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Wild heels from Beverly Feldman.
(Photo: Davies and Starr) |
Fun Shoes
BEVERLY FELDMAN
7 W. 56th St.
212-484-0000
When Beverly Feldman says her motto is “too much is not enough,” she is referring specifically to how many rhinestones and flowers she can pile on her giddy, colorful, there’s-a-party-on-my-feet shoes. It doesn’t even cost that much to get the festivities started: Most styles are under $250.
Pumps
PRADA
Prada flagship, 575 Broadway
212-334-8888 or prada.com for other locations
Fans who think of Miuccia Prada as the oracle of the next great shoe trend forget that she also turns out reliably elegant, discreetly luxe footwear regularly. Her sculpted loafers, aerodynamic slingbacks, and stiletto pumps are generally always available in basics like shiny black calf, or pricey but durable crocodile, and have an inimitable cool that outlasts fads.
Evening
CHRISTIAN LOUBOUTIN
941 Madison Ave.
212-396-1884
Christian Louboutin’s fanciful designs—crêpe satin and crystal, lace mules, sky-high fuchsia suede heels—are simply delightful to look at from any angle. His signature bright red soles make kicking up one’s heels a lot more interesting.
Flats
FRENCH SOLE
985 Lexington Ave.
212-737-2859
Designers have decreed it so: The flat is everywhere this spring, particularly if it looks like it came off Suzanne Farrell’s foot. This tiny store is, was, and always will be densely packed with hundreds of variations on the classic ballet shape. Metallic, exotic, in neutrals and bright colors, with glitter and with prints; they’re all here, mixed in with the occasional loafer for variation.
Walking Shoes
ENESLOW
924 Broadway
212-477-2300
Not even remotely glamorous, but who cares? This is where you’ll find shoes that let you walk from the Met to MoMA without even feeling it. Here, a salesperson will watch you walk, analyze your footprint, and otherwise devote himself to fitting your idiosyncratic arches. Amid the sensible and square-toed choices are lightweight, flexible Merrell and New Balance sneakers, and boardroom-worthy pumps from Taryn Rose.