Every product was carefully curated by an Esquire editor. We may earn a commission from these links. Here’s how we test products and why you should trust us.
37 Best Gifts for Sneakerheads That Aren't Just Another Pair
Leave the shoe shopping to them; these are more meaningful.
Sneakerheads are the only people who can clock a shoe's silhouette from across the street and, like a sneaker encyclopedia, recite its release year, colorway name, and resale price all before you cross said street. They line up around the (now digital) block the morning the newest Air Jordans hit shelves, and they'd do just about anything to get a rare deadstock pair. Which is exactly why buying them more sneakers is a fool's errand. If they're into a trendy new pair, they probably already have them or have a credit card waiting for release day. But don't worry, there are plenty of sneaker-themed gifts out there for the sneakerhead in your life.
Think outside the shoebox. (Sorry.) We're talking big, glossy sneaker anthologies and design books, gallery-worthy sneaker prints, comprehensive cleaning kits, travel shoe bags, sleek display cases, and more—all the sneaker-related gifts that hit that sweet spot between style and utility. And because we at Esquire know what makes a good gift (it's kind of our job) we've put together a list of the 37 best gifts for sneakerheads that won't get side-eyed and may even get bragged about. So kick back and check out these gifts for people who love their kicks.
Taschen Sneaker Freaker. The Ultimate Sneaker Book
Sometimes you should judge a book by its cover.
For your sugarboo, cause it's levitating. Get it?
If he's got a green thumb, he can turn a plant into his new shoe baby. And if he doesn't have a green thumb, well, hopefully this will inspire him to keep his fern alive.
Like Golden Goose. But for the dog. Golden Pooch.
No one's ever too old for a coloring book.
Could you even imagine a better Lego set than this one for a sneakerhead?
Ok, we know we said no actual sneakers, but these are cheap and enough of a novelty that it's not like a pair of Jordans they're grabbing just to put on ice. They'll appreciate these PF Flyers high-tops for the swappable patches with "Sandlot Club" on them, the nostalgia, and the fact that they can turn them into a beater pair.
Maybe no one else looks at the soles of their sneakers, but they do. They can cut these sole protectors to size and keep their sneakers looking brand new on the bottom.
Know someone who wears their Air Jordans just about every day? They'll love this poster that shows the evolution of the iconic sneaker from 1985 through 2020.
These will help keep their kicks smelling fresh.
For when they want to admire their sneakers while wearing them.
For the sneakerhead who hates—hates—creases, a set of protectors to keep sneakers smooth.
Help them start out their day with a smile with this cute mug made for sneakerheads.
For whenever he wants to have a photo shoe-t. (But seriously, his Insta posts of his sneakers will definitely improve with this.)
To make any sneaker cozy. Come winter, this is going to come in handy for insulating his feet and keeping him warm.
Because life's too short not to take 'em all.
Shoe Dog: A Memoir by the Creator of Nike, by Phil Knight
An oldie but a goodie.
Van Gogh's "Starry Night" for sneakerheads.
Storage space for your collection that doubles as a conversation starter (provided, of course, you can ever convince an actual human being to start a conversation with you).
Complex 'Sneaker of the Year: The Best Since '85'
Get the conversation going. (And then ready yourself for a long, heated debate.)
The 5 Best Pressure Washers
Should You Buy the New Apple Watch Ultra 3?
The 9 Best Leather Jackets, According to Esquire
11 Things We’re Buying on Sale Right Now
