The Best Shoe Stores in Toronto

The best shoe stores in Toronto have a way of halving your take home-income. I usually prove quite responsible when it comes to discretional spending, but all of that strategic financial planning goes out the window when I pass a pair of sale-marked peep-toes staring at me through through a glass pane.

The best shoe stores in Toronto offer a mix of casual, chic, and contemporary styles, selecting and presenting unique designs that (hopefully) don't leave you with too many blisters at the end of the night. Most of the shoe stores on this list have reigned over the Toronto footwear fight for years, but there are a couple of new(ish) arrivals that haven't entered quietly. Must be all those chunky heels.

From irresistible Louboutin's to eco-friendly El Naturalista's, here are the best shoe stores in Toronto.

Heel Boy

Heel Boy somehow manages to serve both the unique and trend-driven crowds. Yes, you can find your UGGs or whatever terrible footwear fad is dominating the season, but you also have your pick of select styles by Fornarina, Dolce Vita, Steve Madden and Seychelles. The customer service at Heel Boy is typically among the best. More »

Balisi

Balisi has four Toronto stores of amazingly comfortable Tsubo heels, Sam Edelman bedazzled boots, and girly Melissa flats. The shops also have great options for men and footwear at various price points. Of course, for even better price points, there's its outlet store, Fracshion, on Yonge. More »

C Squared

C Squared now has two Queen Street locations, one on Queen West, and one even more on Queen West. While the minimalist shops are known foremost for their Camper selections, they also stock men's and women's shoes (emphasis on streetwear, casual, and flats) by brands including El Naturalista, Joie, and Tsubo. More »

David's

David's is one of Toronto's best splurge shoe stores (or else, for wistful gazing through a foggy window on a winter's night). Indulgence here comes in the form of four-figure Louboutin's, prized Jimmy Choo's, or classic Manolo Blahnik's. If suffering from poor self-control, take a different exit from Bay Station. More »

Original

The shoes here are more "Magic Marker" than "Professional Pumps." For a little bit (or lot) of whimsy, colour, sparkle, and flair, Original offers shoes by designers who fit the profile (Betsey Johnson is big), as well as select styles by other brands that work in stride (pun intended). In short, don't expect to find much taupe or beige. More »

Trove

Trove has two Toronto shops, both with footwear focused on environmental practices, fair manufacturing, and local design. This is the place to find Bos & Co boots, Fly London booties, and Miss L-Fire vintage-inspired heels. It's also the place to pick up a knitted Ernie or Cookie Monster hats, but I digress. More »

Imelda

Imelda is Roncesvalles' answer to Melissa, Dolce Vita, Miz Mooz, and El Naturalista. The shop stocks both men's and women's casual and fancy footwear, along with Erin Templeton totes and other spillover from Frock down the road. Imelda is big on Mary Janes, with a healthy dose of wedges and shoes with chunky heels. More »

Durumi & Chocolate Shoes

Chocolate Shoes' mostly Korean collection go from garishly girly to rugged and androgynous. And there's not much in between. From bows and glitter to thick rope laces and rubber soles, Chocolate Shoes also sells one-of-a-kind shoe clips to change up old pairs. Prices top out at around $150, and small sizes are in abundance. More »