FTC’s history is deep, and the boards displayed on its walls tell the tale. The shop has nurtured skaters like Mike Carroll, Jovontae Turner, Rick Ibaseta, and pretty much every name to come out of San Francisco since. It stocks boards, shoes, and clothes from the best brands in skateboarding. But don’t sleep on its shop gear, either—FTC hoodies, tees, and hats are always a strong look.

Deluxe is the distributor behind Real, Antihero, Krooked, Thunder, Venture, and Spitfire, which means its shop is always stocked with these brands. But you’ll also find a good selection of footwear from companies like Nike and Vans, along with a sprinkling of skate gear from other labels. The crew behind the counter is also cool, so doesn’t hesitate to ask them about gear, spots, or anything else.

Mission is a neighborhood spot that recalls the skate shops of the ’80s and ’90s, before the boutique look became standard. Scott Thompson, who runs Mission, is a longtime S.F. local, and the store stocks a good selection of brands, some of them owned and repped by skaters with whom he goes back decades. Stop by, say what’s up, and pick up a T-shirt before you hit one of the nearby burrito spots and head out for your session.

Following years of rumors, Supreme opened its doors in San Francisco in October 2019. Like the brand’s Los Angeles location, this one boasts a bowl that, unless you’re well connected, you likely won’t be able to skate. In addition to Supreme’s own gear, though, you’ll be able to find the latest from brands like FA, Hockey, Call Me 917, and Alltimers. Just be prepared to line up.

While 66 6th Street isn’t a skate shop, per se, it’s the lone physical outpost of Thrasher, the venerable skate monthly still published in San Francisco, which counts for something. It houses artifacts from the magazine’s near-40-year run, and sells clothes and other items, including copies of Angel Dust, the zine late Thrasher editor-in-chief Jake Phelps completed days before his death in 2019.

Along with the standard hard goods and soft goods, Low Key, another downtown shop, also sells art, along with limited collections from designers. It’s not the best-known shop in the city, but if you’re in the neighborhood, you should definitely check it out.

Skate shops have long served as ad hoc clubhouses, but the San Francisco Skate Club carries that idea further, running skate programs for local kids. It’s also a shop, though, which means that, in addition to connecting with other skaters, you can stop in for a new setup.