Best Manhattan Shoe Stores

Best Shoe Stores in Manhattan

It is said that women love shoes; they are absolutely nuts about them. They could have a hundred pairs of shoes and still feel that they don’t have enough! Well, we wouldn’t want to go into generalizations like that. Besides, we know plenty of guys that are crazy about their sneakers and boots as well, except that they are less prone to going into throes of ecstasy when they spot an interesting pair of shoes in a shop window. Let’s dispel the argument by saying everybody loves shoes…some for comfort; some for style, some for their practicality, and some for their impracticality.

Well, what we are going to do now is take you on a trip through Manhattan and point to the best shops out there to buy interesting wear for your feet.

Dolce Vita

  • 149 Ludlow St between Rivington and Stanton Sts/ 212-529-2111
  • 159½ Ludlow St between Rivington and Stanton Sts (212-475-0565)

Dolce Vita was launched in 2001 and its attitude toward fashion was refreshingly nonchalant. Women who are looking to boost their sex appeal a notch higher will find all the necessary weapons in here, ranging from platform pumps to strappy leather sandals; and from belted booties to studded motorcycle boots. A pair of shoes will cost you something in the range of $90-120, putting them in the “not-so-expensive-yet-not-so-cheap” category. However, the leather and skins used to make the shoes are of very high quality and you will be surprised they don’t cost any more than they do. For youthful, trendy, and flirtatious footwear, put Dolce Vita right on top of your list.

French Sole Shoes

  • 985 Lexington Ave between 71st and 72nd Sts
  • Phone: 212-737-2859

French Sole Shoes, the brainchild of Randy Ochart, is practically an institution when it comes to comfy ballet flats. It has existed for a quarter of a century in the swank Upper East Side. However, don’t let the tiny proportions of the store mislead you. While it does look like not more than half a dozen people can browse through the store without feeling uncomfortable, there are over 500 styles of ballet flats that are stacked all the way up to the store’s ceiling; flats in every kind of color and material – woven and quilted, solids and animal prints. It’s hard not to find something to match your attire. Such is the distinctive style of French Sole Shoes that it has the undying patronage of not just New York’s social elite but also movie star icons and even royalty.

Harry’s Shoes

  • 2299 Broadway at 83rd St
  • Phone: 212-874-2034

Harry’s Shoes is located in the Upper West Side neighborhood and it is your one-stop-shop for A-list shoe brands and European and American designer and comfort footwear. This shop has been around for – hold your breath – almost 80 years and it has a very faithful and loyal fan following. It was one of the first stores in New York City to stock New Balance and today you can find brands like Timberland, Frye, UGG, Converse, Rockport, Cole Haan, Clarks, Birkenstock, Hush Puppies, Bruno Magli, Retro Keds under one roof.

Well, there’s a lot more from where that came from. We are going to leave the bait dangling in front of you, hoping you’ll fall for it and be back tomorrow. See you then!

The journey to find the best, most comfortable, and stylish shoes for your feet continues. By the time our trip is over, we guarantee that your shoe rack will be well-stocked with the latest designs in footwear to keep you looking chic for the next few seasons. Oh well, until the end of this one, at least!

Moo Shoes

  • 78 Orchard St at Broome St
  • Phone: 212-254-6512

If you have a fetish for shoes, and yet there’s a tiny voice in your head that tells you it’s cruel to wear leather, Moo Shoes pacifies both your conscience as well as the style diva within you. Founded by sisters, Erica and Sara Kubersky, Moo Shoes is the first cruelty-free store of its kind. Ironically before moving to their current location, the shop was located in a defunct butcher shop in Gramercy Park!

Moo Shoes have an extensive collection of vegan shoes that you will fall in love with at first sight. Take your pick from reputable brands like Saucony, Marais, Madden Girl, Strange Pursuit, and Birkenstock. In case you are unable to find your size (though we feel that is highly unlikely), they can order it, if you so desire.

Shoegasm

This trendsetting shoe parlor has outlets in three locations throughout the city. Here you can find shoes that will catch the fancy of not just the fairer sex. The price fits your pocket, makes you forget about the recession,  and sends you singing through the store picking up pair after pair of their latest designs from Dolce Vita, Chelsea Crew, Seychelles, Naughty Monkey, Navid O Nadia,  Madden Girl, Diba, and lots of other well-known names.

Shoe Market NYC

  • 160 North 6th St (at Bedford Ave) Williamsburg, Brooklyn
  • Phone: 718-388-8495

Shoe Market, a spin-off of a girly boutique located close by, Mini Minimarket, is situated off the bustling Bedford Avenue strip. The emporium is quite spacious and you can find comfortable kicks for both men and women. The shoes over here aren’t impractically designed. If you talk to the owners they will tell you that they believe in stocking shoes that are as stylish as they are comfortable. You can spy top brands like Tom’s, Tretorn, Jeffrey Campbell, Dolce Vita, Sven, Red Wing, Camper, Frye, Dollhouse, and many more.

Shooz 128

  • 128 Seventh Ave between 17th and 18th Sts
  • Phone: 212-727-7446

Look at the business card of this store. It states very plainly “Never the same old shit” and that has been the motto of this shop for the past 2 decades. In an effort to stick to it, they bring you styles that are sourced from all over the world – Israeli Naot sandals, Chinese Joy Chen heels, German Worishofer cork wedges, and United Nude slides from Denmark. With over 300 different kinds of styles, it’s hard not to come away without liking, better still, buying something from here.

Tip Top Shoes

  • 155 W 72nd St between Amsterdam and Columbus Ave
  • Phone: 212-787-4960

Tip Top Shoes is a family-owned affair. This Upper West Side store has been selling comfortable, well-fitted shoes to New Yorkers since 1940. It is not a high fashion store – the focus is on comfort and wearable footwear. The store is pretty large and it is overcrowded with all the popular brands you’d have heard of – Adidas, Ecco, Fly London, Keds, Dr. Martens, Vans and Ralph Lauren,  Puma, Rockport, Hush Puppies, Birkenstock, Reef, Timberland; along with the harder-to-find names like Bruno Magli, Taryn Rose, Icon, and Merrell.

Final Word

Manhattan is a great place to find the perfect pair of shoes. Whether shoppers are looking for designer labels, trendy styles, or a classic pair of leather loafers, Manhattan has it all. With so many different stores throughout the borough, there’s something for everyone when it comes to shoe shopping in Manhattan. From high-end boutiques to more budget-friendly options, a shopper can find something that fits their style and budget.

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