Skateboarding is not just a sport, but also a way of life. There was a time when people in skatewear could not be seen on every corner, however, by now skate shops have multiplied and the alternative brands of the past have become parts of the mainstream. We collected the best skate shops for you.
1/5
ZONE – The elder of skate shops
Those who have been into skating for long enough know that at the beginning of the 90s if you wanted to buy a skateboard, or any accessories, you could only go to Zone. Their famous store on Villányi Street was the first one to sell American skate brands in Budapest. It’s probably okay to say that the Hungarian skate scene was born and raised in this store. After a short break Zone has returned, redesigning the former Speed store in Mammut II., piling up a bigger array of brands than ever before.
Address: Mammut II.: Budapest, Lövőház utca 2-6.
2/5
STÉG – Old, but also new
Stég (pier) was the base of the skateboarders in Veszprém, and now they have opened a store in Budapest, providing local skaters with the best equipment. The store is located on Villányi Street, exactly where Zone used to be back in the days, but of course this is not the main reason for their success. In Stég, everyone can find what they search for regardless if it’s for skating or not. It’s important, however, to be very careful – once you enter the shop you will be destined to buy something, even if shopping wasn’t part of the plan.
Address: Budapest, XII. kerület, Villányi út 36.
3/5
The Lab – In the heart of the city and the customers
The Lab is a really cozy skate shop, only 5 minutes from . It's many skaters’ favorite store due to the roomy interior, the mirrors, and the helpful staff. The Lab knows how to make customers feel good; they surprised skaters with a skate park in Csepel while also considering the needs of those who prefer two wheels instead of four and opened the BikeLab.
Address: 1061, Budapest, Király utca 48.
4/5
Lokál Skateshop – Professional and underground
Lokál could also be called the ruin pub of skate shops, owned and managed by real skaters who know everything about the lifestyle. The store in Dob utca is packed with limited edition stuff that you'll probably never see on anyone else. They also have unique skateboard sets and guitars made out of skateboard decks made by underground artists. What makes the shop even more attractive is Lokál Bar, just a few steps away within the same building, where those who got tired from shopping too much can have a drink before hitting the streets again
Address: 1072 Budapest, Dob u. 18.
5/5
Garage Store – A trendy garage sale
Garage Store is one of the trendiest skate shops in Budapest and can be found in most of the shopping malls (even in different cities). The precisely designed interior still hints at the alternative lifestyle of the skateboarders, however it openly represents international trends. Garage Store is a little bit like a fast food chain: there’s one close to your place and there are no surprises.
Address:
Árkád: 1106 Budapest, Örs Vezér tér 25.
Mammut I.: 1024 Budapest, Lövőház utca 2.
Westend: 1062 Budapest, Jókai Mór sétány 29.,
Arena Plaza: 1087 Budapest, Kerepesi út 9.
Photos: garagestore.hu, gordeszkamag.hu, behance.net, facebook
