The Portland Sneakerhead Scene
Casual collectors and seasoned sneakerheads can dive into the Portland sneakerhead scene at these Old Town Chinatown shops and businesses.
Within Portland’s Old Town Chinatown neighborhood, a sneakerhead oasis awaits. Boutiques stock endless kicks, a sneaker-themed coffee shop serves up espresso and a shoe-design academy teaches aspiring designers the ropes. Casual collectors and seasoned sneakerheads can dive into the Portland sneakerhead scene at these local businesses.
Deadstock Coffee & Gallery
Ever wondered where to get your caffeine fix while sprucing up your prized kicks and enjoying retro basketball décor? Deadstock Coffee is the answer to your oddly specific query. Owner Ian Williams worked his way up from janitor to designer at Nike before opening Deadstock. The friendly staff makes drink suggestions as they chat with anyone and everyone about, you guessed it, sneakers. (They have rare, not-for-sale kicks on display and a small selection of custom apparel and vintage sports mugs for purchase.) As far as what to sip, try the “LeBronald Palmer,” which enhances the classic iced tea and lemonade combination with local coffee. In a city known for bacon-maple bars and fusion restaurants, this unorthodox concoction is everything you’d expect from a sneaker-themed coffee shop in Portland.
Travel Time to Next Destination
Index PDX
With your thirst quenched, make the short walk to Index PDX. Prepare for a sensory overload of rare, plastic-wrapped kicks. The consignment shop is basically a large room lined with new and gently used sneakers, most of the hard-to-find variety. It’s a sneakerhead’s dream — but don’t be intimidated if you’re new to the game. The staff is helpful and informative, helping locals and tourists alike find the perfect high-tops, low-tops, Jumpmans or Flyknits. So coveted are their gems that some can’t be tried on for fear of creasing. IndexPDX does not mess around.
Travel Time to Next Destination
BAIT
After exploring Old Town Chinatown, BAIT is an excellent conclusion to your Portland sneakerhead tour. Eight blocks from PENSOLE in the heart of downtown, BAIT spins ‘90s hip-hop and offers a heaping helping of kicks. Don’t miss their clothes and other collectibles, including figurines and a unique selection of jewelry. In the predominantly male sneakerhead culture, BAIT offers a refreshing assortment of goods for women, too.
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