Your Ultimate Animal Crossing: New Horizons Kicks Inventory Guide: Building the Perfect Shoe Collection
Ah, Kicks. That stylish skunk who sets up his little pop-up shop in your island's plaza, always ready with a warm greeting and an assortment of footwear that can make any outfit pop. While Sable's patterns might add flair to your furniture and the Able Sisters provide the core wardrobe, it's Kicks who truly lets you put your best foot forward—literally. Building a comprehensive shoe collection in Animal Crossing: New Horizons is more than just a cosmetic pursuit; it's a key part of expressing your unique islander identity and achieving that five-star fashion look.
Whether you're a seasoned mayor-turned-island-representative or a new resident just starting out, this guide is your one-stop resource for everything related to Kicks and his inventory. We'll dive into how to unlock him, what you can expect to find in his rotating stock, and how to strategically complete your catalog. So, let's lace up, strap on, and slide into the wonderful world of Animal Crossing footwear!
Getting to Know Kicks: Your Sole Mate
First things first, you need to gain access to Kicks. Unlike the Able Sisters' permanent store, Kicks is a visiting merchant. He will appear randomly in your plaza, typically on weekdays, once you have met a specific condition. You must have upgraded the Resident Services building from a tent to a full structure. This upgrade occurs naturally after you have invited three new villagers to live on your island and they have all moved in. Once Tom Nook is operating from the proper building, keep an eye out for Kicks' stall. His visits are not guaranteed every week, so when you see him, make sure to stop by!
His inventory is entirely random each time he visits, offering three unique items from his vast catalog. This randomness is what makes completing your shoe collection a long-term, but rewarding, goal. His stock can include shoes, socks, and bags, but for the purpose of this deep dive, we're focusing on the star of the show: the shoes.
Decoding the Kicks Inventory: A World of Footwear
Kicks sells a dizzying array of footwear styles, from the practical to the purely fantastical. Understanding the categories can help you decide what to prioritize for your collection and your daily outfits. Here’s a breakdown of the primary types of shoes you'll find:
- Sneakers & Athletic Shoes: This is a massive category, perfect for a casual, everyday look. Think of the Color-blocked Sneakers, the classic Basketball Shoes, or the sleek Running Shoes. They come in every color combination imaginable and pair wonderfully with shorts, jeans, and athletic wear.
- Boots: Ready for adventure or a rugged aesthetic? The boots category has you covered. This includes everything from the tough Power Boots and Combat Boots to the stylish Western Boots and the cozy Rain Boots, which are a must-have for those rainy days on the island.
- Dress Shoes & Loafers: When you need to class it up for a concert at the plaza or a fancy dinner party at a friend's island, this is your go-to category. Look for the polished Leather Shoes, the sophisticated Slip-on Loafers, or the unique Visual-Punk Boots for a more alternative formal look.
- Sandals & Flats: Embracing the island life often calls for open, breathable footwear. Kicks offers a variety of Zori (traditional Japanese sandals), Rubber-Toe High Tops (a quirky hybrid), and simple Ballet Slippers for a delicate touch.
- Novelty & Themed Shoes: This is where Kicks truly shines, offering footwear you won't find anywhere else. Want to be a dinosaur? Get the Paw Slippers. Feeling magical? The Magic-Academy Robes might have a matching shoe, or you could rock the Giant Ribbon with some Mary Janes. Don't forget the Kimono Sandals for a perfect match with your favorite kimono from the Able Sisters.
Strategies for Completing Your Shoe Catalog
With such a vast and randomly stocked inventory, how does one ever hope to complete their Kicks shoe collection? It requires patience and a bit of strategy.
- Never Miss a Visit: This is the golden rule. Every time Kicks is in your plaza, make it a habit to check his stock, even if you're busy terraforming or hunting for bugs. The three items he has are unique for the day, and if you don't buy them, you'll have to wait for them to randomly appear again.
- Embrace the Catalog System: One of the best features in Animal Crossing: New Horizons is the catalog. Once you have purchased an item, it is permanently registered in your Nook Shopping catalog at the Resident Services kiosk (or later, in the Nook Shopping app on your NookPhone). This means you only need to buy a pair of shoes once. You can then reorder them at any time (as long as they are not a special, non-reorderable item, which is rare for Kicks' standard stock). The goal, therefore, is to "catalog" every item.
- Trading is Your Best Friend: The Animal Crossing community is vast and wonderful. If you're desperately searching for a specific pair of rare Kicks shoes, like a particular color of Zap Boots, consider trading with other players. Use online forums, social media groups, or friend networks. You can visit other islands when their Kicks is selling something you need, and vice-versa. This is the fastest way to fill the gaps in your collection.
- Keep a Wishlist: Use the NookPhone's Notes app or an external app to keep a running list of the shoes you're still hunting for. This will help you stay focused and recognize a sought-after item when you see it on a friend's island or in your own plaza.
Styling with Your Shoe Collection: From Functional to Fabulous
A collection is nothing if it's not used. Shoes in Animal Crossing are the finishing touch that can tie an entire outfit together. Here are some styling tips:
- Match with Your Outfits: This is the most obvious use. A sharp set of Brogues with a tweed jacket, or some vibrant Flashy Pointy-ear Animal Boots with a fun dress, can complete a look.
- Color Coordination: Use your shoes to pick up an accent color from your top or hat. The Labelle Sneakers are fantastic for this, as they come in a spectrum of intense, shiny colors.
- Theme Building: Creating a specific character? A pirate outfit isn't complete without the Pirate Boots (from Gullivarrr, but they count!), and a knight's armor needs the Armor Shoes. Kicks' inventory is essential for role-playing and photo shoots on Harv's Island.
- The Sock Question: Don't forget that Kicks also sells socks and tights! The right socks can change the entire look of a shoe. Experiment with Colorful Striped Socks peeking out of your boots or Sheer Socks with your sandals for a different vibe.
Beyond the Plaza: Other Shoe Sources
While Kicks is the primary vendor for specialized footwear, he's not the only source. Be sure to also check:
- Able Sisters: They sometimes stock basic shoes like Slip-on Loafers or Rubber-Toe Sneakers.
- Nook's Cranny: The cabinet in the back of the store occasionally has a limited selection of common shoes.
- Special Events & Characters: Some of the most unique footwear comes from holiday events (like the Bunny Day Shoes) or from other visitors like Saharah (who sells unique rugs, wallpapers, and flooring, but sometimes has related accessories).
In the end, building your ultimate Kicks shoe collection is a marathon, not a sprint. It’s a journey of daily checks, happy surprises, and community collaboration. Every new pair of shoes added to your catalog is a small victory, another tool in your creative arsenal for making your island life uniquely yours. So next time you see that dapper skunk in the plaza, take a moment to browse his wares. You never know when you'll find that perfect pair that you never knew you needed. Happy collecting
