Fashion brands play one of the most influential roles in the world by bringing together those who love fashion and dressing up and by creating a hype around the latest trends.

The Influence

The most fashionable brands in the industry are partnering with celebrities to target a specific niche.

Celebrities have become an influence, motivating their fans to buy new labels.

Some of the brands that have made a huge impact on us include Converse, ASICS, Diesel and Adidas. And these labels are still going strong.

Converse

Converse is one of the brands that has become associated with many names including Chuck Taylors, Chuck and All Stars.

What began as a basketball sneaker, is now a much loved sneaker, fashion statement and form of expression. Evolving through innovation, Converse is still producing jaw droppers.

ASICS

ASICS is an old-school brand that recently came back with a bang. This versatile brand is a popular choice for both young and old.

Originally a sneaker for running, these sneakers are now the go-to for any occasion. ASICS is creating fashionable items for everyone.

Diesel

Diesel has been crafting good quality fashion items for many years. Their look speaks of confidence, edge and fashion forward trends.

Diesel makes clothing with unexpected cuts and combinations with old school designs and denim.This brand stays true to their style while keeping up with the latest fashion trends.

Adidas

Adidas is a popular choice among the most loved and influential celebrities.

Their partnership with Missy Elliott became one of the most influential and innovative campaigns.

Adidas is still running strong and continue to make amazing fashion statements that we love.

Takealot

Don't have the time to visit the store? Then why not try Takealot? They have a wide selection of sports footwear that's perfect for any sort of activity that you're thinking of taking up, be it running, studio training and sports. And as for brands, there are many for you to choose from, including Nike, Reebok, adidas, ASICS Tiger, Puma, Under Armour and more. And best of all, they will be delivered right to your door! Visit Takealot.com to take a look at what they have available.

Zando

Another online fashion store that offers a wide variety of sports footwear for both men and women is Zando. They have different brands, styles and colours to choose from. Some of the brands they stock are Nike, adidas, Puma, ASICS, Merrell, Lotto Performance, Brooks, Under Armour, Reebok, Hi-Tec, Mizuno, Vivobarefoot, Power Performance, the list goes on. Visit Zando.co.za to check out their range. Again, it'll be delivered right to your door.

Superbalist

For the motherlode of sport footwear, Superbalist will leave you feel spoiled for choice. Their range of shoes goes far beyond our expectations, even offering brands that we have never heard of before. You can expect to find footwear from the usual adidas, Reebok, Nike and Puma, as well as the unusual, Under Armour, The North Face and ASICS. To take a gander at their stock, visit Superbalist.com.

Totalsports

Another spot that'll offer a wide range to choose from is Totalsports. This is usually the go-to for those who are looking to get their feet into a new pair of running/training footwear. They have shoes for a variety of activities - running, training, strolling and trail running. They offer sandals, rugby boots, tennis and squash shoes, golf shoes, netball shoes, running spikes, you name it. And once again, the brand selection is impressive. You can either shop online or visit one of their stores nationwide.

RUN Store

This may be a Cape Town store, but RUN does ship shoes off to runners countrywide from their online store. From adidas, Altra and ASICS to New Balance, Salomon, Ultimate Direction and Saucony, they have a great selection of sports footwear for runners. They even offer other accessories and sportswear including hydration vests, nutritions, socks, headwear, gloves and electronics. Plus, you'll get free shipping on orders over R500. Visit their online store at www.runstore.co.za.

Sportsmans Warehouse

Whether you're looking for cross trainers, running shoes, court footwear or something that's just sports lifestyle oriented, visit your nearest Sportsmans Warehouse. They cater to men, ladies and children who are looking to get active and need the correct footwear. They also stock all the accessories you need to ensure you're on top of your game. Visit their website here.

The Sweatshop

For your sports footwear needs, visit the running shoe specialists - The Sweatshop. They know just what you need to ensure support while running. They stock the largest range of running shoes in the country, with over 100 styles. This means you will get to choose the best option for you and your running needs. They also offer a wide range of sizes. They stock sizes from US10 for kids to adults US16. To take a look at what they have to offer, visit thesweatshop.co.za.

Shesha

Get your hands on the coolest brands, apparel and, of course, schweet shoes at Shesha! Here, they offer exclusive and limited edition street-style gear that'll have you on-trend and walking the streets of our beloved Jozi in style. You can expect to find trending brands such as Converse, Jordan, Nike, NBA, Alpha Industries (the NASA jackets are wicked!) and many more. All you have to do is decide what you want and whether you'll head to your nearest store or grab it online.

Details: www.sheshalifestyle.com | 010 492 3741 | [email protected] | Sandton, Eastgate, Rosebank, Melrose, Mall of Africa, Menlyn, Cresta, The Glen

Shelflife

Another awesome sneaker hotspot in the city is Shelflife! And their range of sneakers? Endless! There is something for everyone, no matter what your favourite brand, budget, style or fabric. Take your pick from a wide variety of Vans, Nike Air Jordans, New Balances, adidas x Pharrell 'Solar Packs' (these babies are new), Asics and a few other sought-after brands that'll totally turn heads. Check out the store in Rosebank or do a little retail therapy online.

Details: www.shelflife.co.za | 010 594 5129 | [email protected] | 21 Keyes Avenue, Rosebank, Johannesburg

Superbalist.co.za

We all know and love Superbalist. It's one of our personal favourite websites when we're looking to stock our wardrobe with the hottest and trendiest clothing, accessories and sneaks. Fill your online cart with stylish brands such as adidas, Vans, Nike, Superga, Converse, Reebok, Asics, New Balance, Puma, Onitsuka Tiger, Diesel and Saucony, just to name a few. Whip out that credit card and spoil yourself a little, we know you want to.

Details: www.superbalist.com | 087 362 7300

Anatomy 

Honestly. Who, in their right mind, would want to leave the comfort of their own couch to head to a crowded and bustling mall to do some shopping? It's crazy! Definitely not us. We'll just turn on our laptops and click our way through Anatomy and fill our shopping cart with some of the best sneaker brands: Puma, Nike, adidas, Asics, New Balance, you name it.

Details: www.anatomystore.co.za

DIPSTREET

For sneaker brands for Africa, make sure you head to DIPSTREET in Braamfontein. They're stocked with the best top-tier products from international brands, including adidas, Air Jordan, Asics, New Balance, Nike, Reebok, Vans and even some proudly South African apparel such as 2Bop, SolSolmenswear and Young & Lazy. Also, you'll get free shipping anywhere in South Africa for sneakers purchased on their online store. Cool sneaks and free shipping? What more could you ask for?

Details: www.dipstreet.co.za | 011 027 5508 | [email protected] | 82 Juta Street, Braamfontein, Johannesburg

Cross Trainer

This one is a given. In fact, it is one of the more popular and well-known stores if you're looking to get a pair of sneakers on the spot. We might be over-exaggerating, but there must be one in every mall in the city. They stock a wide variety of brands, from All Stars, adidas and Jordans to New Era, Puma and Reebok.

Details: www.xtrainer.co.za | 011 784 7324 | [email protected]

Sportscene

We just had to mention Sportscene. It's another go-to. This store needs no introduction. It has all the brands we can think of, and then some! Take your pick from Vans, Fila, Timberlands, Reebok, Puma and even Sneaker King cleaning sets. And while you're at it, why not grab some new threads to complete the look?

Details: www.sportscene.co.za

X Trend

Another must for all things trés cool is X Trend. Not only do they offer some of the best brands in sneakers, but they also offer FREE shipping and returns, 100% money back guarantee if you're not happy with your purchase, and they have a great support centre that'll cater to all of your enquiries. As for brands, you can expect to get your hands on Puma, Converse, New Balance, New Era, Asics Tiger and adidas.

Details: www.xtrend.co.za |  011 784 7324/5/6 | [email protected] | 6th Floor, Office Towers,
Sandton City Shopping Centre, Sandton

Puma Select

And last but certainly not least, we have Puma Select. No wardrobe is complete without a pair of Puma sneakers, and they'll definitely have a style, colour, shape and look you'll love. We definitely wouldn't mind getting our hands on a pair of Puma Suedes. They're stunning!

Details: www.pumaselect.co.za | 087 230 7306 | [email protected] | corner of Melle De Korte Street, Braamfontein, Johannesburg