Community 54 looks after its ladies. After many years of operating two locations (a flagship in New York and a neighbourhood staple in Parkdale ), the boutique's founders Joel Reilly, Daymon Green and Jason Jacobs recently opened a female-focused sneaker shop on Ossington.

Community 54 is ahead of the curb in terms of giving women's lifestyle apparel the TLC it deserves.

"Women want their own lifestyle concepts, not just a derivative of what the guys are wearing. More and more women are mixing high and low elements," Reilly said.

"They can rock their leather and cashmere with their favourite kicks, look stunning and go anywhere. But high-end stores still aren't carrying women's lifestyle in any serious way."

And it's true - it's a hole in the retail market. I've only been able to find the sneakers I want online, since brick-and-mortars only carry "safe" SKUs, and my feet are way too small for men's sizing.

I waltzed into the lower-level boutique on a dreary winter day and was instantly comforted by its glowing shoe wall. Lighting up the entire space - its luminosity heightened by the reflective tin ceilings - the massive fixture changes colours and gives the room a moody R&B music video vibe.

Mesmerizing decor aside, the wall is stacked with fashion-forward lady sneakers like Nike Flyknit Chukkas ($260), Air Huaraches ($140) and Adidas Superstars ($110). There's also a curated selection of classic kicks for men and children (I spent a long time cooing over the tiny Timberlands).

Garment racks take up the other end of the room, filled with exclusive clothing collabs along with Nike and Adidas essentials. Most recently, Community 54 teamed up with Ebbets Field Flannels to produce French Terry Crew sweaters ($140).

So whether you're looking for women's running gear or something ultra cozy to lounge in, this is the place to visit.

Though I'm a bit skeptical about more women's lifestyle stores blowing up any time soon (guys have hogged this domain for what seems like forever), I'm ecstatic there's a shop I can go to where I can get the sneakers I want, without having to wish for bigger feet.

Photos by Hector Vasquez.