Seven online retailers you can get cool new kicks delivered from in Melbourne

From humble beginnings as the shoe of choice for skateboarders in the ‘70s, Vans is now one of the most recognisable (and beloved) footwear brands in the world. And for good reason – these cool kicks are comfy, durable and will earn you some serious street cred. While the low-top Authentic style in black and white is always a winner, you also can’t go wrong with the Old Skool, which was the first Vans shoe to feature the now famous side stripe. Alternatively, check out some of the new collabs, which include a special Pride drop.

If you grew up in the early 2000s, chances are you’ll recognise Skechers as the brand behind those super-cool laceless runners that every single kid just had to have. Well, nothing’s changed really, and Skechers are still manufacturing on-trend sneakers that deserve a spot in your wardrobe. So whether you’re after a high-performance running shoe, something with arch support or just a cushy slip-on (that’s right, the no lace thing remains a signature detail), there’s a sneaker to suit you and your footwear requirements. 

Nike and Adidas and Reebok, oh my! You’ll find all of the hottest names in the sneaker biz at Hype DC, which specialises in stocking the latest collections, short-run releases and the timeless faves we all know and wear. It’s the site to shop when you’re after the new Nike Air Force 1s (we are obsessed with this pastel-coloured pair) or need to update your white high-top Converse that are looking pretty tattered. Best of all, there are heaps of shipping options – including four-hour, after hours and Saturday delivery – so you’ll never have to wait too long for your new shoes.

Founded in 2012, Stylerunner has quickly become one of the leading online destinations for luxe, women’s-only sneakers. Combining fashion and fitness, the site boasts an impressive mix of established brands and emerging sportswear labels, plus plenty of female-led collections. Our top picks would have to be the Adidas by Stella McCartney line and the Reebok x Victoria Beckham collab – both feature fun, feminine and functional kicks. Stylerunner's mission is to provide options for women of all shapes, sizes, ages and ethnicities, so with new arrivals landing almost five days a week, your dream shoe could be just a click away.

It doesn’t matter whether you play football or netball, love long distance trail running or prefer to spend your time pumping weights on the gym floor, the Athlete’s Foot has got you covered. As experts in the shoe realm, you’ll be able to browse through a carefully curated selection of premium quality runners from more than 50 brands, including Asics, Brooks and New Balance. But the best part would have to be MyFit Virtual – an online service that allows you to chat with a fitting specialist to discover the right kick for you based on your foot type, shoe history and what kind of regular physical activity you do. 

Want to know where all the trendsetters and fashion influencers get their kicks from? Platypus, of course. With a smorgasbord of footwear to discover – from brands like Superga, Puma, Lacoste and Saucony – the hardest part is trying to limit yourself to just one (or two!) pairs. And to ensure you stay across the slickest sneaker styles, Platypus even has a ‘trending’ tab that displays all the shoes that are currently topping must-have wishlists everywhere. You can also shop all the must-have accessories – think socks, laces, leather wipes and sneaker cleaner kits.

That's right. You read that correctly. Australia's favourite creators of slippers you can wear to the shops also make fresh sneakers, slides and sandals. Browse the online store for an unexpected journey beyond the classic UGG boot to find hot pink, fluffy platform slides, Balenciaga-style chunky sneakers and classic leather sandals in a variety of outfit-friendly shades. All of the UGG Express kicks are also super affordable. So whether you want to make a neon statement with zeitgeist surfing slides or find a pair of flats for work you'll find a style that fits your budget.