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Sneaker stores on Long Island

Rebecca Taylor's Olympia high top, $295, boasts a

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They call themselves "sneakerheads" -- and they aren't picking up a pair of Nikes on sale at a local retail store. They are purists who scout online for the latest "drop" of retro Air Jordans and other limited-edition sneakers, shopping loyally at their favorite sneaker boutique.

The demand for these high-end sneakers can be enormous because the companies -- mainly Nike and Reebok -- produce a limited number of them, often as few as 500 pairs nationwide. Local stores vie with the rest of the country for their fair share, getting as few as 15 pairs of a particularly valuable sneaker. When retro or limited-edition sneakers are "dropped," usually on a Saturday, lines go around the block, and some hold events for their customers. Many of these sneakers retail in the $150-to-$250 range but can sell for much more on eBay and sneaker blogs.

Even though Michael Jordan officially retired nine years ago, his Air Jordans are on top of the heap of the exclusive sneaker scene. He now has a sequence from one to 26 and often releases retro sneakers based on his earlier designs.

  • Dunk Sports Sporting goods 1851 Sunrise Hwy. Bay Shore The 2,000 square-foot store sells high-end urban wear clothing and footwear, but does get the ...

  • Sneakers on display at Extra Butter boutique in

    Extra Butter Shopping, Shoes 266 Merrick Rd. Rockville Centre A sneaker and streetwear clothing boutique, specializing in limited edition items. ...

  • Renarts Sporting goods 2060 Jericho Tpke. East Northport The hip store not only caters to sneakerheads but soccer kids and serious runners, too. ...

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    Here's a view of the interior of Sneaker

    Sneaker Bistro Boutique Shoes 580 Route 112 Suite 17 Patchogue Located in a strip mall, the shop has a modest exterior, so keep your eyes ...

  • Sneaker Terminal Sporting goods 172 Jackson St. Hempstead A high-end sneaker store with lots of space and a catchy multi-colored floor design. The ...

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