sneaker stores in johannesburg (2025)

Johannesburg, affectionately known as Jozi, is South Africa’s vibrant hub of culture, fashion, and streetwear. The city’s sneaker scene is thriving, fueled by a passionate community of sneakerheads and a growing demand for premium, limited-edition footwear. From international giants like Nike and adidas to proudly South African brands, Johannesburg’s sneaker stores offer a diverse range of styles, exclusive drops, and streetwear apparel. Whether you’re hunting for the latest Air Jordans, retro Pumas, or local collabs, this evergreen guide lists 20 top sneaker stores in Johannesburg, detailing their locations, offerings, and unique vibes.

Sneaker Stores in Johannesburg

1. Shelflife

Address: 21 Keyes Avenue, Rosebank, Johannesburg, 2196
Contact: (010) 594 5129 | [email protected]
Trading Hours: Monday–Saturday: 9:00 AM–6:00 PM; Sunday: 10:00 AM–4:00 PM
Highlights: Founded in 2006, Shelflife is South Africa’s premier sneaker and streetwear destination, holding top-tier accounts with brands like Nike, adidas, and New Balance. Known for exclusive collabs, such as the Shelflife x Air Jordan 2 (2022), it stocks Air Jordans, Nike Shox, adidas Sambas, and apparel from Bape and Patta. Its Rosebank store and online platform (shelflife.co.za) offer worldwide shipping.
Why Visit: Perfect for sneakerheads seeking limited-edition drops and curated streetwear.

2. Shesha

Address: Shop U93, Sandton City, Sandown, Johannesburg, 2196 (multiple locations including Eastgate, Rosebank, Cresta)
Contact: (010) 492 3741 | [email protected]
Trading Hours: Monday–Saturday: 9:00 AM–7:00 PM; Sunday: 9:00 AM–5:00 PM
Highlights: Shesha is a go-to for urban consumers, offering exclusive sneakers from Converse, Jordan, Nike, and Alpha Industries. Its Sandton City store is a flagship, stocking NASA-inspired jackets and limited-edition gear. Online shopping at sheshalifestyle.com includes free shipping on select orders.
Why Visit: Ideal for trendsetters wanting premium sportswear and street-style apparel.

3. Dipstreet

Address: 82 Juta Street, Braamfontein, Johannesburg, 2001
Contact: (011) 027 5508 | [email protected]
Trading Hours: Monday–Friday: 10:00 AM–5:00 PM; Saturday: 10:00 AM–3:00 PM; Sunday: Closed
Highlights: Since 2013, Dipstreet has been a Braamfontein staple, curating top-tier sneakers from adidas, Air Jordan, Asics, and Nike, alongside South African brands like 2Bop and SolSolmenswear. Free nationwide shipping is available via dipstreet.co.za. Its vibrant, youthful vibe makes it a cultural hotspot.
Why Visit: Great for those seeking international and local sneaker culture in one place.

4. Sneaker Boys

Address: 37 Vorster Ave, Glenanda, Johannesburg South, 2091
Contact: (011) 432 1234 | [email protected]
Trading Hours: Monday–Saturday: 9:00 AM–6:00 PM; Sunday: 10:00 AM–2:00 PM
Highlights: Launched in 2025, Sneaker Boys collaborates with Bloc Footwear, offering exclusive sneakers like Nike, Puma, and Converse. Its Glenanda store hosts community events, making it a fresh addition to Jozi’s sneaker scene. Online shopping is available at sneakerboys.co.za.
Why Visit: A community-driven store for affordable, stylish kicks.

5. Sportscene

Address: Shop U27, Cresta Shopping Centre, Randburg, Johannesburg, 2194 (multiple locations)
Contact: (011) 678 6592 | [email protected]
Trading Hours: Monday–Saturday: 9:00 AM–6:00 PM; Sunday: 9:00 AM–3:00 PM
Highlights: Sportscene blends sports and fashion, stocking Nike, adidas, Puma, and Jordan. Its Cresta store offers Redbat apparel and exclusive drops via the Social Club app. Promotions like “R300 off Puma Sneakers” (valid until November 30, 2025) are common.
Why Visit: Perfect for fashion-conscious youth seeking street-relevant sneakers.

6. The Cross Trainer

Address: Shop L11, Eastgate Shopping Centre, Bedfordview, Johannesburg, 2007
Contact: (011) 622 1053 | [email protected]
Trading Hours: Monday–Saturday: 9:00 AM–6:00 PM; Sunday: 9:00 AM–3:00 PM
Highlights: A sports-fashion-lifestyle retailer, The Cross Trainer stocks Nike, Converse, Jordan, and New Balance. Its Eastgate location is ideal for east Johannesburg shoppers, with online shopping at thecrosstrainer.co.za.
Why Visit: Great for athletic and casual sneakers at competitive prices.

7. Side Step

Address: Shop UM021, Clearwater Mall, Roodepoort, Johannesburg, 1724
Contact: (011) 675 1390 | [email protected]
Trading Hours: Monday–Saturday: 9:00 AM–7:00 PM; Sunday: 9:00 AM–5:00 PM
Highlights: Side Step specializes in fashion footwear, offering Puma Palermo, Nike Cortez, and adidas Handball Spezial. Its Click & Collect service ensures hassle-free shopping. Free delivery on orders over R500 is available at side-step.co.za.
Why Visit: Ideal for stylish, active lifestyles with a focus on comfort.

8. Footgear

Address: Shop 243/4, Northgate Shopping Centre, North Riding, Johannesburg, 2194
Contact: (011) 794 6781 | [email protected]
Trading Hours: Monday–Saturday: 9:00 AM–6:00 PM; Sunday: 9:00 AM–3:00 PM
Highlights: Footgear offers top brands like adidas (R1,199.95), Puma, and Reebok. Its Northgate store is part of a nationwide chain, with a “Sneaker Squad” newsletter for exclusive drops. Shop online at footgear.co.za.
Why Visit: Affordable, quality sneakers for men, women, and kids.

9. Sneaker Factory

Address: Shop 2088, Mall of Africa, Midrand, Johannesburg, 1686
Contact: (011) 517 2400 | [email protected]
Trading Hours: Monday–Saturday: 9:00 AM–8:00 PM; Sunday: 10:00 AM–5:00 PM
Highlights: Sneaker Factory stocks athletic and casual footwear from Superga, Grasshoppers, and Puma at budget-friendly prices. Its Mall of Africa location is perfect for Midrand shoppers. Online shopping is available via bash.com.
Why Visit: Great for value-driven shoppers seeking trusted brands.

10. Xtrend

Address: 6th Floor, Office Towers, Sandton City, Sandton, Johannesburg, 2196
Contact: (011) 784 7324 | [email protected]
Trading Hours: Monday–Saturday: 9:00 AM–7:00 PM; Sunday: 9:00 AM–5:00 PM
Highlights: Xtrend offers Puma, Converse, and Asics Tiger with free shipping and a 100% money-back guarantee. Its Sandton City store is a reliable choice for quick purchases. Shop at xtrend.co.za.
Why Visit: Convenient for premium sneakers with excellent customer service.

11. Puma Select

Address: Cnr Melle & De Korte Street, Braamfontein, Johannesburg, 2001
Contact: (087) 230 7306 | [email protected]
Trading Hours: Monday–Friday: 10:00 AM–5:00 PM; Saturday: 10:00 AM–3:00 PM
Highlights: Puma Select focuses on Puma’s iconic styles, like Puma Suedes, in a curated Braamfontein setting. Online shopping at pumaselect.co.za includes seasonal promotions.
Why Visit: A must for Puma enthusiasts seeking exclusive designs.

12. Exclusive Sneakers SA

Address: 209 Smit Street, Braamfontein, Johannesburg, 2000
Contact: (079) 030 9585 | [email protected]
Trading Hours: Monday–Friday: 9:00 AM–5:00 PM; Saturday: 9:00 AM–2:00 PM
Highlights: Since 2016, Exclusive Sneakers SA has curated limited-edition Nike, adidas, and Jordan sneakers. Free shipping is offered nationwide via exclusivesneakerssa.com.
Why Visit: Perfect for collectors chasing rare and retro kicks.

13. Limited Run

Address: Online only (Johannesburg-based)
Contact: [email protected]
Trading Hours: 24/7 online
Highlights: Limited Run specializes in exclusive sneakers like Off-White, Yeezy, and Bape, plus sneaker care products. Pre-orders for hyped releases are available at limitedrun.co.za.
Why Visit: Ideal for online shoppers seeking rare drops and streetwear.

14. Court Order

Address: Shop 5, The Zone, Rosebank, Johannesburg, 2196
Contact: (011) 327 6543 | [email protected]
Trading Hours: Monday–Saturday: 9:00 AM–6:00 PM; Sunday: 10:00 AM–4:00 PM
Highlights: Court Order is a sneaker and streetwear marketplace stocking Yeezy, Supreme, and Air Jordan 1. Its Rosebank store offers accessories like laces and bags. Shop online at courtorder.co.za.
Why Visit: Great for premium, hard-to-find sneakers and apparel.

15. Superbalist

Address: Online only (Johannesburg-based)
Contact: [email protected]
Trading Hours: 24/7 online
Highlights: Part of the Takealot group, Superbalist stocks adidas, Vans, Nike, and Superga. Its online platform (superbalist.com) is known for curating trendy sneakers.
Why Visit: Convenient for online shoppers seeking a wide brand selection.

16. The Sneaker Shack

Address: Shop 3, Rosebank Mall, Johannesburg, 2196 (multiple locations)
Contact: (011) 447 1234 | [email protected]
Trading Hours: Monday–Saturday: 9:00 AM–6:00 PM; Sunday: 10:00 AM–4:00 PM
Highlights: A sneaker laundry service with stores in Rosebank, Fourways, and Sandton, The Sneaker Shack cleans sneakers to extend their life. Book online at thesneakershack.co.za for pickup and delivery.
Why Visit: Essential for keeping your kicks fresh and clean.

17. Subwear

Address: Oriental Plaza, Fordsburg, Johannesburg, 2092
Contact: (011) 838 5623 | [email protected]
Trading Hours: Monday–Saturday: 9:00 AM–5:00 PM; Sunday: Closed
Highlights: Since 1997, Subwear has offered branded footwear like Nike and adidas in the historic Oriental Plaza. Its curated selection includes designer sneakers.
Why Visit: A cultural gem for affordable, stylish footwear.

18. Office London

Address: Shop U67, Greenstone Mall, Edenvale, Johannesburg, 1609
Contact: (011) 452 1402 | [email protected]
Trading Hours: Monday–Saturday: 9:00 AM–6:00 PM; Sunday: 9:00 AM–3:00 PM
Highlights: Part of the Truworths group, Office London stocks limited-edition sneakers from global brands. Its Greenstone Mall store is ideal for east Johannesburg shoppers. Shop at officelondon.co.za.
Why Visit: Great for curated, high-fashion sneakers.

19. Sneaker Spaza

Address: Online only (Johannesburg-based)
Contact: [email protected]
Trading Hours: 24/7 online
Highlights: A marketplace for buying and selling authentic sneakers like Air Jordans and Yeezys, with prices ranging from R499 to R6,999. Shop at sneakerspaza.co.za.
Why Visit: Perfect for collectors trading rare sneakers.

20. Cop Capital

Address: Online only (Pretoria-based, serves Johannesburg)
Contact: [email protected]
Trading Hours: 24/7 online
Highlights: Cop Capital offers adidas, Asics, and New Balance sneakers with a DIY, hands-on approach. Its online store (copcapital.co.za) serves Johannesburg with nationwide shipping.
Why Visit: A boutique option for unique, premium sneakers.

Why Shop at Sneaker Stores in Johannesburg?

Johannesburg’s sneaker stores are more than retail spaces—they’re cultural hubs where global trends meet local flair. Benefits include:

Exclusive Drops: Stores like Shelflife and Shesha offer limited-edition collabs and hyped releases.
Local Pride: Dipstreet and Sneaker Boys stock South African brands, celebrating Mzansi’s creativity.
Variety: From budget-friendly Sneaker Factory to premium Court Order, there’s something for every wallet.
Community Vibe: Stores host launch events, fostering a sense of belonging among sneakerheads.
Online Convenience: Many stores offer free shipping and easy returns via robust e-commerce platforms.

Jozi’s sneaker culture thrives on authenticity, making these stores must-visits for locals and tourists alike.

How to Find Sneaker Stores in Johannesburg

Use Store Websites: Visit shelflife.co.za, sheshalifestyle.com, or dipstreet.co.za for store locators and directions.
Check Tiendeo or Yomzansi: These platforms list addresses, hours, and catalogues.
Enable Location Services: Use Google Maps or store apps to find nearby locations.
Visit Malls: Sandton City, Cresta, and Mall of Africa host multiple sneaker stores.
Follow Social Media: Brands like Shelflife (Instagram: @shelflife) and Sneaker Boys (@sneakerboys) post updates on drops and events.

Always confirm hours, especially during holidays, as they may vary.

Latest Sneaker Promotions and Events

Sneaker stores in Johannesburg frequently offer deals and host events:

Shelflife: “Nike Air Jordan 1 Retro High OG” drop (valid until May 31, 2025) and collabs with local artists.
Sportscene: “R300 off Puma Sneakers” (valid until November 30, 2025) via the Social Club app.
Side Step: “Puma Palermo Drop” with Click & Collect (ongoing).
Sneaker Exchange: A pop-up event hopping between Johannesburg and Cape Town, featuring rare sneaker trades (check nichemarket.co.za for dates).

Tips for Shopping at Sneaker Stores in Johannesburg

Check Catalogues: Browse shelflife.co.za or bash.com for the latest drops and promotions.
Join Loyalty Programs: Sportscene’s Social Club and Footgear’s Sneaker Squad offer exclusive deals.
Shop Online: Use Click & Collect or free shipping from Side Step, Xtrend, or Superbalist.
Visit Early for Drops: Limited-edition releases at Shelflife or Court Order sell out fast.
Clean Your Kicks: Book a session with The Sneaker Shack to maintain your sneakers’ freshness.
Attend Events: Sneaker Boys and Dipstreet host community-driven launches, perfect for networking with sneakerheads.

Maintaining Your Sneakers

To keep your sneakers looking fresh, invest in care products from Limited Run or The Sneaker Shack. Regular cleaning reduces bacteria (studies show 421,000 units on shoe exteriors) and extends footwear life, lowering your carbon footprint. Schedule professional cleanings at The Sneaker Shack for a 48-hour turnaround.

Accessibility and Customer Service

Most sneaker stores are in accessible malls with parking and public transport options. For accessibility needs, contact stores directly to confirm facilities like ramps. Customer service is a priority, with Shesha, Xtrend, and Footgear offering robust support via email, phone, or social media. For example, Shelflife’s [email protected] responds promptly to inquiries.

The Future of Sneaker Stores in Johannesburg

Jozi’s sneaker scene is poised for growth, with stores like Shelflife expanding e-commerce and Sneaker Boys fostering community-driven retail. Trends like sustainable sneakers and Web3 integrations (e.g., Limited Run’s NFT projects) are emerging. New stores may open in up-and-coming areas like Midrand, so follow nichemarket.co.za or Yomzansi for updates.

Conclusion

Johannesburg’s sneaker stores, from Shelflife’s exclusive drops to Sneaker Factory’s budget-friendly kicks, cater to every sneakerhead’s needs. By exploring stores in Sandton, Braamfontein, or online, you’ll find the perfect pair to elevate your style. Leverage promotions, join loyalty programs, and engage with Jozi’s vibrant sneaker community to stay ahead of trends. Whether you’re a collector or a casual shopper, this guide ensures you navigate Johannesburg’s sneaker scene with confidence, stepping out in the freshest kicks Mzansi has to offer.