Nearby places

Getting around Portland's sneaker map

The places on this list are spread across the metro area, so it helps to think of them as a few loose clusters rather than one walking route. Downtown covers Pioneer Place and Portland Saturday Market, both close to the Willamette waterfront. Across the river on the east side, the Moda Center in the Rose Quarter and Lloyd Center sit within a short ride of each other. To the west, the Oregon Zoo is in Washington Park, and Beaverton is home to Nike World Headquarters and the Beaverton Central MAX stop.

Using MAX light rail

TriMet's MAX light rail links most of these areas. That makes it a practical choice on busy days, when parking near the Rose Quarter or downtown can be slow and expensive. The Washington Park station serves the zoo, and lines heading west continue toward Beaverton. Lines and service patterns change from time to time, so check TriMet's current trip planner before you set out, especially on game nights or weekends.

A note on Nike World Headquarters

The Beaverton campus is a working corporate headquarters, not a public attraction, and general access is restricted. Treat it as a landmark rather than a place to drop in. If you want retail, Portland's malls and independent shops are the more realistic stops.

Planning around drops and game days

• Check official channels first. Store hours, raffle rules and release times are set by each retailer and can change at short notice. Our release calendar is a starting point, not a guarantee.
• Expect crowds near the arena. Events at the Moda Center fill nearby streets and trains, so leave extra time if a drop lands on a game day. Our Game Day notes cover what to expect.
• Dress for the weather. Portland rain is a real factor if you're queuing outdoors. Bring a layer and consider older pairs for the wait.
• Know your size before you go. Fits vary between Jordan models and Nike lines, so look over our sizing guide before you commit.

Each venue page above has more detail on that specific spot. Combining two nearby places in one trip, such as downtown shopping and the Saturday Market, is usually the easiest way to make the most of a day out.