Fans brave snowstorm to get early access to Nike shoe inspired by Montreal bagel

Montrealers really like their bagels — and shoes — apparently.

Scores of sneaker fans lined up in a snowstorm Friday morning just to get their hands on Nike's latest creation inspired by the Montreal icon — the bagel.

Camped out on the snow-filled sidewalks, some with umbrellas and folding chairs, dozens of people lined Sainte-Catherine Street in downtown Montreal to get early access to the low-top shoe featuring sesame seed graphics and a dash of blue on the signature Nike check.

The local boutique Off the Hook launched an early sale ahead of the release on Jan. 17.

The "Montreal Bagel" Nike Dunk Low retails for C$160.

The lineup on Sainte-Catherine Street in Montreal snaked around the block. (Sarah Dehaies/CJAD 800)

"A lot of people I know want it for personal (reasons) – because it’s like a Montreal shoe," said Justin Ilkic, who helped work the event, giving him a secure spot in the front of the line.

He said he's tempted to resell the show for a profit, but will likely keep it. "I grew up in this city so I love Montreal. Montreal is getting globally famous, more than it already is, because of the shoe."

Ilkic said he doesn’t expect to see too many pairs of the shoes on feet around the city, though.

"I don't think anybody is going to wear this shoe. People are either going to keep it as a statement piece, and put it on display, like a trophy, or they’re going to resell it – and then those people are going to keep it as trophies."

Fans lined up to buy the new "Montreal Bagel" Nike Dunk Low in Montreal, January 13, 2023.The frenzy around the shoe will surely cause some FOMO for New Jersey, which is apparently also known for their bagels.

The state's Twitter account threw some shade at Montreal for getting their very own bagel-themed sneaker.

But we all know whose bagels are supreme.