Sneaker District has all the credibility with devoted fans and a booming online presence, but its Amsterdam store was stuck in the past: outdated, cluttered, and built with unsustainable materials and practices. In the sneaker world, appearance and service are everything. Inspired by sneaker culture and craftsmanship, we turned this industrial space into a future-proof retail store.
Sneaker District
Amsterdam
“Sneaker District Amsterdam is more than a retail store. It’s a place to immerse yourself in the culture and community.”
Sneaker District Amsterdam is housed in a historic building within the city center. Although this split-level space is graced with high ceilings for beautiful product displays, it also makes it almost impossible for customers to browse easily.
For an improved experience, we partnered with the Technical University of Delft and Stalen Gasten to create a rotating sneaker display that allows customers to pick their favorites more easily. Built on slim tracks in a stylish ellipse shape, the sneakers automatically rotate around, allowing the consumer to select as many as they like without any drama. Set against a textured concrete wall and illuminated with adjustable LED lighting, this display is also a stylish way to draw attention from the street.
To create a future-proof retail space, both functionality and sustainability are vital. We designed adjustable shelving and lighting to easily transform the Sneaker District from retail shop to event space. Eco-friendly clay was used for the interior walls and recycled marble became the foundation for the bespoke furniture.
Sneaker design and culture provided much of our inspiration for this space. Front-and-center is the storage room vault door made from hot-rolled steel and flanked by perforated steel banisters in reference to the delicate mesh used over the toe of a shoe. The steel is powder-coated in a rusty red: a tribute to your favorite kicks getting some wear and tear.
The counter-turned-bar is made from recycled marble and reminiscent of Nike’s famous elephant print. Outside of sneaker inspiration, we accentuated the store’s natural shape with wooden scantlings and Kaufmann Keramik tiles finished with the #sneakerdistrict signage by Neon Designs.
With only limited apparel, we turned the clothing displays into mini-galleries. Super slim shelving with smoked glass cabinets and mirrored plinths to provide an optical illusion: quick glance and it looks as if the clothes are floating off into the distance. Amsterdam’s new Sneaker District store is a testament to the culture it loves and a home for the people who love it.
