on your feet: Lavelle Sykes is well-known for his stylish sneaker shops Self-Conscious and EnCore, while co-owner Bobby Sykes plays b-ball for the Milwaukee Bucks. They're aiming for this venture to cast a wider net, offering everything from running shoes for weekend joggers to aerobic shoes for gym-goers -- though sneaker enthusiasts can still get their fix by designing custom kicks with in-store service SuccezZ Labs
