Dubai Streetwear: Must-Visit Stores If You Are a Sneaker Fan

Live:STR SELECTIONS

by Alexandra Mansilla

Dubai Streetwear: Must-Visit Stores If You Are a Sneaker Fan

3 Feb 2024

Dubai has evolved into one of the leading fashion cities in the world, with a host of streetwear stores that offer immersive experiences beyond shopping. These spaces boast interactive elements like basketball rings, arcade games, speciality cafes, barbershops, and much more. If you love sneakers, wear sneakers, or hunt for them, join us as we journey through Dubai's vibrant world of sneaker culture.

Selectshop Frame

The multi-brand concept store FRAME emerged in 2017 within Dubai's Design District (D3), crafted by Peter Ahn. Renovated by Japanese architect and designer Jo Nagasaka in 2022, it offers an array of Japanese high-end and contemporary streetwear labels like Comme des Garçons and Undercover. Notable for its collectable art, including BearBrick, and an extensive range of skateboards and accessories, FRAME stands out.

A focal point of this establishment, as shared by Peter Ahn with GQ Middle East, was the integration of dining, drinking, and retail under one roof. Indeed, within this “frame”, you will discover a store, a speciality café, and the revered Japanese restaurant, YUI, renowned for its in-house noodle creations. The speciality café serves premium coffee from La Cabra Coffee Roasters and top-notch teas from Companion Tea & Coffee and Ippodo Tea Co.

A rare piece of culture and streetwear is displayed at the FRAME — the Frame Skate x Nike SB Dunk Low “Habibi”. These sneakers, donning red, white, green, and black hues inspired by Middle Eastern colours, symbolised a fusion of skateboarding, sneaker passion, and the city where FRAME was born.

Location: Dubai Design District, Building 7

Instagram: @selectshopframe

Amongst Few

Step into the realm of premium streetwear and lifestyle vibes! Amongst Few, born in 2014 through the union of three friends — Mike Taylor from Great Britain, Flo Moser from Austria, and Khalid, an Emirati — stands tall as a haven for sneaker aficionados.

This sanctuary houses an eclectic mix of brands like Adidas Originals, Asics, Jordan, New Balance, Nike, and Puma, showcasing noteworthy collaborations such as Nike x Drake NOCTA Air Force 1 Low “Certified Lover Boy” and J. Balvin x Air Jordan 3 Retro SP “Medellín Sunset”. Not just sneakers — tease your fashion sense with T-shirts, shorts, caps, sweaters, and many items from various brands.

Instagram: @amongstfew

And wait, there is more! Amongst Few crafts collections with a twist — each capsule tells a story. Picture this: Amongst Few's FW 2022, an ode to South Africa. In 2020, amidst the pandemic chaos, they introduced a uniquely branded Model AF19-Shattaf bidet sprayer and hose kit! Sneaker care? Covered! Amongst Few offers premium sneaker cleaning and shoe care services through SneakersER.

Architecture-wise, it is not just a store; it is a lifestyle hub spread across two stories, sprawling 5,000 square feet. “Amongst Few is built on simplicity,” Taylor aptly put it. Raw brick walls, cement floors, and stainless steel accents create the perfect backdrop for their wares. But there is more — sneakers meet breakfast at their café, tailored for vegans and vegetarians. Gentlemen indulge in grooming at their barbershop. Exclusive access? There is a producer's and studio room for special guests only.

Instagram: @amongstfew

Oh, and did you hear about the cactus transformation? To celebrate Travis Scott's Air Jordan 6 “British Khaki”, their barbershop morphed into “AL AMONGST FEW CACTUS LLC”, boasting cacti galore under neon green lights shaped like the Jumpman logo.

Location: Bahwan Complex 966, Villa 3, Al Wasl Road, Umm Suqeim

Presentedby x Level

Since 2017, Presentedby has been a draw for sneakerheads in London with its luxury sneaker and streetwear resale offerings. Expanding to Dubai within the Level Shoes boutique in December 2020, it boasts limited-edition sneakers and streetwear from renowned brands like Yeezy, Supreme, Nike, Off-White, and Dior. Noteworthy collaborations such as Jordan x Dior, Supreme x Louis Vuitton, Nike x Off-White, and Stussy x Dior are on display.

Designed by Carmelo Zappulla of the External Reference Architecture Bureau, the store is divided into distinct zones: a cash desk area, a semi-circular apparel space featuring fitting rooms and even a claw machine, and an immersive experience room. Upon entering, one encounters a 3D-printed lattice wall showcasing sneakers and walls designed to reduce carbon dioxide, mimicking the benefits of a small forest. The experience room hosts an exclusive capsule, a mini-sneaker museum, and a captivating holographic show.

Location: The Dubai Mall, Ground Floor, Downtown Dubai

Instagram: @presentedby

3 Kicks

Established in 2021 by three brothers, aged 10, 11, and 12, who had a passion for sneakers and business acumen. Too young to be entrepreneurs? You are never too young to start something. These youngsters began their journey by selling cereals at school, eventually transitioning into the world of sneakers.

3kicks is the ultimate destination for those seeking the rarest and most exclusive sneaker models. They stock sneakers from brands like Air Jordan, Nike, and Yeezy, along with coveted collectables such as KAWS, BearBricks, trading cards, and exclusive decks.

Does 3kicks offer more than just sneakers? Absolutely. Indulge in a latte at the coffee shop or play basketball on the court.

Location: City Walk, 2, Courtyard, opposite Meras Sales Boutique

Instagram: @3kicks.ae

YouBetterFly

Prepare to soar into the UAE's premier consignment store and marketplace! YouBetterFly, an ode to Michael Jordan and Mohammed Ali, prides itself as the first of its kind in the UAE, showcasing premium sneakers, streetwear, and collectables that will have you floating like a butterfly. The inventory here is mind-boggling — a treasure trove of Air Jordans, Nikes, Adidas, Louis Vuitton, Puma, and more, alongside an array of supreme streetwear from brands like BAPE, Off-White, KITH Luxury, and exclusive collectables, including KAWS, Daniel Arsham sculptures, IKEA x OFF-WHITE rugs, and a lot more.

Feast your eyes skyward when you step into the Dubai Mall branch — a gravity-defying sight awaits — an inverted basketball court graces the ceiling!

Location: The Dubai Mall Level 2, Cinema Parking TDM-SF-186-7 Al Quoz Industrial 4

Instagram: @youbetterfly

SVD

Bienvenidos to the SVD realm! This Spanish streetwear haven, Sivasdescalzo, landed in Barcelona in 2011, expanded to Madrid, and now, in a thrilling turn of events, welcomes Dubai to its fold in 2023.

At SVD Dubai, you will be treated to a curated selection of top-tier lifestyle brandы — Nike, Adidas, New Balance, ASICS, Converse, Stussy, Carhartt, Comme des Garçons, and more. Architecture? Prepare to be awed by a 600m2, two-floor flagship store adorned with a neon lime staircase that steals the spotlight. Dive into a seat shaped like a net and soak in the vibe. But that is not all — discover a hidden radio hub pulsating with cultural and avant-garde content. Experience this vibrant tapestry of fashion and culture firsthand at SVD Dubai!

Location: Dubai Design District, Building 7

Instagram: @svdarabia

Concepts

Welcome to the seasoned sanctuary! Concepts, established in '96 in Boston and later spreading its sneaker wings to New York, Dubai, and Shanghai, stands tall as the oldest store on our list. Sneaker seekers, rejoice! Here, you will find a plethora of footwear wonders from John Elliot, Y-3, A Bathing Ape, Yeezy, Nike, Adidas, New Balance, Asics, Diadora, Reebok, and a treasure trove of others. Stroll through this sneaker haven's architecture — a rock garden beneath unbreakable glass where you can slip into your kicks. Plus, indulge in some retro gaming while lounging on a plush chair with your feet resting on a snug rug.

Location: 39 Al Safa St., City Walk 2

Instagram: @cncptsdxb

Mad Kicks

Enter the consignment universe crafted by Yassine Ouatir in 2020. Mad Kicks boasts locations across Dubai and Riyadh, showcasing an array of rare finds — from skateboard decks to covetable art pieces and sneakers preserved in plastic wrap.

Browse through a stockpile of Nikes, Yeezys, Jordans, On Running, New Balance, plus an array of clothing featuring T-shirts, hoodies, and coveted collectables like KAWS, BearBricks, and graded trading cards of basketball legends like Kobe Bryant and LeBron James. Prepare to be captivated! You might find yourself engrossed in the Supreme Mortal Kombat arcade at Mad Kicks, trying your luck at the sneaker essential master machine, or even snagging a photo opportunity with the Supreme bike.

Location: Boxpark Al Wasl Road; Jumeirah Bluewaters Island (pop-up space)

Instagram: @madkicksuae

The Good Life

Welcome to a slice of sneaker paradise that started in Lebanon in 2010 and found its home in Dubai's Alserkal Avenue in 2017. Founded by the sneaker zealot Karim Nasrallah, The Good Life embodies a curated haven for the ultimate sneaker enthusiast.

Prepare to be wowed! The Good Life curates an exclusive blend of sneakers from Nike, Adidas, Jordan, Asics, and Reebok alongside limited-edition drops that will make your sneaker-loving heart skip a beat. But that is not all — step into The Sea, their in-house apparel line inspired by the Mediterranean, meticulously crafted in Portugal, offering unisex short sleeves, long sleeves, crew necks, and shorts.

Architecture-wise, there is ample space and fresh air to browse. And, behold! Behind the cash desk, witness four trees in perfectly identical pots within a glass cube — a sight to behold!

Location: Alserkal Avenue Unit 64, Al Quoz 1, Dubai

Instagram: @thegoodlifespacedubai

by Alexandra Mansilla