Sole Searching: The 9 Best Stores for Shopping Women's Sneakers in Scandinavia
Get shopping.
Scandinavians are obviously well-known for their generally minimal approach to style; and as fans of functional yet stylish apparel they were early adoptors of bringing sneakers into their day-to-day outfits. As such, most major cities in the region are home to big-name global trainer retailers like Foot Locker and JD Sports however we rounded up some of the coolest, independent sneaker stores you can find throughout Sweden, Denmark, Finland, Norway and Iceland.
Read on for our top picks of shops you have to check out and for more footwear inspo, get the lowdown on the five most popular sneakers spotted throughout the Scandinavian fashion weeks.
Nitty Gritty
Nitty Gritty
Nitty Gritty first brought its multi-brand offering to Stockholm’s hip Sodermalm area in the ’90s and it’s been one of the city’s most-loved stores ever since. It currently has two stores located next to each other – one dedicated to womenswear and one for men’s – each stocked with apparel and accessories by the likes of A.P.C, Helmut Lang, Cult Gaia and more. When it comes to footwear, Nitty Gritty balances out its high-end offering like COMME des GARÇONS sneakers with essentials by Nike and Converse and local products from Swedish brand, Spalwart.
Address: Krukmakargatan 26, 118 51 Stockholm, Sweden
Sneakersnstuff
Sneakersnstuff
2019 marks two decades since the birth of Sneakersnstuff, which has since surpassed its Swedish roots to become one of the best-loved sneaker retailers worldwide with outposts in London, Berlin, Paris, New York and LA. Renowned for its collabs, of which there have been many (Converse, PUMA and Vans to name just a few), you can always count on Sneakersntuff to have a strong offering for both women and men. Be sure to pay a visit to the flagship store if you’re ever in Stockholm; it can still be found at its original 1999 location, making it a pilgrimage for any true sneakerhead.
Address: Åsögatan 124, 116 24 Stockholm, Sweden
YME
YME
YME
Designed in collaboration with renowned architecture firm Snøhetta, YME is without a doubt one of the most stunning concept stores in Scandinavia but don’t worry, it’s not all style over substance. It comprises of separate men’s and womenswear departments, a bookstore and cafe and the first floor is totally dedicated to sneakers and streetwear. One of the go-to stores for exclusive releases like the Martine Rose x Nike Air Monarch as well as a huge array of women’s-only sneakers and essentials for your rotation from the likes of adidas, Reebok and all the other usual suspects.
Address: Karl Johans Gate 39, 0162 Oslo, Norway
Stress
Stress
Stress
Stress has been serving Oslo all the freshest kicks since 1995 and has remained one of the top sneaker destinations in Norway in the decades that have followed. Initially started as a way to offer in-demand drops and brands to Norwegians that weren’t readily available at the time, Stress has evolved into one of the must-stop shops for anyone visiting the city. Importantly, it has a huge range for women with everything from Nike’s recent leopard-print “Animal Pack” to the metallic gold adidas Originals Falcon and classic kicks from Converse and Vans amongst others. Stress also has strong roots in the music industry and has hosted pop-ups with the likes of Kendrick Lamar – it even boasts a hotel suite and recording studio for artists directly above the store.
Address: Kirkegata 34, 0152 Oslo, Norway
Naked
Naked
Naked
One of our personal favorite stores, Naked, has been the ultimate women’s-only sneaker store in Denmark for years. With one store in Aarhus and one in the center of Copenhagen, it provides Danish sneaker fanatics with a strong serving of some of the most coveted sneakers around. Between the latest Golf Le Fleur x Converse collab and adidas’ signature adilette slides, there’s something to suit every occasion – in sizes that fit. Don’t neglect the apparel section though; Naked stocks must-have garments by Champion, Stussy and more.
Address: Pilestræde 46, 1112 København, Denmark
Gummi
Gummi
Part of the Project 4 family (a curated store that’s home to some of the best handpicked international and local brands), Gummi is a relatively new sneaker store, exclusively for ladies. Tucked away on the basement level, it’s easy to miss but if you do spot it, the inside is a veritable treasure trove of accessories and footwear. Choose from Girls Are Awesome merch and trainers by New Balance, PUMA and homegrown brand ARKK Copenhagen.
Address: Larsbjørnsstræde 19, 1454 København, Denmark
Wood Wood
Wood Wood
Known for its in-house apparel line, Wood Wood is a favorite when it comes to trend-led yet wearable streetwear. It’s also a multi-brand store, with outposts throughout Denmark and in Berlin. With a brand list that includes 032c, Cav Empt and Undercover, to name a few, it’s safe to say Wood Wood is a one-stop shop for all things cool. It’s not lacking when it comes to sneakers either; it stocks everything from YEEZYs and the Nike React Element ‘87 to sleek kicks by Common Projects and of course, its own-brand footwear.
Address: Grønnegade 1, 1107 København, Denmark
Húrra
Húrra
Húrra
Iceland isn’t exactly known for its sneaker scene but Húrra is ensuring that locals don’t miss out. The store, located in the capital city of Reykjavík, boasts staple trainers from Nike and Vans as well as limited-edition collabs, like those coveted Ader Error x PUMA sneakers. For those who prefer a higher-end shoe, it also stocks Palm Angels’ chunky runners and has a stellar selection of European brands like Common Projects, Filling Pieces and Eytys too.
Address: Hverfisgata 50, 101 Reykjavík, Iceland
Beamhill
Beamhill
Beamhill
Beamhill is a family-owned store in Helsinki that, somewhat controversially in 2019, doesn’t have a web presence and operates solely as a brick-and-mortar store. It’s achieved cult-status in its native Finland due to its considered offering of Scandi brands like Acne Studios, GANNI and Nudie Jeans that sit alongside the YEEZY BOOST 700, adidas Originals Powerphase and New Balance 997s. There’s also the sister location, beam., which is a multi-brand store stocking labels like COMME des GARÇONS PLAY and MM6 amongst others.
Address: Yliopistonkatu 5, 00100 Helsinki, Finland
