Sneaker culture isn’t new to Boston, but it certainly is alive and kicking. It’s been moving toward the mainstream in the last few years, thanks (or not) to the Internet and collaborations between artists and popular sneaker companies that deliver more colorful, interesting footwear to the masses. True sneakerheads comprise a microcosm of shoe collectors who drop big bucks for their addiction: high-priced pairs of kicks (many of which go unworn or are sold on eBay). Our city has a reputation as one of the greatest walking cities around, so it’s not much of a surprise that Bostonians like to don fancy footwear. Think limited-edition, brightly colored Nikes, Adidas shell toes, and hard-to-find underground brands that range in price from $80 to $2000 for a single pair. Right now, we’re seeing lots of reissues of ’80s styles worn with skinny jeans. Looking to channel your creativity from the bottom up? If you want to maintain credibility as hot as your kicks, walk this way to some of Boston’s sneaker mainstays: Laced (569 Columbus Avenue, Boston, 617.262.5223), Motley Shoe (76 Dartmouth Street, Boston, 617.351.6969), Karmaloop (160 Newbury Street, Boston, 617.369.0100), and Bodega (6 Clearway Street, Boston, 617.421.1550).
