DEEPTOKYO
magazine
EN
DEEPTOKYO
magazine
EN
2025.12.10
A Sneaker Haven Captivating Fans from Around the World
Nearest Station
In Ueno—one of Tokyo’s most popular sightseeing areas yet still home to a close-knit local shopping district—stands "mita sneakers," one of Japan’s leading sneaker shops. As a pioneer in shop-led collaborations, it presents an extensive lineup ranging from collaborations inspired by hyper-local culture and creativity to exclusive editions developed with global brands.
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Since the 1990s, when Japan’s sneaker culture was still in its early days, "mita sneakers" has released numerous collaboration models with manufacturers and brands. Drawing on its Tokyo roots, the shop—led by director Hideyuki Kunii—continues to collaborate with global partners. These collaborations and global projects have captured the attention of sneaker fans worldwide.
An inviting storefront facing the street makes it easy to stop by.
Ueno’s Ameyoko shopping street offers a broad mix of stalls selling street food, dried goods, fresh produce, seafood, clothing, and more.
The store’s lineup covers around forty brands, including major sports names, emerging performance labels with their own technologies, and even sandals that incorporate sneaker innovations. The selection offers a clear snapshot of the current sneaker scene. With over twenty shop-driven collaborations and special editions released each year, visitors are sure to find a pair that captures the unique spirit of "mita sneakers." The store fixtures are made of metal fencing—materials closely tied to sports and street culture—creating a minimalist space that makes each sneaker stand out.
PREMIUM OLD SKOOL 36 GTX "GORE-TEX" "Shichiten Hakki" "mita sneakers" — ¥19,250 (Released on October 11, 2025) The first collaboration between "VANS" and "mita sneakers." Based on the iconic "Premium Old Skool," this updated version features a highly responsive PU-foam insole and a GORE-TEX® membrane. Its design embodies the Japanese proverb “Shichiten Hakki,” meaning “fall down seven times, get up eight.”
FRESH FOAM TRAINER "UNITED ARROWS & SONS x mita sneakers" — ¥20,900 (Released on November 21, 2025) A special edition created with "UNITED ARROWS & SONS," a concept store known for blending street culture with refined craftsmanship. Inspired by modern-military aesthetics, this model is based on "New Balance"’s performance shoe 1080, merging advanced functionality with striking street-ready style.
ZX8000 “OFFSPRING × mita sneakers” “CONSORTIUM” ¥23,100 Release: October 25, 2025 Following the legendary ZX500 launched in 1984, the “adidas” ZX series has defined the running aesthetic for decades. This ZX8000 model, first released in 1989, marks the first collaboration between “mita sneakers” and the London-based boutique “OFFSPRING.”
At "mita sneakers," the team places great importance on creating opportunities for discovery through in-person shopping—especially today, when online retail and social media dominate the sneaker market. They aim to create an environment where visitors who come seeking a specific model might end up finding interest in something entirely different. Surrounded by more than 600 pairs of sneakers, customers engage with the staff in conversations that often lead to unexpected encounters with new favorites. In a sneaker culture that tends to value numbers—such as price, speed of sellout, or quantity—"mita sneakers" remains committed to nurturing the sneaker community through genuine, personal interaction. From Ueno, they continue to share their distinct vision with the world.
The wide, open storefront invites passersby with a relaxed, welcoming atmosphere.
The joy of shopping here lies in the unexpected discoveries sparked by staff recommendations.
The information in this article is current as of December 10, 2025 (at the time of publication)
