Chicago - September 30, 2005

What a Saint

Saint Alfred Opens

We know. Nothing comes between you and your Manolos. (Yaaaaaaawn. Enough already.)

But not every foot-based addiction need come with an ankle-breaking affliction.

The newest dealer in town, Saint Alfred, pushes a far less painful product. The Wicker Park shop is stocked with the rarest of sneakers — everything from unknown avant-garde designers to limited editions from established heavy hitters.

The old-world luggage-cum-display cases house merch like Visvim (a Japanese fave that makes retro-style kicks), limited-edition Quick Strike Nikes, and the Adidas Y-3 by Yohji Yamamoto. Plus, there’s a steady supply of old-school dead-stock shoes (like the ’95 Air Max) no longer in production. No, they don’t come cheap; they pack a hefty punch to your bank account for a pair of sneakers.

But those Manny B.’s have already schooled you in the world of no pain, no gain.

Saint Alfred, 1531 North Milwaukee Avenue, between Damen Avenue and Honore Street (773-486-7159).

  Hip-Hop