“Is there TOMS in Riyadh? Where can I buy TOMS in Riyadh?” You have no idea how many times The Pink Tarha has been asked these questions over the years. I couldn’t count the number of times we answered, “There’s no Toms store in Riyadh.” I got tired of replying over and over until the day I finally answered, “Yes there is Toms in Riyadh!” Thank goodness for Athelete’s Co. I will no longer disappoint readers who will ask. My friends, there is Toms in Riyadh already and not just Toms but a lot of other brands that you can see and buy under one roof. How’s that for the ultimate shoe shopping experience?

Athlete’s Co. is a multi brand lifestyle footwear concept founded in Dubai. From a single shoe store, it has become one of the largest footwear retail chains in the GCC region with 25 stores spread across the UAE, Saudi Arabia, Bahrain, Qatar, and Oman. They carry the best casual and fashion footwear brands from around the world including Birkenstock, Lacoste MBT, Five Fingers, Skechers, Polo Ralph Lauren, Puma, Nike, Adidas, and Superfit. If you’re looking for stylish sneakers, comfy sandals, or sporty shoes, Athlete’s Co. should be your destination!

I first saw their branch in Riyadh Gallery last year. I saw Toms shoes in their display shelf and didn’t even believe it at first. You know how I lamented the fact that some mall stores, especially the ones at the inner and back hallways that are not often visited, carry fake brands and display them proudly in their windows? I thought this was one of those stores until I realized they’re actually legit! I picked up one Toms shoe and inspected it like I was a pro at it when in fact, I haven’t even owned one. Haha! I’m neutral to Toms: I don’t understand the shoe design but I heard they’re comfy and almost everyone seems to be into them (I owe that realization to the hundred of questions that we received about its availability in Riyadh haha). They have a One For One campaign wherein if you buy a pair of their shoes, they give a pair of shoe to poor children all over the world. They give them through humanitarian organizations. That’s not a bad way to have a new shoe ain’t it? Knowing that you’ve rewarded yourself a new pair and another one would be sent to someone who needs it the most. I have to get a pair to see what it is about! Haha!

Anyway, while Toms is one of the most popular brands that Athelete’s Co. carries, they have more in their newly-opened Olaya Street branch. This branch is bigger, wider, brighter, and more fun to shop in because they have benches and sofas to try shoes on. Comfy! Here are some photos I took when I visited last week:

They have walls and walls of rubber shoes…

The only consolation I can think of while staring and ogling at these shoes is I am not a fan of rubber shoes and sneakers therefore I don’t have to decide on which one to get. Haha! But for fans of ’em kinds of shoes, good luck choosing! Here are some of the famous brands they carry, and my personal favorites too:

I love Fitflops! I mean I’m not even talking about its toning or slimming benefit. I just love how comfortable they are. On one of my vacations in the Philippines, I only have a pair of their Lulu toe-thongs and I was set for trips to the beach, to the market, to the mall… almost any casual place I went to! It’s the most versatile footwear I’ve ever have. I’m not sure if it toned my legs because it didn’t stay long enough in my possession for me to notice. My sister arbored it from me before I went back to Riyadh. Haha.

Crocs is another brand that I didn’t know I’d like. I was put off by their original Crocs design. They were a bit too huge and unconventional for me but when they came out with their flats, I was hooked with how comfortable they are. They can also go from the office to the mall to the souks. And when we went to Turkey, all I wore was their winter boots that’s perfect for any season. There were limited styles in Athlete’s Co. but that’s fine. They carry more brands to choose from:

Apart from shoes, Athlete’s Co. also carries a few apparel, accessories, bags, and water bottles.

I spent more time choosing among the water bottles than trying on shoes, haha. I picked a pink one, of course. And can you guess what style or design of Toms I got? Hmn, you’ll see it in our Facebook page one of these days. Haha!

So, what are you waiting for? If you’re a shoeholic who can’t get enough of footwear… you just found yourself a one-stop footwear destination! 😉

Athlete’s Co.

Branches in Riyadh Gallery | Khurais Road | Tahlia Street | Olaya Street

Riyadh, Saudi Arabia

FB: https://www.facebook.com/AthletesCo

Here’s the map for their branch in Olaya Street where the photos above are taken. Also, if you find Athlete’s Co. in Olaya, you also find Aeropostale and Cath Kidston. It’s one of the new shopping spots in the city so you better go there. Like pronto! 😉

Pink marks the spot! Across it is Luisa Spignoli, a brand in the new Alakaria Plaza.