In a city where some of the favorite activities are hiking, running, skiing, biking, golfing, and sailing, shopping for shoes is a serious matter. Yet, the bold and the beautiful come out when Vancouver turns its own northern lights on, to see and be seen at downtown restaurants, or at the bars and lounges of the trendy district of Yaletown.
The Unique Footwear Stores of Vancouver
At John Fluevog’s, the revolutionary place for extraordinary footwear, the discerning shopper will find outstanding craftsmanship on funky styles, yet with a repair-friendly attitude. (65, Water Street 604-688-2879 and 837 Granville Street 604-688-2828).
At David Gordon’s, “gems of the past have never completely left the store.” Harley-Davidson boots mingle with the latest shoe trends from Caterpillar, no longer known only for steel-toes. (840,Granville Street 604-685-3784).
At Atelier Istanbul on Granville Island, every pair of Suzy Baker Design is handmade in an exclusive selection of styles and colors, and hand-embroidered by the traditional craftsmen of the Old City in Istanbul. (1812 Maritime Mews 604-732-7357).
At O.K. Boot Corral’s in Gastown, the Far West awaits in bullhide, snake skin, Artic walrus, and other eye-popping selections. Get fitted and learn the ins and outs of Western-boot leathers. (205, Carral Street 684-2668).
At Ingledews’s flagship store on Granville Street, feet with a penchant for both comfort and forward style have found their match for over 95 years, among which famous designer brands in unusual sizes. (535 Granville Street 604-687-8606).
- Rockport
- Amalfi
- Clarks
- Magnanni
- Cole Haan
- Joseph Seibel
- Ecco
Famous Shoe Designers Show the Trend
At Holt Renfrew's, luxury footwear from 65 designers illustrate the latest trends. (737, Dunsmuir Street 604-681-3121).
- Badgley Mischka
- Christian Louboutin
- Ferragamo
- Gucci
- Jimmy Choo
- McQueen
- Perti Palmroth
- Roger Vivier
- Valentino
Athletic Shoes
At Atmosphere’s in Park Royal on the North shore, footwear is just one of the steps to get fitted for the outdoors with brands that are music to your feet. (Park Royal Mall 604-922-3336):
- Merrel
- Salomon
- The North Face
- Patagonia
- Keen
At M.E.C.’s (Mountain Equipment Coop), the $5.00 (CAN) lifetime membership (available upon arrival) is hardly a consideration. This ultimate destination for sport equipment is a coop driven by passion instead of profit. With ethical sourcing and product sustainability at heart, M.E.C. donates 1% of its annual gross sales to Canadian environmental causes. (1341, Main Street-North Shore 604-990-4417):
- Running and Fitness: Salomon, Nike, Asics gel, LaSportiva, Merrel Pace Glove shoes
- Snowsports: Snow shoes, ski boots, skating boots
- Watersports: Amphibious sandals, neoprene booties, Vibram Fivefingers
- Cycling: Pearl Izumi shoes
- Climbing: Scarpa Vapor rock shoes
Supportive Footwear and Orthotics
At Foot Solutions’, the most advanced scanning technologies determine the best corrective footwear for arch pain, plantar fasciitis, bunions, hammertoes, and other painful conditions. (2620 West Broadway 604-267-7463).
At Dudek Shoes’, life is a comfortable journey with the SAS technology, its master craftsmen, and fine leathers. The SAS name guarantees super-soft soles, contour foot-bed, and lightweight. And, Wolky shoes will brighten any day with crisp colors and attractive styles for sandals, active shoes, and orthopedic shoes. (Park Royal South 604-925-001).
Children’s Shoes
At M.E.C.’s (see above), playful feet get fitted for comfort and safety for the outdoor:
- Baffin Young Eiger winter boots
- Columbia
- FiveFingers
- Keen
- Pawtuckaway
- Teva sandals
- Timberland
- Vibram
At Panda’s, the “love for little feet shoe specialist" offers an extensive choice of footwear for babies and children. (Oakridge Center 604-266-0025 and Capilano Mall 604-986-4450):
- Addidas
- Bogs (all-weather funky rubber boots made in Oregon)
- Converse
- Crocs
- Ecco
- Geox
- Robeez
- Stonz
At GumDrops, "get wet in style" with wellies from:
- Bogs
- Hatley
- Kamik
- Tretorn
More Shoe Stores at Shopping Malls and Boutiques
Neighborhood stores tempt visitors and locals with their own character and eclectic selections. Within its many districts, Vancouver offers an extensive shopping experience at various shopping malls:
- Capilano Mall (Norht Vancouver)
- Metrotown (Burnaby/Canada Line)
- Oakridge Centre (Canada Line)
- Pacific Centre (downtown)
- Park Royal Mall and Village (West Vancouver)
- Richmond Center (accessible from the Canada Line)
- Sinclair Centre (757, West Hastings Street)
- Metrotown (Burnaby, Canada Line)
Last but not least, the bargain shopper will find some of the above brands, and more, at discount stores:
- Shoe Warehouse (734 Granville 604-683-5947 and 3010 Broadway 604-738-1843)
- Winners (Park Royal South 604-926-0944 and at Granville/Robson Street 604-683-1058)
Marie-Claude Arnott - Marie-Claude Arnott writes about topics that interest her, from experience and with passion.
