The Best Independent Streetwear and Sneaker Stores in Australia

When in the pursuit of a fresh pair of kicks or a stylish new outfit, the search begins in the right places. For some, a cheap pair of sneakers and a plain, 'no-brand' t-shirt is all they need. But for others, garments aren't just things you cover your body with — it's a reflection of who you are as a person, and sometimes, you can even tell who someone is by what they wear – it's a form of self-expression. When you buy something, you're also buying an experience, a culture, and a lifestyle. This is the case with me anyway, and I also happen to be a massive sneakerhead, with knowledge and insights of what to get, and where to get it.

While large retail chains like Culture Kings, Footlocker, JD Sports, and Incu (kind of) dominate the mainstream market, there's a flourishing underground scene of independently-owned stores across Australia that offer something special. Let's shine a spotlight on these hidden gems, and explore why supporting them is crucial for preserving authenticity and diversity in the Australian fashion industry.

Sneaker Lounge (Rank: #9)

Location: Coffs Harbour, New South Wales

First up on the list, we have Sneaker Lounge, a versatile retail haven that seamlessly blends sneakers, clothing, music, and pop culture. Established in 2005 in the picturesque coastal town of Coffs Harbour, New South Wales, Sneaker Lounge has proudly served both locals and tourists with a stellar selection of footwear and apparel for nearly 20 years and counting.

Positioned between the bustling metropolises of Sydney and Gold Coast/Brisbane, Sneaker Lounge stands as one of only two streetwear boutiques located outside major cities. Interestingly, it's also one of the few businesses where information about its founders are limited. All we know is that the business was founded by Amy and Graeme Wright. While their website claims inception in 2005, details beyond that are scarce. With a handpicked assortment of clothing and sneakers sourced from across the globe, this boutique creates an inviting space for customers to explore the latest trends.

Unfortunately, Sneaker Lounge falls short of attaining the coveted 'Tier Zero' status, which means they miss out on accessing Nike and Jordan's most exclusive product drops. However, they compensate for this limitation through their innovative business approach. Within the Sneaker Lounge umbrella, two other businesses seamlessly complement their primary sneaker store: E Degrees and The Basement 175. E Degrees diverges from sneakers to offer a diverse array of clothing, caps, toys, books, gifts, and records. On the other hand, 'The Basement 175' serves as their outlet shop, where unsold products are heavily discounted, particularly the last remaining sizes from their main store inventory.

Operating exclusively offline, both E Degrees and TB175 have no website, which means potential shoppers must be in the physical store to buy something — a concept which reminds me of the good ol' days. This setup allows customers to score premium sneakers at half the retail price — a concept that resonates with nostalgia, practicality and a win-win for the business and customer. SL gets rid of old, unwanted stock, and customers get exclusive products super cheap.

Despite its remote location, Sneaker Lounge continues to stock trendy brands such as Nike, New Balance, Puma, Market, Medicom Toy, and who could forget the beloved magazine, Sneaker Freaker. Whilst you're in Coffs, be sure to check out Sneaker Lounge, E Degrees and The Basement 175.

Clique (Rank: #8)

Locations: Noosa Heads, Queensland // Melbourne, Victoria

Clique is a sneaker, streetwear and lifestyle store, founded in 2017 by Aaron Dow (which is still owned and operated by the founder today). Not much is known about the founder of Clique, apart from the fact that he has an inactive LinkedIn profile with 3 connections (I tried to reach out to him to no avail). Clique has been monumental for bringing the best streetwear and sneakers to the Sunshine Coast (North of Brisbane) scene for over 7 years. What sets Clique apart is its carefully curated selection of niche streetwear brands from around the globe, catering to those with an eye for quality and individuality. Clique is one of only two stores in the whole country (the other being Sneaker Lounge) to have a flagship shop that's situated outside of a major Australian city, and we reckon that's pretty impressive.

Whilst they offer footwear products from sportswear giants New Balance, Reebok and Asics, they also include smaller 'if you know, you know' streetwear labels. These include Aries, Awake NY, Museum of Peace and Quiet, Pleasures, Thisisneverthat and Pass-Port, just to name a few. The combination of juggernaut brands, along with low-key labels creates the perfect blend for a stylish outfit. Clique is a haven for fashion enthusiasts seeking the next big thing. Whilst they don't currently offer Nike footwear, it's looking promising that they'll be able to introduce Nike and Jordan sneakers into their offering pretty soon. In the past few years, they've managed to outgrow their store in Noosa, and have officially touched down in the streetwear capital of Australia: Melbourne. This expansion has allowed them to reach a customer-base on a nation-wide scale. Keep an eye out for Clique, as we reckon they're only going to get bigger and better from here.

Finesse (Rank: #7)

Location: Melbourne, Victoria

Finesse (previously Sole Finesse) was founded in 2015 by Murata Prajumas, who saw a gap in the market for women's sneakers in Australia, prompting her to create a space dedicated to meeting that need. Finesse was originally launched as an online-only, female-only, sneaker boutique and it's quickly become a universal beacon for sneaker fashion. Primarily, the store, which is now named 'Finesse' enabled women to cop the latest sneaker releases from their favourite sports and streetwear brands. Finesse is notably the only 'online-only' business in the country to score wholesale contracts with major sportswear brands such as Nike, Jordan, Adidas and New Balance. Basically, they could become an official retailer (which is extremely difficult), whilst not having a physical bricks-and-mortar location.

After successfully running the online store, Murata opened up a small bricks-and-mortar store in the heart of Melbourne, Australia. After moving into an even smaller store more recently, it still certainly packs a punch. Like some of the other stores, Finesse retails the most exclusive sneakers on the market (Tier Zero), but uniquely, in predominantly women's models, colourways, and sizes (US 5W - 10W). Because the majority of the streetwear sneaker market is men, the 'all-womens-only' approach has struggled to gain traction compared many of its competitors. The smaller sizes catered to women tend to sit like bricks on shelves, whilst the bigger sizes quickly sell out. The accessibility for girls is certainly there; it's just whether the women want to embrace the streetwear and sneaker culture, just like the men have been doing for decades.

Finesse not only fulfils a need for women's sneakers, but also represents a dream come true for Prajumas, a proud female sneakerhead. This boutique offers a curated selection of shoes like Jordan 1's, Jordan 4's, 'hard-to-find' collaborations and limited-edition drops.

In more recent years, Murata has shifted the business model entirely to create a more universal offering, as the 'womens-only store' concept really restricted their traffic and sales. With its sleek, minimalist interior and expertly curated product range, Finesse sets the standard for sophistication in streetwear sneakers.

USG Store (Rank: #6)

Location: Adelaide, South Australia

Founded in 2009 by the elusive Patrick Whelan, who maintains a discreet presence within the streetwear scene, Urban Street Gear (USG) emerged as Adelaide's pioneer independently-owned streetwear and sneaker emporium. Boasting a diverse array of sneaker brands including Nike, Jordan, Asics, and Reebok. Or if you're ahead of the pack, you can sign up to win a raffle from one of their exclusive sneaker releases, thanks to their 'Tier Zero' store status — of which there are only eight in the country. For those who miss out on the ultra-exclusive releases, the shop still offers unique colourways of popular models such as the Nike Air Force 1, Nike Air Max 90, and an assortment of Reeboks and New Balances.

While USG may carry fewer brands compared to its competitors, each selection is meticulously curated. Notably, the store distinguishes itself by prioritising premium sportswear products like Mitchell and Ness NBA jerseys and New Era hats — unlike any other boutique in its league. It's as if Urban Street Gear embodies a miniature version of Culture Kings, seamlessly blending sports and streetwear. I wonder what could have been for USG if they opened shop in a bustling city like the Gold Coast. Could they have become a Culture Kings? Could USG have taken a chunk of the Culture Kings Empire pie? Potentially.

Despite being nestled in Adelaide, which isn't exactly renowned as a bustling cultural hub for sneakers or streetwear, discovering Urban Street Gear required some diligent searching, even for someone like myself who has been deeply entrenched in the sneaker and streetwear community for years. If someone like myself — a fashion fanatic in the retail/sneaker/streetwear realm — is relatively unaware of its existence, it's safe to assume that 99% of the population remains oblivious. However, this obscurity paradoxically adds to the allure of Urban Street Gear's offering; there's a sense of satisfaction knowing that your outfit is truly unique.

Standout brands available at Urban Street Gear (imo) are Nike, Jordan, By Parra, Market, Gramicci, and Carharrt. While a trip to Adelaide isn't currently on my agenda, Urban Street Gear has piqued my interest, and should my travels lead me there, it's a destination I'll be sure to explore.

Highs and Lows (Rank: #5)

Location: Perth, Western Australia

Not to be mixed up with Above The Clouds or Up There Store (what is it with retail streetwear and the concept of being in the air?), Highs and Lows is one of Perth's finest retail streetwear and sneaker boutiques. Founded by Matthew Thomas in 2005, Highs and Lows stand proudly as one of the first ever streetwear boutiques in the country, only trailing behind Shawn Yates' Supply Store. As a pioneer in Australia's streetwear scene, HAL is pushing boundaries and challenging conventions with its bold aesthetic and fearless attitude. In 2025, they will be celebrating two decades of operation.

HAL focuses on blending underground labels with sportswear giants, creating a seamless fusion of streetwear, clothing, and footwear products tailored for Perth's urban community. From sought-after 'Tier Zero' sneaker releases from Nike and Jordan, to niche Japanese brands like Wacko Maria, Highs and Lows has it all. Not to mention they champion local, upcoming brands and local designers such as Low End Therapy. Highs and Lows curates a diverse range that mirrors the creativity and diversity of global streetwear. Highs and Lows has done exclusive collaborations with Adidas, Reebok and more, which puts them in the 'certified' category.

Notably, Highs and Lows stands out as one of Australia's exclusive retailers for Fear of God ESSENTIALS. Unlike typical resellers marking up prices, they acquire directly at wholesale prices, maintaining legitimacy with Jerry Lorenzo's esteemed brand and offering products at their recommended retail prices. Interestingly enough, they've recently introduced 'Yew Yew', specialising in smoking accessories like ashtrays and bongs — a move that has left me wondering why they would want to promote such poor habits to a younger audience. But I guess I'll save my political views for another segment of the website.

Either way, their bricks-and-mortar store, along with their crisp online shop, provides a smooth omni-channel experience, perfect for fashion enthusiasts eager to snag the latest trends. Highs and Lows has continued to celebrate underground culture, curating one of the most impressive sneaker, clothing and accessories collections in the country.

Above The Clouds (Rank: #4)

Location: Sydney, New South Wales

Founded by Dimitri Calligeros in 2010, Above the Clouds reinvents the traditional approach to retail, and offers some of the most exclusive brands that stretch from sportswear sneakers, to streetwear and designer clothing. Often focusing on curating a wide range of products, DC wanted to ensure that there is something for everyone. From minimalist designer brands like Maison Kitsune, A.P.C and Comme des Garçons, to exclusive streetwear brands like By Parra, Patta and Medicom — ATC offers something for everyone.

Soon after launching, Dimitri got John Paul Wagner on board, an industry veteran (who previously worked at UK's End Clothing), who quickly became a business partner of his. Together, DC and JPW combined to become a propelling force in the retail fashion business. Since its inception in 2011, Above The Clouds has been soaring above the competition (pun not intended) with its eclectic mix of streetwear staples and cutting-edge sneaker releases. What I love most about this store is the wide selection of footwear on offer. As a 'Nike Tier Zero' account, ATC gets access to the most exclusive range of Nike and Jordan footwear, that other major retailers could only dream of stocking. These include the best Jordan 1 Retro Highs, Jordan 4's and Nike Dunks. They also offer the latest and greatest from upcoming sneaker heater brands Saucony, Reebok and Puma.

Nestled in the heart of Sydney's vibrant Darlinghurst, this boutique prides itself on its inclusive atmosphere and commitment to supporting emerging Australian designers. With a keen focus on sustainability and ethical fashion, Above The Clouds is more than just a store — it's a community. If you're like me and can't make it to their physical store, check out their online shop and experience what they have to offer. In my opinion, Above The Clouds have one of the best online stores on this list – it's just so clean. The website theme is on point, whilst the product display pages are cleverly scattered, and the product listing pages are super neat.

Up There Store (Rank: #3)

Location: Melbourne, Victoria

Since opening its doors in 2010, Up There Store has been a beacon of innovation and creativity in Melbourne's bustling CBD. Founded by Jason Paparoulas, James Barrett and Brendan Mitchell, the entrepreneurial trio aimed to bring a mix of exclusive fashion, streetwear, sneakers, homewares and accessories to the streets of Melbourne.

Similar to Laced, Up There Store offers a unique blend of heritage brands and cutting-edge designers that reflects the eclectic tastes of its founders. These include heavyweight sportswear brands such as Nike, Jordan, Reebok, Puma and Adidas, and Asics. Other than the norm, they also offer some pretty sick streetwear clothing, including 'hard-to-find' Japanese clothing labels like Nanamica and Needles. UTS also happens to be a 'Nike Tier Zero' wholesale account, in which they're lucky enough to offer the most exclusive range of Nike and Jordan footwear to the pubic. Up There have also managed to whisper a little something into New Balance's ears for some sweet sneaker collaborations. My personal favourite being the New Balance 2002r X Up There 'Backyard Legends' collaboration. The teal pair in my opinion was an absolute heater, and I think the entire sneaker community reacted the same way. With this pair in particular, demand was stupidly high but supply was incredibly limited, which has resulted in pairs reselling for over $500AUD on marketplace sites like eBay and StockX (boohoo – buyers are wearers!). It reminds me of the sneaker-reselling phase that peaked in 2021.

Additionally, for those more climate-conscious, Up There offer some alternative labels you've never seen or heard of before. For example, the sustainable, recycled clothing brand Kartik Research earnt themselves a place on the UTS shelves (even though they're on the high end price-point, you're paying for 100% ethically and sustainably made garments), which is something no other retailers are doing.

If you mixed streetwear, sustainability, experimentation and experience, you would probably end up with Up There.

For those that can't get into their impressive new retail store (a huge 350 metre-squared space in the Melbourne CBD), Up There provides online shoppers like myself a seamless experience, with a user-friendly, easy-to-navigate website. I have bought a couple of sneakers from there myself, and I've never been disappointed. Up There have the best website on this list – it's just so unique. The website theme is on point, whilst the product display pages are cleverly scattered, and the product listing pages are super neat. They also have frequent sales on exclusive sneakers so keep an eye out!

I look forward to seeing what Up There get Up to in the near future, and I hope to see more exclusive sneaker collabs on the cards as well. They have huge potential considering they have 3 times the entrepreneurial brainpower compared to other small retail stores. They're an exciting brand that's always thinking outside the box – and we love to see that.

Supply Store (Rank: #2)

Locations: Sydney, New South Wales // Melbourne, Victoria

When people think of streetwear and Australia, they think of the tenacious streetwear retail mogul Simon Beard. But before Simon dived into this industry in 2007/2008, there was actually this passionate bloke called Shawn, 5 years earlier. So I figured this list wouldn't be complete without including the first-ever Australian streetwear store (and no, we aren't talking about Culture Kings). I had a really difficult time choosing between Gold and Silver for this list, but I figured Supply takes the second spot, purely because I'm a Queenslander (sorry, not sorry).

Supply Store was founded in 2002 in Darlinghurst, Sydney, by early streetwear pioneer Shawn Yates. Shawn is orginally known for becoming the primary distributor for Carhartt, and later on, opened Supply Store to introduce previously-inaccessible brands like CDG, Visvim, Gimme5 and Supreme (to name a few) to Aussies. Shawn was a first-mover in the Australian streetwear fashion in the early 2000's, and the longevity aspect is surely impressive. Seeing the exclusive brands that were making waves in Europe, Japan and the USA, Shawn met the demand with supply (pun intended) locally, and became the only Australian retail store to offer globally-exclusive streetwear to the Australian market.

Even more than 20 years later, Supply store is the only official retailer that has wholesale contracts with 'hard-to-get' brands, including Bape (A Bathing Ape), Palace and Nike's rarest sneaker releases, that don't drop anywhere else in the country (is above 'Tier Zero' even a thing?). They're also the only retail store that combines their offering across sportswear, skatewear, streetwear and designer, which is pretty damn cool. Shawn has been able to secure access to drop the rarest sneakers on the market, from rare Nike SB collabs, to Jordan x J Balvin collabs, and even Kobe's coveted basketball shoes – and who could forget, the Jordan x Travis Scott models. Although Shawn Yates has kept a relatively low profile since he founded Supply in 2002, his store certainly makes a statement, so he doesn't have to. Similarly to Incu, Supply Store allows its high quality products to do the talking. This could easily be my favourite store (it's out of Supply and Laced). Despite never visiting the shop in person, I've bought a few things online and I can't help but admire the collection of exclusive products that you simply cannot get anywhere else in the country.

Supply store is the longest-running streetwear store in Australia (and also remains independently-owned). It's been in operation for nearly 25 years, with a store in Sydney, NSW and another in Melbourne, Victoria. With its raw, industrial aesthetic and carefully curated selection of streetwear and sneakers, this iconic store captures the essence of Melbourne's gritty urban culture. From heritage brands like Stüssy, Carhartt WIP, and Noah, to cult favourites like Stone Island, Palace, Bape and Human Made, those who shop here know something you don't.

Oh, and they're also the only retailer in Aus to offer Bianca Chandôn, one of my favourite upcoming streetwear brands out of the USA. Check out their website online, as it offers a pretty cool UX with their industrial blue/white theme and robo font. If you're lucky enough to be in Sydney or Melbourne, Supply Store is your one-stop-shop for everything sneakers, streetwear, skatewear, and designer.

Laced (Rank: #1)

Location: Brisbane, Queensland

Coming in at the number one spot is none other than Brisbane's very own: Laced. Similarly to Supply, it's one of the first ever sneaker and streetwear stores to offer exclusive, globally-curated streetwear labels in Australia, and the first in Queensland. Founded by good mates Phil Bonner and Clint (we don't know his last name) in 2006, it's certainly positioned as one of the original stores that brought streetwear and sneaker culture to Australia. It's one of those 'if you know, you know' sneaker stores, and has been the local, OG sneakerhead's favourite spot for everything sneakers for nearly two decades and running.

Over the years, it has become one of the countries most iconic retail fashion stores, renowned for boasting lifestyle and homeware offerings alongside its coveted sneaker collections. Sneaker brands like Nike, Jordan, Adidas, New Balance, and a host of other clothing labels adorn its shelves, including exclusive names like Human Made, Arc'teryx, By Parra, Fxxking Rabbits, and Museum of Peace and Quiet (just to name a few of my favourite). I mean, if I were to name all the labels Laced offered, the list would go down the whole page.

With a grim economic outlook and customers limiting their spending, smaller independent boutiques like Laced have been hit the hardest, along with all the other smaller stores on this list. The 'Big 4' (JD, FL, CK and D2C) destroy all the competition in ecommerce thanks to their deep pockets. Despite the digital age's clamour, Laced has abandoned conventional advertising tactics, relying instead on word-of-mouth and an authentic, in-store experience to cultivate its devoted following. This grassroots-approach not only sets it apart from industry giants, but fosters a sense of discovery, similar to that of finding a hidden treasure. While larger competitors dominate the online sphere, Laced thrives on its personalised encounters, where staff engage customers in a journey rather than a mere transaction. This ethos extends beyond commerce, fostering a tight-knit community of like-minded individuals, primarily comprising OG (original) sneakerheads from Brisbane and the Gold Coast, who relish the store's intimate setting and unparalleled selection of rare kicks, clothing and miscellaneous goods. Tucked away in an unassuming corridor above their bustling coffee shop, Laced beckons not just as a retailer but as a streetwear destination — it's a sanctuary for those who seek more than just clothes, but an authentic connection to their passion.

Tucked away in an unassuming corridor above their bustling coffee shop, Laced beckons not just as a retailer, but as a streetwear destination. Only accessible by going through the hidden alleyway, up the stairs and into the store – which genuinely looks like a regular lounge room. The shop is small, but it's packed top-to-bottom in some of the most exclusive clothing and footwear products from the best brands in the world (seeing a room full of 1000% Medicom Toy Be@rbricks is pretty cool too). To be fair, I'm a bit biased towards this store for a couple of reasons. Firstly, because I'm a local GC city boy, and I love having this locally-owned and operated retail store so close to me up in Brisbane. Secondly, the fact that it's been in business for nearly 20 years adds a feeling of historic streetwear value – it's just an authentic story of two mates with a genuine passion for streetwear and sneakers. I love buying from a store with a story. Thirdly, I have entered a few raffles and won, and I feel like they're one of the only stores who run their manual raffles fairly (although they should definitely add EQL into their drops).

Personally, it makes the experience so much better, knowing that majority of Australian's don't know what the heck Laced is. Only true sneaker and streetwear enthusiasts know about it, which means I'm most likely rocking a pair of sneaks and a shirt that no one else has. Additionally, knowing that you're also supporting a small, independent, Australian-owned business is pretty cool too.

Some of my favourite brands offered by Laced:

Sneakers: Jordan, Nike, New Balance, Reebok.

Streetwear: By Parra, Patta, Fxxking Rabits, Human Made, Museum of Peace and Quiet.

Miscellaneous: Medicom Toy (for the Bearbricks that I wish I could afford, lol).

While large retail chains may offer convenience and accessibility, they often lack the personal touch and curated selection that independent stores provide. By supporting small businesses like:

• Sneaker Lounge (Ranked #9)
• Clique (Ranked #8)
• Finesse (Ranked #7)
• USG Store (Ranked #6)
• Highs and Lows (Ranked #5)
• Above The Clouds (Ranked #4)
• Up There Store (Ranked #3)
• Supply Store (Ranked #2)
• Laced (Ranked #1)

we not only celebrate diversity and creativity in the fashion industry, but also contribute to small Australian businesses that inspire our local communities. So next time you're in the market for some fresh kicks or trendy streetwear, skip the big-box stores and show some love to the independent retailers that truly deserve it. We want to see SME's and local Australian entrepreneurs win, not billion-dollar conglomerates. So be mindful of where your money is going when you buy clothing or sneakers, because ultimately it's going into someones pocket. Be smart about who's pocket your money is going into, because I know that I am.

Disclaimer: this post was originally written with human hands and then brushed up and improved using AI technology.

I hope you enjoyed reading this as much as I enjoyed writing it :)

• Finn Lucci // Finn Johnson // @finnlucci // @goodlooksaustralia

20/06/2024