Alife Rivington Club Inc

Retro was never so chic as at this downtown sneaker temple.

by Contributor

The Scene
Finding this hip sneaker store is no easy task. There's no sign and even the door is opaque, giving no hint of the goodies that lie beyond. (Even the business card says "Members Only" at the bottom.) Still, forge ahead and buzz the discreet doorbell. You'll be let into a foyer that leads to the store's actual entrance--you're in!

The Goods
The impressive collection of sneakers includes only classic designs, including obscure versions of familiar models. Handsome, polished wood cubbies display one shoe per compartment, and little spotlights keep the goods out of the shade. Check out the early-vintage Air Jordans (under $100), the classic-white Rod Lavers and the purple-and-green Adidas Samoas. This is also the place to go for the elusive Nike Air Woven--15 color schemes are given mouthwatering pride of place on the shelves, although only a couple are likely to be available.

06/02/05

Just about the best trainer shop in the world..

by marcthebaptist

Very hard to find, especially on my first time in New York. The best selection of new kicks but no sign of any vintage, but Im sure they might be out back. Incredibly decorated, great wood and leather. Service outstanding, and prices second only to Stussy. Worth the 2 hours it took to find.

• Pros: Interior, Staff were great
• Cons: Hard to find

05/25/04

Overrated

by junglebunni3

I went awhile back to see what the fuss was about and I was disappointed by the selection. You may find styles that aren't available at chain stores, but they didn't have anything that I didn't see elsewhere. I just walked through Chinatown that day and some of the small stores there had more styles and slightly cheaper. Although those stores are much less glamourous.

09/01/03

Simply The Best

by spinnyc

Alife Rivington Club is simply the best. Best products! Best staff! Best quality!

• Pros: selection, service, quality

04/30/03

Might be worth a trip

by mooney33

Yes, it's hard to find, but the selection of shoes is far better than the other retail shops. However, with the advent of ebay and other hipster shoe shops, their selection isn't as great as previous hype. You might find what you're looking for, but then again the selection is small so you also may not. Their prices are a bit high too, especially for some of their retro adidas runners (i.e. Mexico). Staff is pretty friendly, though they basically just sit there and hang out until you ask them for a size.

• Pros: retro variety, wooden displays, air of exclusivity
• Cons: selection (too small), prices (10-20%markup)

01/23/03

juan discos delta

by grescu

nice sneakers,best shop in town.I,m from Spain and I will go to your shop next 5 of next month.See you there.

10/28/02

SEEN IT

by sheera

After hearing such rave reviews, I went with high expections and found the selection very small and limited. There is nothing that I have not seen at other retail shops. I would not recommend this place to anyone or go there again. It was a waste of time.

• Cons: small selection, location

10/18/02

diamonds for my eyes!

by sexxx

It was difficult to find but so worth it! Cause of the location you would not expect this small sneaker heaven on earth!

• Pros: perfect scene
• Cons: location, no pics

06/09/02

Sneaker Heaven

by mrplumpdotcom

This place was a pain in the ass to find but well worth the trip. There are no signs telling you where this place is, no awnings, nothign like that. Discreet location but lavish interior. Sneaker freaks will definitely appreciate this shoe haven. The place is small but beautiful. The workers are friendly and the prices are great. If you're ever in the city, spend a day looking for this place, you wont regret it.

<>

• Pros: Great Displays, Friendly workers