Sneakers to make your feet smile

Looking for footwear that will bring a bounce to your step? Then browse around popular boutique Vii Athletic Club and you're guaranteed to find pumps that match your style. The shelves are lined with an exclusive collection of trendy sneakers as well as other sports gear from world-class brands. 

Opened last September, the multi-brand store belongs to Varakrit "Bob" Vivaddhanakasem and his wife, who worked with the footwear division of Nike Thailand for five years. He recognised the potential of the sneaker market and opened the shop to offer sport-shoe fans a wider variety of top labels.

The ground floor of the two-storey boutique is devoted to footwear. Among the brands on display are Adidas, Nike, Reebok, Supra, Victim of Vanity, Avery, New Balance, Vans, Android Homme, Push Back Shop and Mad Foot. 

"I offer all kinds of sneakers to match the tastes of all my customers. We have many exclusive collections by Nike, K-Swiss and Android Homme. I guarantee if you come here you will find something that suits your style," says Varakrit.

The second floor will appeal to the footballers and basketball players with its stock of sneakers and soccer shoes, outfits and sporting gear. Highlights include Nike's Air Jordan 12 Retro Low basketball sneakers, Reebok Pump Fury Superlite, Android Homme Propulsion Hi Woven and New Balance M576, handmade leather sneakers produced in America and England with traditional techniques. 

"We operate under the 'one stop shop' concept so you can find everything you need here. My products range from fashion apparel and accessories to sportswear, equipment and more," Varakrit says. 

For those who don't play sports but like to look cool, Vii Athletic Club offers smart jackets, shirts, shorts, pants and bags by Adidas and Nike plus attractive sunglasses by Dragon direct from Italy, and colourful wristwatches by Casio.

Varakrit also sells Japanese-style silver rings, earrings and pendants as well as a range of funky T-shirts with graphic designs, inspired by the cool sneakers in his shop. 

Vii Athletic Club also has branches at Siam Paragon and The Mall Bang Kapi. A new shop is scheduled to open at Fashion Island in November. 

>>>

Vii Athletic Club is on Siam Square Soi 1. It's open daily from noon to 9pm. Call (084) 705 7744 or visit www.ViiAthleticClub.com, Facebook.com/viiathleticclub and Twitter.com/viiathleticclub.

1. These handmade New Balance M 576 sneakers made from genuine leather cost Bt7,550.

2. Android Homme's  blue Propulsion Hi Woven sneakers go for Bt9,000 and the silver Mach 1 Woven sneakers cost Bt7,000.

3. Exclusive Nike Air Jordan basketball shoes are priced at Bt6,200. 

4. KSwiss presents the exclusive collection of HWZ Mid sneakers for women for Bt2,590.

5. These colourful Bazaar Light shoes by Nike cost Bt2,590.

6. These smart silver rings in different designs range from Bt3,290 to Bt4,400.

7. An attractive Tshirt with graphic designs by Vii Athletic Club is yours for Bt700.

>>>