I visited the flagship stores of Nike and Adidas in NYC to compare the shopping experiences and it was clear which store was more popular

Sarah Belle Lin Dec 4, 2022, 19:28 IST

Sarah Belle Lin/Insider

I visited the flagship stores of two of the world's largest athletic brands, Nike and Adidas, to see which shopping experience was better.
Adidas' flagship store was soccer heaven and paid homage to the FIFA World Cup.

You don't need to be a sneakerhead to own at least one pair of Adidas or Nike shoes — or maybe one of each — as well as a cache of athletic apparel from both brands. The two multibillion-dollar, multinational corporations have continuously blazed trails and faced challenges as they continue building their respective empires.

Nike remains the industry powerhouse, with $46.7 billion in sales in its most recent fiscal year. Adidas reported $21.2 billion in 2021 sales.

The companies' Manhattan stores are at the leading edges of their bricks-and-mortar retail strategies and often preview technologies and features that will roll out to other locations.

With that in mind I felt it was worth visiting both flagship locations to compare the shopping experience. Follow my trek through these retail palaces.

I first stopped by the Adidas flagship store.

Adidas flagship store on 565 Fifth Avenue in New York City.Sarah Belle Lin/Insider

The entrance tunnel might bring some visitors back to their high school football days.

An Adidas store associate greets customers at the end of a short, glowing tunnel.Sarah Belle Lin/Insider

The first floor was covered with soccer jerseys for fans planning on cheering on their team at the World Cup.

'World Cup Couture' on display.Sarah Belle Lin/Insider

The first floor is where you'll find the most personalized Adidas shopping experience.

There are four levels inside the Adidas flagship store.Sarah Belle Lin/Insider

The customization lab allows walk-ins. Prices range from $10 to $35 depending on the service.

There is an area on the first floor for customers to customize their own Adidas apparel.Sarah Belle Lin/Insider

Customers could customize World Cup national team jerseys or shorts by adding names or numbers for $35.

The Adidas customization area is modest in size and approachable.Sarah Belle Lin/Insider

As someone who enjoys table sports, I loved seeing a foosball table on the first floor.

A foosball table awaits players at the flagship store.Sarah Belle Lin/Insider

Adidas was having a sale on women's pants at the moment and there were a lot of good deals: $40 tights for $16, and $75 track pants for $53.

These mannequins were wearing apparel representing Mexico's national soccer team.Sarah Belle Lin/Insider

Some of Adidas' shoe collections: NMD_V3, Stan Smith, Superstar, Nizza, and Y-3.

Adidas' popular shoe collections on display.Sarah Belle Lin/Insider

In my opinion, both the Superstar and Stan Smith are classics that will live on.

The Adidas Superstar shoe in a display case.Sarah Belle Lin/Insider

I'm not really on board with this whole purposely dirtied look.

Forum 84 Low AEC shoesSarah Belle Lin/Insider

I noticed this Adidas shopper wearing Yeezys.

Adidas shopper wearing Yeezys.Sarah Belle Lin/Insider

The soccer section was the busiest area on both days that I visited.

The soccer section with its jerseys took the most real estate at the flagship store.Sarah Belle Lin/Insider

The women's section had various interpretations of the traditional sweatpants.

Purple was a dominant color in some of the displays.Sarah Belle Lin/Insider

I saw these Adidas-branded wireless bluetooth earbuds that piqued my interest, but not enough for me to convince me to drop my over-the-ear, noise-canceling headphones.

Adidas earbuds.Sarah Belle Lin/Insider

There were a few clothing options for youth. Many items were marked with the brand's signature three stripes.

The youth section at the flagship store.Sarah Belle Lin

The youth section carried several different soccer cleats and running-shoe options.

Shoes for youth, including options for soccer players and runners.Sarah Belle Lin/Insider

These were the most fashion-forward shoes I saw at the Adidas store.

The Adidas x Ivy Park mule shoes go for $150.Sarah Belle Lin/Insider

I thought these "Rick and Morty" soccer cleats had the coolest colors out of all the cleats I saw in the soccer section.

The X Speedportal soccer cleats, in partnership with "Rick and Morty."Sarah Belle Lin/Insider

The bleachers, with a statue of Adidas founder Adolf Dassler, were cool and unexpected.

The interior design was built to match a high school stadium.Sarah Belle Lin/Insider

The all-black ensemble has grown on me, so I liked the vision of Adidas' newest clothing release.

Adidas Y-3 is the company's latest collection.Sarah Belle Lin/Insider

I thought this was the most innovative pair of shoes I saw at Adidas. Would I wear it? Probably not.

The Human Made x NMD cheetah-print shoes from the Pharrell Williams x Adidas collection.Sarah Belle Lin/Insider

I thought that the golf section was hidden towards the back of the third floor and harder to spot from the main walking area. It could have been better lit, as well.

The golf section was small and towards the store's corner.Sarah Belle Lin/Insider

The checkout section had grab-and-go items including sliders and socks.

The checkout area.Sarah Belle Lin/Insider

I think it's great that Adidas invites customers to round up their total costs to support charities like the Boys & Girls Clubs.

Customers can round up their total to donate to the Boys & Girls Club.Sarah Belle Lin/Insider

After my Adidas visit, I walked up five blocks to 650 Fifth, where Nike's flagship House of Innovation occupies most of the block.

The Nike flagship store at 650 Fifth Avenue in New York City.Sarah Belle Lin/Insider

I visited the Nike flagship store twice: once in the morning and again in the late afternoon.

A very busy Nike flagship store entrance.Sarah Belle Lin/Insider

Nike also had an archway. This one transported shoppers to an out-of-this-world dimension.

Nike entrance archway leading to the first floor.Sarah Belle Lin/Insider

While Adidas had a founder's statue to commemorate its history, Nike placed tons of mementos within the entranceway.

Nike history was captured in memorabilia items within the archway walls.Sarah Belle Lin/Insider

Staff were more approachable and greeted people. Music was a big part of the experience, playing at a much louder volume than in Adidas.

Nike associates and shoe displays greet customers at the store's entrance.Sarah Belle Lin/Insider

Once I made it into the first floor of the Nike flagship, I realized that space was a huge theme.

Seeing this Nike display, I felt transported to the inside of a spaceship.Sarah Belle Lin/Insider

There was a small booth on the first floor to make purchases, and two employees checking customers out.

The checkout area on the first floor was small relative to the size of the store.Sarah Belle Lin/Insider

There are free Essex Squeeze drinks for Nike members.

Nike's House of Innovation for performance running shoes.Sarah Belle Lin/Insider

The flagship store has six levels for customers to explore, and on both visits, sometimes it felt like I was competing for roaming space with throngs of visitors.

There are six levels in the Nike flagship store.Sarah Belle Lin/Insider

I found out that there were self-checkout kiosks located on each floor, which I guess helps ease the flow of traffic. However, these kiosks are only for people who have the Nike app.

There is a self-checkout kiosk for Nike app users on the second floor.Sarah Belle Lin/Insider

I found out that there were self-checkout kiosks located on each floor, which I guess helps ease the flow of traffic. However, these kiosks are only for people who have the Nike app.

Nike has far more sports bra selections and they are displayed in a more spread-out fashion, really utilizing the space.

Sports bras are arranged by size and support level.Sarah Belle Lin/Insider

Nike had its own tech display, featuring the Apple Watch Nike.

Nike flexes its partnership with Apple Watch in the women's section.Sarah Belle Lin/Insider

Similar to the Nike-wearing customer at the Adidas flagship, I saw a Nike shopper wearing Adidas apparel, reaffirming my belief that both brands are held up almost equally in public perception.

A shopper wears an Adidas backpack in the Nike flagship store.Sarah Belle Lin/Insider

Similar to the Nike-wearing customer at the Adidas flagship, I saw a Nike shopper wearing Adidas apparel, reaffirming my belief that both brands are held up almost equally in public perception.

The men's apparel section on the third floor wasn't heavily frequented, so I continued to follow the crowds as they meandered up the stairs.

The men's section is on the third floor of the flagship store.Sarah Belle Lin/Insider

I knew I'd reached the hot spot once I hit the fourth floor and Nike's Sneakerlab, holding the largest assortment of Nike shoes in the world.

Nike's Sneakerlab is on the fourth floor of the flagship store.Sarah Belle Lin/Insider

The Sneakerlab was the busiest part of the flagship store.

One of the pickup areas at the Nike Sneakerlab.Sarah Belle Lin/Insider

I spent the most time examining the Nike Air Maxes and VaporMaxes, which I felt like were the boldest and most inventive.

There was a dizzying array of Nike Air shoes – from the VaporMax Plus to the Air Max 1.Sarah Belle Lin/Insider

I found the Nike Air Force 1 section, which was almost blindingly white, the signature color for Air Force 1s. Each shoe boasted ample display space and each Sneakerlab area felt like an exhibit.

The Nike Air Force 1 shoe section.Sarah Belle Lin/Insider

I found the Nike Air Force 1 section, which was almost blindingly white, the signature color for Air Force 1s. Each shoe boasted ample display space and each Sneakerlab area felt like an exhibit.

I passed through a section with mirrored walls and an animated display featuring sneakers that were soon to be released.

This Nike mirror offers a sneak peek of sneakers coming down the line.Sarah Belle Lin/Insider

I made an effort to glance down at customers' shoes while walking around and wasn't surprised to see many people wearing Nikes. But I also saw Adidas, Reebok, Vans, and Pumas.

Nike-wearing customers don't seem to get enough of Nike.Sarah Belle Lin/Insider

I made an effort to glance down at customers' shoes while walking around and wasn't surprised to see many people wearing Nikes. But I also saw Adidas, Reebok, Vans, and Pumas.

While Adidas had its slips hung up next to the checkout counter, Nike's slips had their own displays just like the sneakers.

Nike's sliders and slip-ons had their own spot in the Sneakerlab.Sarah Belle Lin/Insider

Nike's customization lab has its own floor and is only available for NikePlus members.

The top floor is the spot to get your Nike products customized.Sarah Belle Lin/Insider

On both of my visits, the fifth floor had only a few people mingling about the customization lab. I wonder if it's by virtue of the appointment system the store has set up.

The top floor was less frequented and swathed with Nike basic essentials.Sarah Belle Lin/Insider

On both of my visits, the fifth floor had only a few people mingling about the customization lab. I wonder if it's by virtue of the appointment system the store has set up.

I passed by these fitting rooms, which I thought elevated the shopping experience. The fitting rooms on this floor look like futuristic space yurts.

Fitting rooms on the fifth floor of the flagship.Sarah Belle Lin/Insider

The Nike By You bar came with different designs people could use to customize outfits.

Nike customers looking to get a little creative with their clothes.Sarah Belle Lin/Insider

In a city like New York, customized items are all the buzz. I saw a sweater for $130 and a t-shirt for $61.

Examples of customized sweatshirts and Air Force 1s.Sarah Belle Lin/Insider

The stairs to the kids section were tucked at the back of the first floor, which took me some time to find. It actually felt out of the way.

The kids section is on the basement level.Sarah Belle Lin/Insider

Youth had an entire floor to explore – plenty of clothing and shoes to mix and match. There were many more options for children than what Adidas offered at its flagship store.

There were several racks of clothing on the kids floor.Sarah Belle Lin/Insider

Youth had an entire floor to explore – plenty of clothing and shoes to mix and match. There were many more options for children than what Adidas offered at its flagship store.

I got a real kick out of seeing this wall of preschool and toddler shoes.

Teeny-tiny 1s and Js for preschoolers and toddlers.Sarah Belle Lin/Insider

After my visits, I could easily see how distinct the store experiences were between Adidas and Nike.

Customers can do returns and exchanges on the kids floor.Sarah Belle Lin/Insider

I visited the American Girl Doll Cafe in NYC and ate lunch with a few of the iconic toys. The experience was unforgettable — if a bit overpriced.

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I visited the flagship stores of Nike and Adidas in NYC to compare the shopping experiences and it was clear which store was more popular

I first stopped by the Adidas flagship store.

The entrance tunnel might bring some visitors back to their high school football days.

The first floor was covered with soccer jerseys for fans planning on cheering on their team at the World Cup.

The first floor is where you'll find the most personalized Adidas shopping experience.

The customization lab allows walk-ins. Prices range from $10 to $35 depending on the service.

Customers could customize World Cup national team jerseys or shorts by adding names or numbers for $35.

As someone who enjoys table sports, I loved seeing a foosball table on the first floor.

Adidas was having a sale on women's pants at the moment and there were a lot of good deals: $40 tights for $16, and $75 track pants for $53.

Some of Adidas' shoe collections: NMD_V3, Stan Smith, Superstar, Nizza, and Y-3.

In my opinion, both the Superstar and Stan Smith are classics that will live on.

I'm not really on board with this whole purposely dirtied look.

I noticed this Adidas shopper wearing Yeezys.

The soccer section was the busiest area on both days that I visited.

The women's section had various interpretations of the traditional sweatpants.

I saw these Adidas-branded wireless bluetooth earbuds that piqued my interest, but not enough for me to convince me to drop my over-the-ear, noise-canceling headphones.

There were a few clothing options for youth. Many items were marked with the brand's signature three stripes.

The youth section carried several different soccer cleats and running-shoe options.

These were the most fashion-forward shoes I saw at the Adidas store.

I thought these "Rick and Morty" soccer cleats had the coolest colors out of all the cleats I saw in the soccer section.

The bleachers, with a statue of Adidas founder Adolf Dassler, were cool and unexpected.

The all-black ensemble has grown on me, so I liked the vision of Adidas' newest clothing release.

I thought this was the most innovative pair of shoes I saw at Adidas. Would I wear it? Probably not.

I thought that the golf section was hidden towards the back of the third floor and harder to spot from the main walking area. It could have been better lit, as well.

The checkout section had grab-and-go items including sliders and socks.

I think it's great that Adidas invites customers to round up their total costs to support charities like the Boys & Girls Clubs.

After my Adidas visit, I walked up five blocks to 650 Fifth, where Nike's flagship House of Innovation occupies most of the block.

I visited the Nike flagship store twice: once in the morning and again in the late afternoon.

Nike also had an archway. This one transported shoppers to an out-of-this-world dimension.

While Adidas had a founder's statue to commemorate its history, Nike placed tons of mementos within the entranceway.

Staff were more approachable and greeted people. Music was a big part of the experience, playing at a much louder volume than in Adidas.

Once I made it into the first floor of the Nike flagship, I realized that space was a huge theme.

There was a small booth on the first floor to make purchases, and two employees checking customers out.

There are free Essex Squeeze drinks for Nike members.

The flagship store has six levels for customers to explore, and on both visits, sometimes it felt like I was competing for roaming space with throngs of visitors.

I found out that there were self-checkout kiosks located on each floor, which I guess helps ease the flow of traffic. However, these kiosks are only for people who have the Nike app.

Nike has far more sports bra selections and they are displayed in a more spread-out fashion, really utilizing the space.

Nike had its own tech display, featuring the Apple Watch Nike.

Similar to the Nike-wearing customer at the Adidas flagship, I saw a Nike shopper wearing Adidas apparel, reaffirming my belief that both brands are held up almost equally in public perception.

The men's apparel section on the third floor wasn't heavily frequented, so I continued to follow the crowds as they meandered up the stairs.

I knew I'd reached the hot spot once I hit the fourth floor and Nike's Sneakerlab, holding the largest assortment of Nike shoes in the world.

The Sneakerlab was the busiest part of the flagship store.

I spent the most time examining the Nike Air Maxes and VaporMaxes, which I felt like were the boldest and most inventive.

I found the Nike Air Force 1 section, which was almost blindingly white, the signature color for Air Force 1s. Each shoe boasted ample display space and each Sneakerlab area felt like an exhibit.

I passed through a section with mirrored walls and an animated display featuring sneakers that were soon to be released.

I made an effort to glance down at customers' shoes while walking around and wasn't surprised to see many people wearing Nikes. But I also saw Adidas, Reebok, Vans, and Pumas.

While Adidas had its slips hung up next to the checkout counter, Nike's slips had their own displays just like the sneakers.

Nike's customization lab has its own floor and is only available for NikePlus members.

On both of my visits, the fifth floor had only a few people mingling about the customization lab. I wonder if it's by virtue of the appointment system the store has set up.

I passed by these fitting rooms, which I thought elevated the shopping experience. The fitting rooms on this floor look like futuristic space yurts.

The Nike By You bar came with different designs people could use to customize outfits.

In a city like New York, customized items are all the buzz. I saw a sweater for $130 and a t-shirt for $61.

The stairs to the kids section were tucked at the back of the first floor, which took me some time to find. It actually felt out of the way.

Youth had an entire floor to explore – plenty of clothing and shoes to mix and match. There were many more options for children than what Adidas offered at its flagship store.

I got a real kick out of seeing this wall of preschool and toddler shoes.

After my visits, I could easily see how distinct the store experiences were between Adidas and Nike.