With so many options to choose from, finding the best places to buy sneakers isn’t as straightforward as it might seem at first.
There’s no denying that even the most passionate sneaker fans can have a hard time keeping up with all the different launch times, especially when it comes to finding some of the latest and best sneaker drops these days.
That’s why we’ve compiled a list of some of what we feel are the best sites for picking up the latest, most sought-after footwear, including some of the best sneaker collabs, based on their selection, returns policy, and, perhaps most important of all, ease of use.
So whether you’re looking to pick up some of the best Nike Dunks, or you’re searching for a standout pair of Vans, then our list of the top footwear retailers have you covered.
Stay tuned as well because we’ve answered some of the most commonly asked questions about buying sneakers to make sure you stay ahead of the sneaker drop curve. With that in mind, let’s dive in…
Best places to buy sneakers
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Credit: Nike
Credit: adidas
Credit: StockX
Credit: GOAT
Credit: Kick Game
Kick Game
Finding a good place to buy the latest sneaker drops in the UK can be tough at times as most companies are based in the US.
However, London-based fashion retailer Kick Game looks to solve this problem by offering you a huge selection of trainers from both the US and UK sneaker scenes.
Kick Game also has a 14-day return policy upon receiving your order, offering refunds on sneakers if they’re returned in their original condition.
Overall, Kick Game looks to be one of the best places to buy sneakers in the UK, and the company even has its own Youtube channel if you want to see more of what the London store looks like in person.
Frequently asked questions (FAQs)
There are often a ton of questions that pop up when buying new sneakers. Don’t worry though because we’ve answered some of the most common queries right here.
Can you return a pair of sneakers after the deadline has expired?
The answer to this question will vary depending on the store. Nike, for instance, still offers returns on unworn and unwashed items after its 60-day return policy expires. However, in most cases, a store won’t accept returns and refunds after you exceed their deadline.
If you’re unsure though, most sites usually have their own FAQs sections where you’ll likely be able to find out more information about their returns.
Can you still buy sneakers once they’ve sold out?
When a sneaker sells out, you essentially have two options – wait for a restock or buy a second-hand pair.
However, not all sneaker releases get reissued, so it’s important to keep that in mind if you’re waiting to purchase a specific pair, such as Air Force 1s or Jordans, through a retailer. In such cases, you may find more success looking at shoes like AF1s, for instance, if the ones you’re after have sold out.
If you opt for buying a second-hand pair, we recommend using sites like StockX as they authenticate each purchase to ensure that the item you receive is authentic, as mentioned in this list.
How can you keep track of sneaker releases?
Most brands like Nike or adidas will often reveal the release date of their next few sneaker drops ahead of time via their websites.
This information is usually rumoured beforehand though and can be found across various sneaker news outlets including here at RealKit.
Release dates can be subject to change as well, so we’d recommend keeping that in mind, even if the brand in question has officially revealed the launch time.
What size sneakers should you buy?
Getting the fit right is important in maximising your comfort whilst wearing a new pair of shoes. However, the answer to what size you should buy typically varies depending on the type of trainer.
For instance, some of the best running shoes may be a tad smaller than you might anticipate due to their athletic, tight-fitting nature designed to reduce weight and ensure a secure lock-in. We’d therefore recommend possibly going up half a size than what you usually pick.
That said, most manufacturers usually have a handy size chart you can compare with to help make a decision on which size to get. Check out our guide to measuring shoe size to help you get started here.
