About Snipes
SNIPES was born from the energy of the streets β and built by the culture. Inspired by hip-hop, action sports, streetball, and dance, SNIPES started in 1998 with a single store in Essen, Germany. What began as a place to cop sneakers quickly became something bigger: a movement for people who live and breathe street culture β not just wear it.
From day one, we've been about more than product. We're about community, identity, and self-expression.
The Mantra
SNIPES doesn't just follow streetwear culture β we help move it forward. For over two decades, we've worked shoulder to shoulder with the creatives, athletes, and artists who shape the scene β not chasing trends, but helping create them.
“Our mantra says it all: More than a retailer.”
We create moments, not just transactions. We build platforms, not just campaigns. Whether it's hosting rap contests through SNIPES Soundbooth, partnering with the world's biggest hip-hop festivals, or pulling up with icons like Michael Jordan, French Montana, and DJ Khaled β SNIPES shows up for the culture.
Our Origin
SNIPES was built by hustling, not shortcuts. Our founder, Sven Voth, opened the first SNIPES store with a simple but bold idea: bring a massive, curated selection of sneakers and streetwear into one space β for the people who actually live the lifestyle. The concept took off. Store by store. City by city. Country by country.
From Germany to Global
SNIPES grew the way culture grows: organically, city by city, community by community. What started in Germany expanded across Europe β becoming one of the continent's biggest destinations for sneakers and urban apparel. In 2019, SNIPES made a pivotal move into the United States β the birthplace of hip-hop and a core pillar of global street culture.
And we're still growing.
The U.S. Chapter
When SNIPES entered the United States, we didn't come to "start over." We came to build with the culture that was already here. That meant joining forces with iconic regional retailers β brands that served their communities for decades and helped define what sneakers and streetwear meant in their cities. SNIPES in the U.S. is powered by that legacy. This is not just expansion. This is family.
KicksUSA earned its name across PA, NJ, MD, and NYC, serving sneaker culture with consistency and credibility. When SNIPES acquired KicksUSA in 2019, it wasn't just a market entry β it was a culture move that helped establish a major U.S. presence with headquarters in Philadelphia. Kicks may no longer exist as a name, but the spirit lives on in every release, every store, and every customer we serve.
A Detroit staple since the 80s, Mr. Alan's was built on iconic brands and an even more iconic relationship with its community. Through changing fashion and decades of evolution, Mr. Alan's never lost what mattered: quality, customer service, and local loyalty. SNIPES acquired Mr. Alan's in 2019 with a commitment to carry that passion forward across the Midwest.
Jimmy Jazz became a top sneaker destination in the New York Metro area β and grew into one of SNIPES' biggest U.S. milestones. With over 170 stores and a focus on empowerment, equitable opportunity, and youth inspiration, Jimmy Jazz brought more than doors β it brought a mission. The result: retail strength + community impact, together.
Expressions served New England's fashion-forward community for years, known for contemporary, high-end footwear and apparel that made it a premier destination across Massachusetts and beyond. Through partnership in 2022, Expressions helped SNIPES deepen its reach into the region β expanding our ability to show up with the best product and the right energy for every community we serve.
Head-to-Toe
SNIPES is a head-to-toe outfitter for street culture: sneakers, apparel, headwear, and accessories β built for everyday wear and standout moments. We carry the latest streetwear and timeless classics from the most respected names in the game β Nike, adidas, Jordan, Vans, Converse, New Era, Mitchell & Ness, and many more β alongside exclusive drops, unique collabs, and limited releases you won't find anywhere else
From sneakers to apparel, accessories to headwear β SNIPES outfits the culture without compromising it.
Community
Community isn't a buzzword β it's the foundation. SNIPES is powered by people β the ones who show up, speak up, create, compete, dance, skate, hoop, and set the tone.
From legendary store openings and festival stages to local activations and artist collaborations, we don't just open stores β we take over streets, celebrate cities, and connect cultures. Because SNIPES isn't owned by hype. We're powered by the people. We're not here to just sell you a fit β we're here to celebrate who you are.
What's Next
SNIPES has lived sneakers and streetwear for over 20 years β but we're not done. We're proud of where we came from, but focused on what's next. Our vision is bold: to become the global icon of street culture.
This is more than a brand.
This is more than a store.