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The Saks Fifth Avenue shoe department; Image via <a href="http://untappedcities.com/2013/08/12/daily-what-saks-fifth-avenues-shoe-floor-has-own-zip-code-nyc-10022-shoe/">Untapped Cities</a>
The Saks Fifth Avenue shoe department; Image via Untapped Cities

25 of the Best Places to Buy Shoes in New York City

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The Saks Fifth Avenue shoe department; Image via Untapped Cities

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It's time to update our annual shoe shopping guide, where we recommend the best places to dress up your feet. Some changes to last year's map include the addition of high-end department stores, many of which experienced drastic transformations on their shoe floors. We've also added local favorite Matt Bernson, some high-end names like Manolo Blahnik and Stubbs & Wooton, and more affordable choices like Vince Camuto.

What's also important is what we did not add, and that includes accessories brands that are just as focused on their other products as their shoes (like Jimmy Choo and Roger Vivier). We also decided to leave off where to get sneakers (despite their major fashion moment), from the Nike flagship store to specialty shops like Flight Club—we'll revisit those another time.

And one more note: Most of these stores focus on women's footwear, though some location also carry men's products. Check out our map of 25 stores below. Thoughts? Suggestions? Leave them in the comments section.

Update: Jean-Michel Cazabet is now an Ash pop-up shop (the two brands are owned by the same company).


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Stubbs & Wootton

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The most comfortable slipper shoes out there are also likely the most expensive, but their designs are so cute that you could forget about that for at least a second. Go preppy with knitted tennis rackets, golf balls, or lobsters, or go ultra-preppy with a monogram. [Photo]

Charlotte Olympia

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You won't find many basic pumps at designer Charlotte Olympia Dellal's first New York City outpost: instead, expect elaborately printed platforms, embroidered smoking slippers, and lots of whimsical designs based on the season—last year's Halloween collection included she's with bats, jack-o-lanterns, and spiderwebs. The selection rotates frequently, so if kitty flats aren't your thing, keep checking back. [Photo]

Stuart Weitzman

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Looking for an elegant pair of heels that won't break the bank (though it'll likely put a sizable dent in it)? Check out the Nudist heel, a $398 dollar shoe that can carry you from the office to happy hour to the after-party. After all, they're Kate Moss-approved. [Photo]

Barneys New York Shoe Floor

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If you haven't stopped on the fifth floor of the luxe department store in a couple years, it's time for a revisit. Their 2012 remodel features marble walls, velvet chairs, and a lot more room to feature both established and contemporary designers. Men's and women's styles have also been brought together on the floor, though there is a clear separation between the two. [Photo]
The Brazilian brand is making their mark on Madison Avenue with colorful kicks. From sky-high pumps to sneaker wedges, prices range from $125 to $300. (You could certainly do a lot worse on the UES.) Head here for shoes that use party as a verb. [Photo]

Bergdorf Goodman Shoe Floor

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While Bergdorf may have been a bit behind the curve when it came to renovating their shoe floor, the resulting product certainly didn't disappoint. The new area features 20% more room to flaunt both new vendors and the old standbys the storied department store is known for. [Photo]

Manolo Blahnik

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“You can take my Fendi baguette, you can take my ring and my watch, but don’t take my Manolo Blahniks," Carrie Bradshaw famously said to her mugger. Sure, pairs are pricey, but you can try your luck at their sample sale. [Photo]

Saks Fifth Avenue Shoe Floor

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Also a member of the "shoe floor revamp" club from a couple years back, Saks added 10,000 square feet to their shoe department, which boasts its own zip code (10022-SHOE) and a Louis Vuitton shop-in-shop. The whole thing is so pretty that we had to make it the lead photo of this map. [Photo by Brian Harkin]

Vince Camuto

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Most New York girls have at least one pair of Vince Camutos in their closet—their on-trend designs come at affordable prices, and they're structured to last for at least a few seasons. The brand also has several other city boutiques, including one in Grand Central and a flagship in Soho. [Photo]

Carlo Pazolini

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This Meatpacking District shop is the brand's second in the city, following their Soho flagship. Both men's and women's shoes are available here in styles that range from stomping-the-sidewalks-all-day boots to fancy evening heels at a mid-price range. [Photo]

Nicholas Kirkwood

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Nicholas Kirkwood's Meatpacking boutique, which comes complete with an outdoor garden and plenty of heels that run upwards of $1,000, is the designer's first in the U.S. The merchandise includes Kirkwood's seasonal collections of architectural heels with laser-cut details, as well as the brand's frequent collaborations.

Christian Louboutin

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Barneys and Bergdorf may also have them, but there's no better place to shop for Louboutin's ubiquitous red bottoms than the brand's own boutiques, which include a men's store right around the corner and another on Madison Avenue. [Photo]

Pierre Hardy

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The Parisian designer is known for graphic details—think geometric squares and colorblocking. Inspired by architecture, his shoes are artful and confident—but make no mistake, these heels are sexy. Prices are definitely in the designer tier, so anticipate dropping some serious dough. [Photo]

Kurt Geiger LONDON

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Update, July 22nd: This store is closing. The British brand made its first stateside stop with the arrival of this West Village boutique last year. Because all four of Geiger's lines are carried here, you can flats from one collection for $90 and pumps from another for $385, with plenty of styles in between. [Photo]

Jean Michel Cazabat

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Sexy and colorful, head to the intimate boutique for heels that steal the show. The designer's styles are on-trend without beating you over the head about it. While the shoes look super expensive, most of them retail under $300—cha-ching. UPDATE: This space is now an Ash shoes pop-up shop—the two brands are owned by the same company. [Photo]

United Nude

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Even United Nude's most basic styles come with a little touch of the nontraditional—think ballet flats with small block heels, wedges that resemble a Möbius band, mosaic peep-toes, and pumps with chair feet. Similarly, the brand's Bond Street flagship is a piece of art in and of itself. [Photo]

Galeria Melissa

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Jelly-shoe lovers take heed: Sao Paulo-based Melissa offers up plastic styles in adult appropriate silhouettes, like wedges and heels. They also love a guest designer, and counts Jason Wu, Vivienne Westwood, and Gareth Pugh among past collaborators. The (probably) water-proof shoes won't break your bank balance, either: basic flats are around $65 and a simple heel goes for $150. [Photo]

Coclico

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French-born designer Sandra Canselier came from a long line of shoemakers, but she decided to make her brand's home in New York—her legions of dedicated fans are ever so grateful, we're sure. And a bonus? The shoes are eco-friendly. [Photo]

Dolce Vita

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Dolce Vita departed its longtime storefront on Ludlow Street for a shop on trendier Elizabeth. The newish space stocks footwear from the regular, DV8, and DV by Dolce Vita collections, as well as women's clothing to match. The varying styles also bring a range of prices, allowing you to still grab a pair even when your rent check is due.

The Frye Company

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Frye boots should be a wardrobe requirement. The Massachusetts-born heritage company originally started making leather footwear for factory workers, but they look anything but out of place stomping down a Soho sidewalk. They're not exactly cheap, but will last you for several seasons when cared for properly. [Photo]

Sigerson Morrison

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“Sigerson Morrison has emerged these past few years as the go-to address for cool, effortlessly chic footwear," Lynn Yaeger once wrote of the brand, whose founders have since lost the rights to their own name. But the company has kept up the hits—check out what they recently displayed for this season. [Photo by Brian Harkin]

Kathryn Amberleigh

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The skinny, white space is the New York designer's first store (she's since opened a second in Meatpacking), displaying her designs unpretentiously. With a good amount of variety to the styles, it feels like you're picking up something that's one-of-a-kind. Prices are generally over $200 but under $400. [Photo]
The clog boot you see on every Cobble Hill mommy? Here's who you have to thank for that. The stock does extend beyond the brand's signature bootie: sandals—built on the same wooden heel—and wedges will cost you under $300 and get you around the city all summer. [Photo]

Matt Bernson Tribeca

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This local favorite has been plugging away in his Tribeca boutique since 2012, crafting leather sandals, flats, booties, and more that are seen on several celebs. Stop by the store and you'll likely see his super-cute baby or his dog Abraham. [Photo]

Shoe Market

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Perfectly straddling the line between on-trend and "I can actually manage walking two miles in these," Shoe Market probably is stocking your next wear-every-day shoes right this second. Prices are pleasantly affordable, with styles ranging from under $100 to about $450. Ladies can expect to find brands like Rachel Comey, Senso, and 80%20; guys can pick up Clae, Camper, and Bed Stu. [Photo]

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Stubbs & Wootton

The most comfortable slipper shoes out there are also likely the most expensive, but their designs are so cute that you could forget about that for at least a second. Go preppy with knitted tennis rackets, golf balls, or lobsters, or go ultra-preppy with a monogram. [Photo]

Charlotte Olympia

You won't find many basic pumps at designer Charlotte Olympia Dellal's first New York City outpost: instead, expect elaborately printed platforms, embroidered smoking slippers, and lots of whimsical designs based on the season—last year's Halloween collection included she's with bats, jack-o-lanterns, and spiderwebs. The selection rotates frequently, so if kitty flats aren't your thing, keep checking back. [Photo]

Stuart Weitzman

Looking for an elegant pair of heels that won't break the bank (though it'll likely put a sizable dent in it)? Check out the Nudist heel, a $398 dollar shoe that can carry you from the office to happy hour to the after-party. After all, they're Kate Moss-approved. [Photo]

Barneys New York Shoe Floor

If you haven't stopped on the fifth floor of the luxe department store in a couple years, it's time for a revisit. Their 2012 remodel features marble walls, velvet chairs, and a lot more room to feature both established and contemporary designers. Men's and women's styles have also been brought together on the floor, though there is a clear separation between the two. [Photo]

Schutz

The Brazilian brand is making their mark on Madison Avenue with colorful kicks. From sky-high pumps to sneaker wedges, prices range from $125 to $300. (You could certainly do a lot worse on the UES.) Head here for shoes that use party as a verb. [Photo]

Bergdorf Goodman Shoe Floor

While Bergdorf may have been a bit behind the curve when it came to renovating their shoe floor, the resulting product certainly didn't disappoint. The new area features 20% more room to flaunt both new vendors and the old standbys the storied department store is known for. [Photo]

Manolo Blahnik

“You can take my Fendi baguette, you can take my ring and my watch, but don’t take my Manolo Blahniks," Carrie Bradshaw famously said to her mugger. Sure, pairs are pricey, but you can try your luck at their sample sale. [Photo]

Saks Fifth Avenue Shoe Floor

Also a member of the "shoe floor revamp" club from a couple years back, Saks added 10,000 square feet to their shoe department, which boasts its own zip code (10022-SHOE) and a Louis Vuitton shop-in-shop. The whole thing is so pretty that we had to make it the lead photo of this map. [Photo by Brian Harkin]

Vince Camuto

Most New York girls have at least one pair of Vince Camutos in their closet—their on-trend designs come at affordable prices, and they're structured to last for at least a few seasons. The brand also has several other city boutiques, including one in Grand Central and a flagship in Soho. [Photo]

Carlo Pazolini

This Meatpacking District shop is the brand's second in the city, following their Soho flagship. Both men's and women's shoes are available here in styles that range from stomping-the-sidewalks-all-day boots to fancy evening heels at a mid-price range. [Photo]

Nicholas Kirkwood

Nicholas Kirkwood's Meatpacking boutique, which comes complete with an outdoor garden and plenty of heels that run upwards of $1,000, is the designer's first in the U.S. The merchandise includes Kirkwood's seasonal collections of architectural heels with laser-cut details, as well as the brand's frequent collaborations.

Christian Louboutin

Barneys and Bergdorf may also have them, but there's no better place to shop for Louboutin's ubiquitous red bottoms than the brand's own boutiques, which include a men's store right around the corner and another on Madison Avenue. [Photo]

Pierre Hardy

The Parisian designer is known for graphic details—think geometric squares and colorblocking. Inspired by architecture, his shoes are artful and confident—but make no mistake, these heels are sexy. Prices are definitely in the designer tier, so anticipate dropping some serious dough. [Photo]

Kurt Geiger LONDON

Update, July 22nd: This store is closing. The British brand made its first stateside stop with the arrival of this West Village boutique last year. Because all four of Geiger's lines are carried here, you can flats from one collection for $90 and pumps from another for $385, with plenty of styles in between. [Photo]

Jean Michel Cazabat

Sexy and colorful, head to the intimate boutique for heels that steal the show. The designer's styles are on-trend without beating you over the head about it. While the shoes look super expensive, most of them retail under $300—cha-ching. UPDATE: This space is now an Ash shoes pop-up shop—the two brands are owned by the same company. [Photo]

United Nude

Even United Nude's most basic styles come with a little touch of the nontraditional—think ballet flats with small block heels, wedges that resemble a Möbius band, mosaic peep-toes, and pumps with chair feet. Similarly, the brand's Bond Street flagship is a piece of art in and of itself. [Photo]

Galeria Melissa

Jelly-shoe lovers take heed: Sao Paulo-based Melissa offers up plastic styles in adult appropriate silhouettes, like wedges and heels. They also love a guest designer, and counts Jason Wu, Vivienne Westwood, and Gareth Pugh among past collaborators. The (probably) water-proof shoes won't break your bank balance, either: basic flats are around $65 and a simple heel goes for $150. [Photo]

Coclico

French-born designer Sandra Canselier came from a long line of shoemakers, but she decided to make her brand's home in New York—her legions of dedicated fans are ever so grateful, we're sure. And a bonus? The shoes are eco-friendly. [Photo]

Dolce Vita

Dolce Vita departed its longtime storefront on Ludlow Street for a shop on trendier Elizabeth. The newish space stocks footwear from the regular, DV8, and DV by Dolce Vita collections, as well as women's clothing to match. The varying styles also bring a range of prices, allowing you to still grab a pair even when your rent check is due.