14 Best Shopping in New York City, New York

Yes, you can find dance shoes here for a tango competition, pointe shoes for an aspiring ballerina, or tap shoes for your secret wannabe life as Fred Astaire or Ginger Rogers. But this shop for men, women, and children in the shadow of Lincoln Center is also a great resource for super-comfy sneakers and walking shoes that provide TLC to your tootsies whether you are in rehearsal or just walking to or from errands or sightseeing, and at half the cost of the tip-of-the-tongue brand names. You can pick up leotards, tees, and other necessities for dancing or the gym as well.

If you want to channel your inner princess, you can't go wrong with the ladylike pumps and high-heeled boots here. The mostly leather accessories and clothing are equally tasteful.

Urbanites love this Spanish footwear company for its funky but comfortable shoes. The slip-ons and lace-ups have generously rounded toes and a springy feel. A signature style has pairs of shoes with slightly mismatched designs.

Lipstick-red soles are the signature of Louboutin's delicately sexy couture slippers and stilettos, and his pointy-toe creations come trimmed with beads, buttons, or "tattoos."  There's a similar design on stylish lipstick cases with colors such as Diva and Very Prive. 

The chunky and strappy flats, heels, and boots here are all designed in NYC and crafted in Spain using eco-friendly leathers and sustainable materials. The ethic is casual, comfortable, and timeless.

This brand is known for comfortable but stylish footwear and its designer and limited-edition collaborations. All kinds of shoes from sandals to boots to pumps are available.

Elegance and restraint typify these designs for both women and men, from handbags and footwear to fragrances and leather goods—all well represented at this multilevel flagship. The company has reworked some of its women's styles from previous decades, like the comfy Audrey (as in Hepburn, for whom the style was designed) ballet flat, released seasonally in various styles and colors.

Since 1931, and now operated by the third generation of the family, Harry’s is an UWS footwear institution for men, women, and kids, with a knowledgeable and attentive staff to help you get the most comfortable fit. Brands include such fashion labels as Bruno Magli, Thierry Rabotin, and Allen Edmonds, and such comfort ones as Dr. Martens, Ara, and Merrell.

Pointy toes, low vamps, narrow heels, ankle-wrapping straps—these British-made shoes are sometimes more comfortable than they look. There's also a special bridal shoe collection, along with bags, backpacks and accessories, and a limited selection of sneakers and dress shoes for men.

The inventor of the "Angel" sole (protects against water, acid, and "Satan"), Fluevog designs chunky, funky shoes and boots for men and women that are popular with rock stars and those who want to look like them.

If you truly want to be well-heeled, pick up a pair of these luxury shoes, whose prices start at around $1,200. Founded in England and owned by Hermès since 1976, John Lobb offers classic styles for men, such as oxfords, loafers, boots, and slippers. They've recently expanded to offer similar cuts in women's styles. Bespoke shoes are also an option.

Simple and understated, this store focuses on one thing: selling top-quality men's shoes. Owner Steven Taffel, who previously worked at Prada, has stocked his shop with selections from John Lobb, Church's, and Edward Green. These shoes are meant to last a lifetime, and many have a price tag to match. Bespoke footwear is also available.

Filled with art, plants, and decorative pieces picked up around the world, this airy boutique on the fourth floor of a low-rise building specializes in one thing: handmade leather shoes based on a traditional Turkish style. Updated for modern sensibilities and made by Turkish artisans using centuries-old shoemaking methods, Sabahs are renowned for their soft, supple leather and suede, and come in a wide range of colors and a few fun prints. They're famously comfortable and known to last for years. Colors change seasonally, and children's sizes are available, too.

The broad range of (mostly women's) shoe styles, from pumps to tall boots to strappy sandals, is enhanced by an even wider range of sizes and widths. Bridal shoes are hugely popular, if pricey. The label also produces a line of chic handbags.