The Sanctuary experience unfolds as visitors walk through the store, down the stairs, through gates and into a 3-part journey: the “Liberation Tunnel”, the “Field of Discovery” and the “Space of Celebration”. Lighting, music, aesthetics and shoe collections evolve throughout the store and, within each zone, tailored design elements elevate the product from mere objects to works of art. These elements include floating footwear catalyzed by custom mirror box displays designed by artist Jordan Sodenberg Mills, whose glass and mirror sculptures present the merchandise from unprecedented angles.

The store’s design aesthetic stems from the concept itself, as well as from Boston’s spirit and cultural contrasts: raw meets refined and edgy meets polished through the use of noble materials like concrete, bricks and glass, which all collide when consumers descend in a temple-like fashion.

Discreetly nestled in the basement of one of Boston’s oldest commercial streets, the 1,200 sq.ft. location was stripped down to its raw materials, with the minimalist aspect perfectly spotlighting the product.

Visitors are led to a confessional-style vestibule framed by metal screen doors showcasing a unique Celtic/Boston-inspired pattern with the collaboration’s logo. The tunnel-like layout features a series of narrowing glass arches that split up the areas and collections, propelling due space to interact with the gear. As consumers walk down the tunnel they move from mainstream to more premium collections, thereby catering to both sneaker heads and amateurs. The tunnel opens up into the space of celebration, where shoes are presented like fine art. Adding to the surreal use of light, artist Jordan Söderberg Mills created shimmering boxes that line the space and serve as unique displays that enable people to discover the shoes in 360 vision.

Meeting the objective of a new and esteemed retail destination celebrating footwear, the boutique is a pillar for the sneakerhead community in Boston, a city known to count very few specialized retail stores where enthusiasts can indulge their passion. Epitomizing the brand collaboration and the sneaker culture, adidas x CNCPTS has become a one-stop destination where fans and enthusiasts are offered high-end customer service in a one-of-a-kind, elevated, temple-like store. The boutique also generates high interest from shoppers, driving local and tourist traffic to this must-see destination.