Best Shoe Stores in Manhattan – I

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 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 with the argument by saying everybody loves shoes…some for the comfort; some for the 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 out the best shops out there to buy interesting wear for your feet.

Dolce Vita

Address:

• 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 towards 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

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

French Sole Shoes, 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

• Address: 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 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, and 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 you, hoping you’ll fall for it and be back tomorrow. See you then!

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