Paris, France review Pt.1

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Ok everybody. I’ve just got back from Paris and have reviews of most of the important sneaker spots of this amazing city.

Let me start with my comment on the sneaker culture: they love Air Maxes and everyone and their mothers wear AM’s. Unfortunately, just like in the US, the fakes have reached this continent as well but instead of Air Jordans it’s mostly Air Maxes. Most people who wear them don’t care or know about it. Sad, but true.

Now the happy part, the review. Besides checking out the obvious toursist atractions (eg. Eiffel Tower, The Louvre, The Versailes, Notre Dame etc.). As an official Hype Beast I had to check the local spots for sneakers!!

Please click on thumbnails to see full size images!!

Pictured above is Courir which is a French chain with their own exclusives nowhere else to be found sneakers. It’s like the French version of the British JD sports. Unfortunately, they were out of my size for the V.I.B. dunks. Well, what did I do? I headed over to the second biggest sneaker chain store, Foot Locker, which was located in Halles (pix above). I loved their sales rack which included many goodies priced in the 50-60 Euro range (Air 180, Air Force 180, Prestos, Frees etc.)

Don’t worry, that’s not all folks! I’ve checked the famous Sports USA. Their aim is mainly on the hip hop/urban market with Jordans (ridiculously priced AJ 2 retro black for 250 Euros!!) and other basketball releases. They also carry brands like Ecko, LRG etc. Over all, it was a nice store (18 Bd SÃƒÂ©bastopol, 75004 Paris). I also checked nearby at the Puma store.

The Halles is just flooded with different spots and boutiques. You can always find something nice, but they all know that there’s demand for sneakers so prices are high. I personally wouldn’t recommend purchasing your kicks from this place, that is not a marquee to avoid getting a pair of fakes. On a side note, a lot of hot sneakers don’t have prices on them. Maybe when you ask the clerk for the price and don’t speak French, perhaps they double the price? Who knows..

The street called “rue de la Ferronnerie” in Halles is like “La Brea avenue” in LA when it comes to sneakers. There is the The Tube, Sneaker Gallery and world famous ADN snkr Lab

The Sneaker Gallery is freindly place with many brands like Nike, Puma, Converse, Adidas, New Balance, Vans, Le Coq Sportif and more casual shoes. Really big selecion and a nice set up.