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Describing this tiny shop in plain language, as a shoe store, while technically correct, is something of an insult to the hordes of true believers who descend from all corners in search of that rarest of footwear quarries: The limited-edition Nike. It’s a safe bet these trainers will not end up at Equinox. It’s doubtful they'll even touch much pavement. But the point is their rarity, not their utility. Accordingly, the wares are arranged prettily on the wall, and if the whole set-up weren't so deadly earnest—and shockingly unpretentious—you could be forgiven for mistaking it for some sly art project. For those who insist, the staff will explain why a certain style costs what it does; as the adage goes, if you have to ask, it’s probably not for you. — Rumaan Alam