People travel near and far to shop in New York City. And, why wouldn't they? It's practically the shopping mecca of North America. There are flagship stores for the world's biggest names, neighborhood boutiques selling local wares galore, and shoe stores like nowhere else on earth.We love to shop (it's part of our job, after all), and we've come to learn that the right pair of shoes can make or break an outfit. That's why we've come up with the ultimate guide to shoe shopping in the city. High and low, heels and flats — we've got everything footwear and fabulous covered. So, go ahead, get your kicks.
Chuckies New York
The meticulously curated “shoe salon” aims to do all the tough work for you. The staff scours the world (and the runways) for their uniquely bold shoppers. If your fashion icon is J.Lo, this is the place for you.
Chuckies New York, 1169 Madison Avenue (between 85th and 86th Streets); (212) 249 2254), and 1052 Lexington Avenue (between 74th and 75th Streets); (212) 861-1415
Stuart Weitzman Fringed Knee-high Boots, $845, available at Chuckies New York.
Frye
Their boots are the gold standard for a reason. Exquisitely crafted and built to last even New York City winters, Frye products are the investment that keeps on appreciating. Enter leather heaven in their very first brick-and-mortar shop in Soho.
Frye, 113 Spring Street (between Greene and Mercer Streets); 212-226-3793.
Frye Harness Boot, $278, available at Frye.
DSW Designer Shoe Warehouse
Anyone can walk into a fancy boutique and select an expensive shoe, but it takes a particular fashionista to push aside the huddled masses to get the perfect black bootie in their size. Hunt for buried treasure in this giant shoe emporium on Union Square.
DSW Designer Shoe Warehouse, 40 East 14th Street (between University Place and Broadway); 212-674-2146.
Bandolino Collyer Riding Boot, $99, available at DSW Designer Shoe Warehouse.
Flight Club
Not every woman dreams of a closet of Carrie Bradshaw-esque 5” heels. For the true sneakerhead, head to the mecca that is Flight Club. The ultra rare picks are here (Yeezys, anyone?), as well as just truly special standards (like these Converses).
Flight Club, 812 Broadway (between 11th and 12th Streets); (888) 937-8020
ConverseCT OX Andy Warhol sneakers, $65, available at Flight Club.
Rag & Bone
Find all your fall staples at rag & bone, which, aside from its unrivaled denim, has a killer variety of footwear. Here, you'll find a myriad of sneakers, booties, loafers, heels, sandals, oxfords, moccasins, and more. We especially love their versatility, making their shoes our number one choice for any day or night outfit.
rag & bone, Multiple locations.
COS
This European staple store has outposts in Soho and on Fifth Avenue, featuring an array of classic, elegant, and stylish pieces that definitely give us that Paris-meets-New York vibe. Consider this your go-to for impeccable neutrals, since most of their kicks come in black, white, and grey.
COS, Multiple locations.
Sam Edelman
Where couture shoe imitations are concerned, Sam Edelman is king. (His "Gigi" sandals are a stable of any fashion-girl's wardrobe — they're so versatile, and come in a million styles.) Each season, the Soho location stocks an exciting and comprehensive portion of Edelman's line, whose prices are unbeatable.
Sam Edelman Soho, 109 Spring Street (between Mercer and Greene streets); 212-226-7800.
Topshop
When Topshop finally landed in NYC in 2009, fashion girls everywhere went nuts for a taste of London-cool. And, it wasn't just about the clothes — Topshop takes the same H&M-meets-mod approach to its fabulous (and affordable!) footwear. Be sure to check out the new location at 49th Street and Fifth Avenue; it's the second largest Topshop flagship in the world!
Topshop, Multiple locations.
Stubbs & Wootton
Once upon a time, only Ivy-league prepsters and grandmas frequented the uptown mainstay known as Stubbs & Wootton. Then, fashion happened, democratizing their velvet and needlepoint creations forever. Head to Madison Avenue (you can do it!) to browse the designer's quirky, seasonal riffs on truly classic shoes.
Stubbs & Wootton, 987 Madison Avenue (between 76th and 77th streets); 212-249-5200.
& Other Stories
For a newcomer brand, & Other Stories has made a major splash with its plum locations in Soho and now on Fifth Avenue. The H&M-owned brand houses chic basics and tailored runway imitations —it's pretty much footwear paradise.
& Other Stories, Multiple locations.
Shoe Market
Dubbed "the best little shoe store in Brooklyn," Shoe Market boasts a lengthy list of brands and styles for any and every occasion.
Shoe Market, 160 North 6th Street (between Bedford Avenue and Berry Street); 718-388-8495.
The Clarks Phenia Carnaby Leather, $130, available at Shoe Market.
Nicholas Kirkwood
If you're looking for an investment pair of heels, look no further than Brit designer Nicholas Kirkwood. The colors and craftsmanship will leave you wanting more — so, start saving!
Nicholas Kirkwood, 807 Washington Street (between Gansevoort and Horatio streets); 646-559-5239.
Fivestory
Fivestory is a classic Upper East Side boutique filled to the brim with designer and luxury everything. And, while it's best known for its carefully curated ready-to-wear selection, its shoe options are also very on point.
Fivestory, 18 East 69th Street (between Madison and Fifth avenues); 212-288-1338.
Bernarndo Peony Rain Boot, $145, available at Fivestory.
Edon Manor
This Tribeca boutique will have you wondering if you've died and gone to accessories heaven; a place where you can snag the must-have shoes, bags, and eyewear of the season.
Edon Manor, 391 Greenwich Street (between Beach and North Moore Streets); 212-431-3890.
Charlotte Olympia
We're always up for a British invasion, and Charlotte Olympia's playful-meets-high fashion shoes to just the trick.
Charlotte Olympia, 22 East 65th Street (between Madison and Fifth avenues); 212-744-1842.
Zara
If you're looking for trend pieces but don't want to spend you're entire paycheck, Zara is a must. There's a mix of everything you'd ever want in the footwear department, from basic black pumps to printed boots.
Zara, Various Locations.
Saks Fifth Avenue
It's the only shoe department in New York City to have its own zip code. Enough said.
Saks Fifth Avenue, 611 Fifth Avenue (between 49th and 50th streets); 212-753-4000.
Coclico
Made in Spain, sold in Nolita... Coclico's slow fashion technique means its shoes are not only eco-friendly, they're also seriously comfortable and durable for many years to come.
Coclico, 275 Mott Street (between Houston and Prince streets); 212-965-5462.
Jeffrey
We're a fan of any boutique that our style icon, Olivia Palermo, swears by. It's no surprise, either, since Jeffrey carries the latest seasonal offerings from major brands like Christian Louboutin, Saint Laurent, and Givenchy.
Jeffrey, 449 West 14th Street (between Ninth and 10th avenues); 212-206-1272.
Like what you see? How about some more R29 goodness, right here?
The Best Karaoke Bars In NYC
When It Comes To Cheap Eats, NYC Is King
The BEST Pizza In NYC