Hidden kicks on Newbury Street

Opening an unmarked door can lead to all manner of awesome nefariousness: cockfights, opium dens, Dick Cheney... Add to that the most nefarious find of all: sneakers, at X-Squared

X-Squared is a two-floor, unmarked concept shoe boutique from the dude behind the Expressions chain -- who, like Eliot Spitzer, decided the best way to go high-end is to stay mostly out of sight. The silver wood cubby'd downstairs is stocked with niche brands like Circa, Creative Recreation, Gourmet, PF Flyers, Palladium, Supra, and British Knights, the only shoe that could propel Xavier McDaniel past Kevin Duckworth in the NBA, and goateed pharma sales reps on Pros Vs Joes. Upstairs, the focus is on big brands' limited-edition releases, like Nike Dunks and Blazers, Adidas Jam Master Jay Shelltoes, and 2nd edition Voltrons from Reebok, because nothing says "Life is not a spectator sport" like wearing robot lions on your feet.

If that doesn't drain your paycheck, X-Squared also has tees, hoodies, etc, from brands like Lemar and Dauley, Gourmet, and Tits, whose motto "Two in the Shirt" means you don't even have to open the door to know the awesome nefariousness swinging beneath it.