Sneaker King, Allentown

When SneakerKing first claimed the throne in 1946, there wasn't much to choose from when it came to athletic footwear. Back then, the best an athlete could get was a flimsy canvas foot covering, and basketball nets couldn't be taller than 3 feet since nobody had shoes to jump in. But as shoes became springier and blingier, SneakerKing grew into one of Pennsylvania's largest independent retailers of casual and athletic footwear.

Toes have room to wiggle in the store's giant inventory of running shoes, winter boots, hiking boots, moccasins, and slippers from almost every major brand, including New Balance, Saucony, Asics, Skechers, and Crocs.