Highsnobiety
Double Tap to Zoom

In the wake of George Floyd's murder by police in Minneapolis on Monday, May 25, people across America and the world have taken to the streets to protest racism and demand justice. Some of the demonstrations have escalated into riots, and vandalism and looting in some areas – affecting many sneaker stores and boutiques.

Over the weekend, images and videos of stores being broken into and looted began to make rounds on social media. Now many brands and stores that have experienced looting are speaking out.

Many larger brands have taken a decided stance on the situation. For instance, while the Nike Store location on Michigan Ave. in Chicago appeared to be completely cleaned out yesterday, the company shared a message in solidarity protesters. In an unprecedented move, adidas shared Nike's post, suggesting that the sportswear rivals share a united position on the issue of institutionalized racism in the United States.

Your Highsnobiety privacy settings have blocked this Twitter post.

For smaller sneaker shops and consignment stores – some of which are black-owned – however, looting is hitting especially hard. Stores such as Flight Club, Sole Classics, RSVP Gallery, and Round Two, are grappling with the obvious financial repercussions, while also standing behind protesters.

From frustration to solidarity, here's how the sneaker community is responding to vandalism in the wake of nationwide protests.

nike & adidas

Your Highsnobiety privacy settings have blocked this Twitter post.

Pleasures

The Hundreds

Your Highsnobiety privacy settings have blocked this Twitter post.

Footlocker

Sole Classics

Your Highsnobiety privacy settings have blocked this Instagram post.

Round Two

Your Highsnobiety privacy settings have blocked this Twitter post.
Your Highsnobiety privacy settings have blocked this Twitter post.
Your Highsnobiety privacy settings have blocked this Twitter post.

RSVP Gallery

Your Highsnobiety privacy settings have blocked this Twitter post.

RIF LA

Your Highsnobiety privacy settings have blocked this Twitter post.

Sign the petition to demand justice for George Floyd and join us in taking a stance against institutionalized racism. 

We Recommend
  • adidas Skateboarding Is Still One of the Coolest Things the Brand Has Ever Done
  • From Nike to Saucony, Browse This Week’s Best Sneaker Releases
  • From ASICS to Salomon, Browse This Week’s Best Sneaker Releases
  • From adidas to HOKA, Browse This Week’s Best Sneaker Releases
  • Louis Vuitton's Next Big Sneaker Is Pharrell + (adidas x Nike)
What To Read Next
  • Nike’s Lowkey '80s Football Shoe Gets a Mesh Glow-Up
  • A Crisp Denim Air Force 1 For the NBA's Rising Star
  • A Slick adidas Superstar for Soccer's Superstar
  • adidas' Wonderfully Worn Sambas Are a Beautiful Thing
  • No Thoughts, Just Nike's Ultra-Clean Grayed-Out Dunks
  • An Old-School Gatekeeper Opens the Door to Watchmaking’s Future