Apologies if the following may seem a little self indulgent on my part.

Fair call.

It is pretty self indulgent.

I love shoes. I love clothes. When I travel to different parts of the country there are a few shops that have to frequent because I KNOW I'll walk away with something in hand whether it be for myself, or for a friend. Either way? I walk away happy.

These stores offer a great selection of products, a variety of brands, a whole lot of great kicks and there are even kitshy trinkets and limited edition items / exclusives for you to 'oooh' and 'aaaahhh' over.

Here are my picks anyway - pop in if you're passing by:

AUCKLAND - QUBIC

Qubic store have quickly made their mark not just in NZ but also around the world. If you missed all the buzz recently, Frank, Ivy and the team hosted the NZ release of the Nike Air Yeezy's. Only 30 pairs were delivered to the country.....or should I say....Qubic.

This place is all class.

In my experience, the service I've received has always been top notch and the staff know their stuff! Not only will you find some decent kicks here, there's also a fine selection of threads for the lads and the ladies. And did I mention that there is an in-house art gallery?! Amazing.

AUCKLAND - LOADED

Loaded is another Auckland store that shouldn't go amiss.

Great crew. Great sneakers. Great events. Great clothes. Skate decks. Paints. You get well looked after here. What more could you want?!!!! Having just one Loaded store is not enough so if you're down in Wellington, you can pop into Loaded there as well!

HAMILTON - BOFF

This store has to be one of my favourite finds. In Hamilton of all places (no offence). This place is a total gem. There are sneakers here I've found nowhere else in New Zealand. Jordan - the owner - has great taste.

WELLINGTON - GOOD AS GOLD

This place is like the Jill Scott song. Golden. The name does not disappoint. Though it's one of the smaller stores, the labels they carry will bring a smile to your dial and so will their wee knick-knacks.

Highlights? Alice McCall, Lover, Creative Recreation, Claude Maus, Chronicles of Never, Keep, Nathan Smith, Perks and Mini, Antipodium, Quiet Life and Shakuhachi.

I heart you.

CHRISTCHURCH - SOS, STENCIL & EMBASSY

If you're strolling down High St, these three shops are within 10 seconds of each other. How convenient! They're also owned by the same guy James Scott. I salute you. Embassy and Stencil are my picks for clothes. SOS for shoes. Definitely worth a peep.