Best Shops For Fall And Winter Shoes In The North Bay
(credit: Anthony Harvey/Getty Images)
North Bay shoppers have a good number of local independent shoe retailers to support when transitioning from summery flip flops to durable rainproof boots and warm winter boots. Shop locally for good fitting running shoes, pretty office flats and stylish date night footwear as well.
1239 Main St.
Saint Helena, CA 94574
(877) 517-4606
www.footcandyshoes.com
The holy trinity is in-store: Christian Louboutin, Manolo Blahnik and Jimmy Choo. If your pocketbook doesn't quite stretch, check out reliable choices such as Stuart Weitzman, Kate Spade and Tory Burch. If you fell in love with U.K. designer Emma Hope's dainty numbers on your last trip to London, you're in luck. Are you after the IRO booties or a new pair of UGGs? You'll find them here Owner, buyer and curator Carolyn Butler picks out only the best.
22 El Portal
Sausalito, CA 94965
(415) 332-1662
www.facebook.com/shoestoriesofsausalito
How does Salvatore Ferragamo do it? WIth fabulous classic models updated year after year that just get better and better, you simply cannot have too many. Happily, owner Wayne Kaleck agrees. He stocks Ferragamo alongside other fabulous European shoes — Sergio Rossi, Giuseppe Zanotti, Valentino, Roberto Cavalli and more — in a new-ish and very welcome addition to the Sausalito retail scene. Winner of the 2013 New Business of the Year Award from the local Chamber of Commerce, Shoe Stories' brother is Gene Hiller Menswear, a longtime Sausalito fashion favorite. There are boots and designer handbags, too.
1219-B Main St.
Saint Helena, CA 94574
(707) 967-0480
www.flatsnapavalley.com
Audrey Hepburn would have loved this shop. Perfection comes in a ballet flat. What better for an autumn wine tasting weekend, a walk along the winding, cobblestoned alleyways of Tuscany or for browsing the bazaars of Rajasthan's pink city? Owner Jan Niemi deftly connects the inspiration of Napa Valley, the artisan craftsmanship of Florence and the textiles of Jaipur to come up with her own super collection in a rainbow of colors that work in every season.
722 San Anselmo Ave.
San Anselmo, CA 94960
(415) 258-8190
www.marinrunningcompany.com
With the wrong running shoe, it doesn't matter how lovely the autumn day may be. The right running shoe improves every run, even if it's just a school run or a grocery run. Most people who can get there make it a point to talk to owner Charles Yoakam and his staff about getting the perfect shoe. Visit his website to watch the video and read the testimonials to learn how their special service works. It's like a visit to the podiatrist and your favorite shoe store all in one. Marin Running Company will video your gait on a treadmill to match the symmetry of your body with the ideal personal fit.
1102 Magnolia Ave.
Larkspur, CA 94939
(415) 925-0109
www.itemshoes.com
Indulge your passion for boots, from knee-high to suede booties and Hunter for wet and windy days. Brands include UGG, Frye Boots, Sperry Top Sider, Kate Spade, Tory Burch, Toms, Havaianas and lots more. Owner Joy Goldberg has spent her life in the shoe business and knows how to put together a seasonal collection that's fashion forward and practical all at once. Check out the shoes, bags, accessories and clothing for a hallmark San Francisco layered-style look.