When it comes to outfitting our feet, we take things seriously. Whether it's a casual stroll or a highfalutin affair, not just any shoe will do. Good thing we have a prime selection of shoe shops to keep our toes happy and our closets stocked.
Best High-fashion Haven: Forty Five Ten
This local house of style is where we turn for designer duds straight off the runways of New York, Paris and Milan — shoes included. Find the latest from Celine, Givenchy, Jason Wu, Lanvin, Maison Martin Margiela, Marni, Nicholas Kirkwood, Saint Laurent and more. Twice a year, Forty Five Ten has a big sale (up to 75 percent off), when we stock up on all those lust-worthy heels we’ve been coveting all season.
Best Custom Men’s Creations: Hadleigh’s
Hadleigh’s smoking slipper has become an iconic shoe among the dapperly dressed men of Dallas. Shop a selection of slippers, tasseled loafers and lace-up bluchers in the storefront at Highland Park Village. But if you’re looking for the best of the best, make an appointment to browse the bespoke selection upstairs. Customize leather, color and fit of the shoe and receive the finest in footwear in just four to six weeks.
Best Statement Stems: Gregory’s
Head-turning bold booties and sky-high platforms by Aperlai, Baldan, Gianmarco Lorenzi, Lori Blu, Prada and Sergio Rossi line the walls of this local gem, which has recently opened doors in Atlanta and Los Angeles. The owners have an eye for edge and cater to a celebrity clientele. If you’re looking for the latest shoe Beyonce just wore onstage, this is your spot. Also find a solid selection of standouts for men, from DSquared wingtip sneakers to Gucci studded loafers.
Best Classic Sophistication: Stanley Korshak
If you seek a dependably stylish selection and excellent customer service, then Korshak is your place. Guys find Martin Dingman suede boat moccasins, Gravati wingtip derby shoes, Too Boot leather slide sandals, Di Bianco tasseled loafers and Bontoni oxfords. Ladies shop designers such as Valentino, Fendi, Christian Louboutin, Oscar de la Renta, Jimmy Choo and Giuseppe Zanotti.
Best Style Savant: V.O.D.
Fashion’s in-the-know crowd can be seen sporting the latest by Isabel Marant, Acne, Inga Savits and Sophia Webster. V.O.D. is where we find those designers in Dallas. The Victory Park store is chock full of up-and-comers from Paris, London, New York and beyond, and we count on owners Jackie Bolin and Liz Thompson to clue us in when we haven’t a clue.
Best Bespoke Brogues: The Office of Angela Scott
California transplant Angela Scott’s flagship store in Victory Park houses her hip line of handcrafted footwear. Top-quality craftsmanship and premium materials are used to create the modern bench-made line of boots, oxfords, saddle shoes and brogues for men and women. Bonus: You don’t have to wait six weeks for these handmade beauties, because they are stocked in-store.
Best Affordable Luxury: Lou Lou
Owner Molly Thayer is as delightful as the stylish and affordable selection of shoes she carries in her Lovers Lane shop. From casual to formal, shop noteworthy lines like Calvin Klein, Sam Edelman, Charles David, Vince Camuto, Pelle Mode, Via Spiga and, coming this fall, Dee Keller.
Best Suburban Chic: Pumps
Don’t let the distance stop you from venturing to this treasure trove in McKinney. From $25 Brazilian flip-flops by Ipanema to $300 American handcrafted soles by Cydwoq, owner A’Lisa Adams is always on the hunt for the unique. With the selection changing seasonally, expect to find lines like Nicole, All Black, Corso Como, Antelope, Bed.Stu and Otbt.
Best Man à la Mode: Traffic LA
Fashion-daring gents, we suggest stepping into Traffic LA at The Joule in downtown Dallas. Fashion-forward kicks include Rick Owens, Valas, Damir Doma, Cinzia Araia, Android Hommes and Comme des Garcon Play. If you’re looking to impress a fashionable significant other, this place is a must-shop.
Best Vintage Cowboy Boots: Dolly Python
This is the not-so-best-kept-secret source for vintage cowboy boots. This East Dallas shop houses the best selection of worn-in Western waders we’ve ever seen. We scored our favorite pair for just $45. They receive new stock every week, so if you don’t find a pair the first time, try back again soon, y’all.
Best Custom Cowboy Boots: M.L. Leddy’s
Speaking of cowboy boots, there is only one place to go for new and custom. Family-owned M.L Leddy’s in Fort Worth has been hand-making customized boots since 1922, so they know a thing or two about how it’s done. In addition to true cowboy style, the staff here shows real Texas hospitality.
Sam Edelman sandal at Lou Lou.
