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 based on their selection of shoes, returns policy, and, perhaps most important of all, ease of use. Many of these sites also include some incredible sneaker deals from time to time, meaning you can level up your collection for less.
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
1. Nike
We believe Nike is one of the best places to buy sneakers thanks to the huge variety of shoes on offer including some of the best Jordan 1 Lows, Mids, and Highs around.
Moreover, the site features a separate SNKRS launch page that highlights upcoming releases and confirms any rumoured release dates which we cover here at RealKit.
The page also allows you to sign up for push notifications on future drops you're interested in to ensure you're completely prepared for their arrival.
Nike also has one of the best returns policies around, offering you 60 days (or 30 if you're from the UK) to return most items upon receiving your order. As a result, we feel Nike is one of the premier places to pick up the latest and best sneakers around.
Read More: Best Nike shoes
2. adidas
When it comes to buying sneakers, we'd say adidas is on par with Nike. They have their own selection of popular shoes, such as the Ultraboosts and NMDs, and, like Nike, an app known as CONFIRMED that showcases the latest and most sought-after upcoming releases.
In terms of the website, it's easy to navigate, and they frequently offer promotions and discounts. This makes it a great place to find amazing sneakers at lower prices.
Plus, their 60-day returns policy (14 days for limited products) is a nice touch, giving you the option to send back your shoes if you're not 100% happy with your purchase.
Ultimately, adidas is one of the best sneaker brands out there. The website offers a wide variety of shoes and makes it easy to find what you're looking for. So if you're in the market for some fresh kicks, give adidas a try!
Read More: Best adidas shoes
3. StockX
Picking up shoes on release day can be tricky at times, especially if they're a particularly hyped drop, but StockX offers you a second chance at buying those highly sought-after sneakers if you miss their initial arrival.
StockX essentially treats reselling sneakers like the stock market, providing you with information on how prices fluctuate over time so you can come to a more informed decision upon purchasing.
Furthermore, the website has its own authentification process that ensures every single purchase you make is the real deal so you don't end up paying for a fake pair of shoes.
However, being a second-hand sneaker site, StockX doesn't currently have a returns system, but the company does recommend reselling your shoes through them if you're not 100% happy with your purchase. Check out our guide to reselling sneakers for more information.
Read More: Best sneakers for men
4. GOAT
GOAT is arguably the go-to place to pick up some of the most hyped sneaker releases around, allowing you to buy both new, old, and even defective footwear through its resale market.
You can either bid on a second-hand listing or buy instantly, then GOAT will send the sneakers your way after subjecting them to the company's thorough authentification process.
GOAT also has a three-day returns policy for New In Box, New No Box, GOAT Clean, apparel purchases, and accessory purchases that are in the same condition as when shipped to ensure you're happy with your sneaker pick-up.
Ultimately, the site's large selection of high-profile and highly sought-after trainers, from Nike to adidas and even some of the best New Balance shoes going, is what we feel makes it one of the best sneaker stores around.
Read More: Best sneakers for women
5. 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.
Read More: Best sneakers under 100
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.