Categories: Shopping
Where to Buy: Sports Threads
Author: Wendy Wollenberg
Sports Clothing and Gear: A pretty wide selection is to be had at the shops on this list of top Chicago outdoor gear spots.
Chicago, of course, has a rich sporting history. From Walter Payton to Michael Jordan, we’ve had our share of sports superheroes. But, it’s also a great town to participate in athletics, as well. From our scenic lakefront path and bike trails to perennially-packed softball fields and gorgeous golf courses, the Windy City is powered by energy. If you happen to find yourself unexpectedly inspired by our sporty nature, you’ll have plenty of stores that will cater to your fitness (and fashion) sensibilities.
There’s the House that Michael Built (that would be United Center, home to the Chicago Bulls), and then there’s the House that Michael’s Air Jordans built: Niketown (669 Michigan Ave., 312-642-6363). The three-story Mag Mile behemoth is a popular sightseeing attraction (with interactive displays, a video theater and tons of sports memorabilia), but the latest Nike gear is a draw, as well. Cruise through all of the swoosh-adorned stuff you can handle, such as shoes, jerseys, running wear and golf equipment.
Located a few blocks north of Niketown in the breathtaking John Hancock Center, The North Face (875 N. Michigan Ave., 312-337-7200) is a winter sportswear must. However, in addition to the brand’s popular skiing and snowboarding paraphernalia, The North Face stocks footwear, jackets, base layers, pants, shorts, dresses and skirts that are appropriate for the sporting life as well as your regular life. You’ll also find backpacks, tents, sleeping bags and other accessories for all of your adventurous expeditions.
A legend in snowboarding circles, Jake Burton began building snowboards in the late 1970s. His design empire now includes boards, boots and outerwear for men, women and kids at Burton flagship stores around the globe, including Chicago’s Gold Coast (56 E. Walton St., 312-202-7900). There’s even a lounge on the top floor of this tricked-out townhouse, where you can check email, watch snowboarding flicks or just chill.
In a sprawling Logan Square location, Viking Ski Shop (3422 W. Fullerton Ave., 773-276-1222) keeps Chicago decked out in skiing and snowboarding apparel and equipment year in and out. All of the top brands (Nordica, K2, Rossignol, Salomon and many more) are represented, and the staff members are all avid winter sports enthusiasts.
If your love of the great outdoors extends to a green lifestyle, check out Nau (2118 N. Halsted St., 773-281-1363), an eco-friendly and design-savvy sportswear company. Using sustainable materials and commendable business practices, Nau crafts way-cool jackets, pants, tees, shorts and more for men and women that blend performance and polish, making them ideal pieces for the bike trail or the cubicle.
As fashionable on campus as on a hike, Moosejaw (1445 W. Webster Pl., 773-529-1111) offers its own line of performance gear as well as items from sportswear companies like Patagonia, Marmot, Cloudveil and others for men, women and kids. The Michigan-based company has a youthful, tongue-in-cheek image, so expect to see lots of DePaul students hanging out and planning their next escapade.
A Chicago sportswear mainstay, Londo Mondo (1100 N. Dearborn St., 312-751-2794 and 2148 N. Halsted St., 773-327-2218) adds a healthy dose of sunshine to our often chilly city. Stocking hard-to-find swimwear designs in an impressive range of sizes, Londo Mondo is a beach bunny haven. But, before you slink around Oak Street Beach in a new bikini, update your workout wardrobe with Londo Mondo’s of-the-moment selection of yoga pants, sports bras, tanks and inline skates for men and women.
You might not expect to find a surf shop in downtown Chicago, but Windward Sports (3117 N. Clark St., 773-472-6868) rides its own wave. All of the equipment you could ever need for surfing, windsurfing, wakeboarding, kiteboarding, rollerblading, skateboarding and snowboarding can all be found in this comprehensive store. You’ll also find a year-‘round selection of bikinis, board shorts, wetsuits and outerwear.
If you’re a yoga enthusiast, you’re probably already familiar with the line of comfortable, colorful clothing, accessories and gear for men and women from Lululemon Athletica (900 N. Michigan Ave., Third Floor, 312-951-5923 and 2104 N. Halsted St., 773-883-8860). The stores cater to stretchy types with well-designed tops and bottoms that allow for movement, plus mats, balance balls, bags and more.
For women who are constantly on the go, whether it’s to a Pilates class or to jump on a plane, Lucy (Water Tower Place, 835 N. Michigan Ave., Third Floor, 312-255-0257 and 2122 N. Halsted St., 773-248-3605) offers sportswear by activity, including running, training, yoga and Pilates, golf, tennis, swimming and travel. The store’s mission is to create appealing apparel that you’ll want to wear from the grocery store to the gym to the beach.
Check out places of interest near Where to Buy: Sports Threads:
The Shops at North Bridge
520 N. Michigan Ave,
Chicago, IL 60611
Anchored by Nordstrom, Westfield North Bridge shopping center—conveniently located along the Magnificent Mile—offers a variety of specialty shops. From A/X Armani Exchange and Kenneth Cole to The LEGO® Store and Sephora
Chicago Fire Major League Soccer
7000 S. Harlem Ave.,
Bridgeview, IL 60455
Chicago has burned its way into Major League Soccer (MLS) with the Chicago Fire, now playing through their 10th season. See the Fire blaze past opponents to score goals and win games. With the addition of Cuauhtemoc Blanco in 2007, the Chicago Fire are now a soccer force with which to be reckoned.
Chicago White Sox Baseball
333 W. 35th St.,
Chicago, IL 60616
Chicago's South Side pride, the White Sox play at U.S. Cellular Field.
Soldier Field
1410 South Museum Campus Drive,
Chicago, IL 60605
Historic home of the Chicago Bears, Soldier Field is sacred space to Chicago's legions of Bears fans.
