Sports shops in Dakar: where to buy your gear

Running shoes, a Lions of Teranga jersey, a surfboard or dumbbells for home workouts: Dakar has nearly everything, as long as you know where to look. From the big chain stores in Mermoz to the surf shops on the western coast and the busy markets, here is how to get kitted out at a fair price without falling for fakes. To compare outlets, browse our list of shops and retailers in Dakar.

Big chains and shopping malls

If you are starting from scratch, a large specialist store is the easiest option. The Mermoz, Sacré-Cœur and VDN area has the most organised offer: running, fitness, swimming, team sports and camping under one roof, with clear sizes and price tags. It works well for families kitting out several children at the start of the school year, or for newcomers who arrived with only a suitcase.

Malls in Almadies, Plateau and along the VDN also host international brand stores. They cost more, but you know what you are buying. Typical ranges:

• Entry-level running shoes: 20,000 to 45,000 FCFA
• Technical brand-name models: 60,000 to 120,000 FCFA, sometimes more
• Full gym outfit (top, shorts, sports bra): 10,000 to 30,000 FCFA

Surfing, swimming and beach sports

Dakar is a proper surf city. Around Ngor, Ouakam, Almadies and Yoff, surf shops sell and rent boards, wetsuits, leashes and wax. A shorty is enough most of the year, but from December to April the water cools down and a 3/2 mm full suit makes sessions far more pleasant. A used board usually goes for 100,000 to 250,000 FCFA depending on condition; new ones cost considerably more.

Swimmers will find goggles, caps and costumes in the big chains and even some pharmacies. Budget 3,000 to 10,000 FCFA for decent goggles. If you swim in the sea off the Corniche or Ngor, a bright tow float is a smart safety buy.

Football, basketball and jerseys

Football rules here, and jerseys are everywhere: Sandaga market in Plateau, HLM, Colobane, and stalls in Parcelles Assainies, Pikine or Guédiawaye. A street jersey sells for roughly 3,000 to 8,000 FCFA, while an official licensed shirt often tops 40,000 FCFA. Market boots are often replicas: fine for a weekend kickabout, but they wear out quickly on neighbourhood artificial pitches.

Basketball and handball are popular in clubs and schools, so balls and high-top shoes are easy to find in specialist stores.

Prices, fakes and smart habits

• Check stitching, logos and labels: fakes often give themselves away with a crooked sole or a blurry tag.
• Bargain at the market, not in chain stores. The first price quoted at a stall usually leaves room to negotiate.
• Try shoes on late in the day, when the heat has made your feet swell slightly.
• Keep your receipt: organised stores often allow exchanges, markets almost never do.
• Diaspora tip: technical running shoes are often cheaper to bring from Europe, but bulky items like boards or weight benches are easier to buy locally.

Getting ready for the Youth Olympic Games

The Dakar 2026 Youth Olympic Games run from 31 October to 13 November across Dakar, Diamniadio and Saly. Spectators should pack a cap, a refillable water bottle, sunscreen and comfortable shoes, since venues are spread out and the November sun is still strong. Senegal-themed merchandise is everywhere as the Games approach; stick to official outlets for licensed items.

If the Games inspire you to get moving, keep it simple: a good pair of shoes for jogging along the Corniche Ouest or climbing the steps of the African Renaissance Monument, plus a mat and resistance bands for home. Residents of Keur Massar, Rufisque or Liberté 6 can pick up these basics at local markets before investing in more.

Recommended addresses on SeneFinder

• Decathlon Mermoz : Mermoz, sporting goods superstore
• Bantu Wax Surf Shop : Dakar, surf shop

To widen your search, see all addresses in this category or explore the Dakar directory.

Useful tools

• Route planner to reach a store or a surf spot
• FCFA currency converter to compare with prices back home
• Dakar 2026 YOG page for the event schedule
• Further reading: the best gyms in Dakar and Senegal's top surf spots

Frequently asked questions

Where can I buy running shoes in Dakar?

The big sports chains in Mermoz and along the VDN have the widest choice with clear prices. Malls in Almadies and Plateau also have international brand stores.

Can I buy a surfboard in Dakar?

Yes. Surf shops in Ngor, Ouakam, Almadies and Yoff sell new and used gear, and many offer rentals for beginners.

How can I spot a fake football jersey?

An official jersey usually costs over 40,000 FCFA and has proper tags, a quality crest and clean finishing. A very low price, sloppy logos or uneven stitching almost always mean a replica.