The Sneakerhead Guide to Visiting Detroit

Detroit was a very different city than what we recognize today when the term ‘sneakerhead’ was first used in the 80s. However, as other subcultures like hip-hop, sports, and fashion grew in following decades, so has a rise in popularity for sneaker culture. These subcultures had direct impact on sneakers with the introduction of the Jordan sneaker line under the Nike brand (which originally focused on running shoes), Adidas boom in the music community inspired by artists like Run DMC, and big name NBA stars gravitating towards Converse All-Stars.

Fast-forward to the early 2000s where Detroit entered a new era of sneaker culture with the arrival of sneaker boutique shops like Burn Rubber, Revive, and a resurgence of independent shops on the Avenue of Fashion. It’s when you were likely to see long lines outside of these brick & mortar shops in anticipation for limited-run show releases or even meet & greets with their favorite celebrities.

Today, sneaker culture has evolved from an underground subculture into the mainstream. The rise in buying and selling rare sneakers has established online marketplaces like the multi-billion-dollar company StockX, headquartered downtown in the One Campus Martius building, Instagram resellers, consignment shops, and events dedicated to buying/selling/trading. Additionally, many local sneakerhead pioneers like Rick Williams (co-founder of Burn Rubber) and Eminem have been enlisted by major brands like Jordan and Puma to design sneakers paying homage to Detroit’s sneaker legacy.

Detroit’s sneaker culture is thriving now more than ever. It’s never been a better time to visit the Motor City if you’re a sneakerhead with tons of opportunities to shop rare sneakers, meet other sneakerheads, and become part of the growing sneaker legacy.

Here are our top picks to get involved!

Looking to step up your sneaker game? Detroit and the metro area have tons of sneaker boutiques where you can find everything from general releases from your favorite brands to limited-edition kicks that you likely won’t find anywhere else.

Check out these local sneaker shops to see what you’ll add to your collection next or flip your rare sneakers on consignment:

Burn Rubber - 512 N. Main St., Royal Oak, MI 48067

Staple in the Detroit Sneakerhead and streetwear scene with international recognition. Brands include Adidas, Jordan, Puma, New Balance, Vans, Saucony, Billionaire Boys Club, Ice Cream, Carhartt WIP, Mitchell & Ness, and more.

Two18 - 1400 Fisher Fwy Detroit, MI 48207

Founded by the owners of Burn Rubber, this boutique shop specializes in sneakers and lifestyle brands. Brands include Nike, Puma, Jordan, Adidas, Timberland, Converse, The North Face, Patta, Carhartt WIP, and more.

Revive - 157 W MAPLE RD, BIRMINGHAM, MI 48009

Boutique shop specializing in combining luxury lifestyle brands with sneaker culture. It’s a go-to shop for up-and-coming brands. Brands include Off-White, Palm Angels, RHUDE, Just Don, Fear of God, Amiri, and more.

Nojo Kicks - 1220 Library St., Detroit, MI 48226

Pair exclusive kick with premium clothing and accessories at this high-end sneaker boutique. Brands include Jordan, Nike, Adidas, Yeezy, Chrome Hearts, Bape, Gallery Dept, Fear of God, Supreme, and more.

Bob’s Classic Kicks - 4717 Woodward Ave., Detroit, MI 48201

Find the best sneakers from drops you may have missed in the past or pick up a pair of the latest releases. Brands include Nike, Adidas, and Reebok.

Fahrenheit 313 - 20114 Livernois Ave. Detroit, MI 48221

Retail sneaker exchange shop to buy, sell, and trade the hottest kicks on the market. Located on the Avenue of Fashion, this shop is highly involved in the community with local clothing drives and charity events. Brands include Nike, Jordan, Yeezy, Adidas, Reebok, and more.

Ke Soles - 18900 Michigan Ave, Dearborn, MI 48126

Newly opened store by teen reseller-turned-store owner with more than 1,000 shoes including the latest releases, and pre-owned shoes. Brands include Jordan, Nike, and Yeezy.

Nike Community Store - 1261 Woodward Ave, Detroit, MI 48226

Official Nike retail store selling shoes at retail prices and apparel.

Plan your visit to Detroit to attend one of the major sneaker convention that have sprung up in recent years. These popular events attract hundreds of vendors from all over to buy, sell, and trade sneakers. Be one of the thousands of sneakerheads that attend them annually—and don’t forget to bring your own pairs of sneakers to join in on the action!

If you’re a true sneakerhead, here are a few events happing throughout the year that you don’t want to miss. Dates may vary every year, so check their official websites for details on upcoming events:

Michigan Sneaker Exchange Tradeshow
Sneakers, Beats, & Treats
Sneaker Con Detroit
Kicks For Your Sole Sneaker Convention
Sneaker Palooza

Want to add a bit of Detroit style to your sneaker collection? Detroit has birthed some of the rarest sneakers in the market, priced upwards of $100K! From showcasing local heritage to spotlighting our famous attractions to honoring local legends, keep an eye out for these Detroit-inspired kicks when sneaker hunting in the Motor City.

• Eminem Carhartt Jordan 4 Retro - Ultra rare sneaker collaboration with rapper Eminem and Jordan. Only 10 pairs were made, featuring Carhartt material, designated for charity. You will shell out nearly $100K—if you can even find a pair for sale. Released November 23, 2015.

• Air Jordan 2 Retro Low Two 18 - Designed by Roland ‘Ro Spit’ Coit in collaboration with his Two18 sneaker boutique. The tan colorway of the popular Jordan silhouette is reminiscent of Carhartt workwear (founded in Detroit) and also features a map of Detroit metro area on the insoles. Released October 21, 2022.

• Puma Men's Suede VTG 'Distinct Life SV - Designed by Rick Williams for Distinct Life. A collaboration with Detroit hip-hop group Slum Village in honor of the 50th Anniversary of Hip Hop. It is named after their sophomore album entitled “Fantastic Vol. 2,” from 2000. Released August 1, 2023.

• Reebok classic Leather Burn Rubber Spirit of Detroit - Reebok collaboration with Burn Rubber Sneaker Boutique. The classic shoe silhouette features a turquoise color inspired by the Spirit of Detroit statue located in Downtown. Inscriptions on the back soles feature the words “God” and “Family” to represent objects held in each hand of the statue. Released March 2, 2013.

• Nike Air Force 1 Low Detroit Pistons 89 Championship - Classic AF1 sneaker silhouette recreated in the Detroit Piston’s color way and feature the ’89 logo in honor of the first championship for the Bad Boys agains the LA Lakers. Released June 14, 2019.

• Adidas Top Ten Hi Detroit vs. Everybody - Inspired by popular Detroit slogan-turned-clothing brand featuring the motto and area code. Released March 13, 2019.

• Adidas Pro Model II Big Sean Detroit Player - Classic Adidas silhouette designed by rapper Big Sean featuring premium materials in two color ways. Released December 1, 2012.