Shoe shopping in Boston offers a wide range of experiences, from upscale designer boutiques to casual and athletic footwear retailers. Along Newbury Street and in the Back Bay area, you'll find luxury shoe stores carrying high-end brands, stylish boots, and seasonal designer collections. The Prudential Center and Copley Place are also hubs for well-known brands and fashion-forward shoe boutiques, appealing to shoppers seeking everything from dress shoes to trendy sneakers.
For a more eclectic mix, neighborhoods like the South End and Cambridge have independently owned shops that specialize in comfort-focused or fashion-forward footwear. Stores in these areas often stock curated selections from smaller designers or international brands, offering something different from what you'd find at large chain stores. Whether you're looking for formal shoes, outdoor gear, or everyday sneakers, Boston provides a diverse and walkable shopping landscape.
Buying shoes can be a straightforward process, but it's important to consider your preferences, budget, and the type of shoes you need. Here are some general steps to help you buy shoes:
Determine your needs:
Decide what type of shoes you need (e.g., athletic, casual, formal, work, seasonal).
Consider the purpose of the shoes (running, walking, hiking, dancing, etc.).
Think about the occasion or activities you'll use them for.
Know your size:
Measure your foot size accurately, as shoe sizes can vary between brands.
Consider the width and arch support your feet require.
Set a budget:
Determine how much you're willing to spend on a pair of shoes.
d. Take your time to walk around and assess comfort and fit.
Try on the shoes:
Whether you're buying in-store or online, try the shoes on if possible. Walk around to assess comfort, fit, and support. Make sure there's enough space at the front of the shoe for your toes.
Consider the following factors when buying shoes:
- Material: Choose shoes made from materials that suit your needs (e.g., leather, canvas, mesh, etc.).
- Style: Select a style that matches your personal preference and the occasion.
- Support: Ensure the shoes provide adequate support for your feet.
- Comfort: Pay attention to cushioning and padding.
Remember that comfort and fit are crucial when buying shoes, so don't rush the decision. Take your time to find the right pair that suits your needs and preferences. If you're uncertain about the size or fit, consider buying from retailers with good return policies to allow for exchanges or returns if necessary.
Luxury Shoe Stores in Boston
 Allen Edmonds Shop Online Premium footwear brand renowned for its high-quality men's dress shoes, boots, and casual footwear. Known for its traditional craftsmanship, allowing for resoling and extending the life of the shoes. Allen Edmonds offers a range of styles, from classic oxfords and loafers to modern sneakers and boots. Newbury Street, Downtown, Natick Mall |
 Armani Shop Online Italian luxury fashion brand for clothing, leather goods, shoes, accessories for men and women. Newbury Street, Newton |
 Christian Louboutin Shop Online> Luxury footwear and accessories brand globally recognized for its signature red-soled shoes, bold designs, and impeccable craftsmanship. The brand is synonymous with high fashion, elegance, and glamour.
Copley Place |
 Concepts Luxury shoe and apparel store for men,women and children Newbury Street |
 Diane Von Furstenberg Shop Online> Sale> Luxury lifestyle brand with a full collection of ready-to-wear and accessories including shoes, handbags, small leather goods and jewelry. Newbury Street |
 Golden Goose Shop Online> Back to School Sale> Back to School Sale! Italian luxury fashion brand known for its handcrafted sneakers that blend high fashion with a distinctive, lived-in aesthetic. Known for its artisanal craftsmanship, and vintage-inspired designs. Beyond footwear, Golden Goose offers a range of apparel, accessories, and leather goods. Copley Place |
 Gucci Shop Online Iconic Italian luxury fashion house known for its bold designs and impeccable craftsmanship. The brand offers a wide range of products, including ready-to-wear, handbags, footwear, accessories, fragrances, and home decor.
Copley Place |
 John Fluevog Shop Online> Unique footwear brand known for its distinctive, artistic designs and high-quality craftsmanship. Fluevog shoes range from boots and heels to dress shoes and casual footwear, with each pair showcasing a mix of vintage and contemporary influences. Newbury Street |
 Michael Kors Shop Online> Sale> Renowned fashion brand offering luxury accessories, ready-to-wear clothing, and stylish footwear for women, men and children. Known for its sophisticated style, combining contemporary trends with classic elegance. Burlington Mall, Shops at Chestnut Hill |
 Michele Lopriore Shop Online Sale> Shoe store for women with exclusive Italian design and quality workmanship and materials. Copley Place, Chestnut Hill Mall |
 Neiman Marcus Shop Online> Luxury department store known for its spectacular selection of high-end fashion, designer accessories, and exclusive lifestyle products. Neiman Marcus offers a carefully curated range of designer apparel, fine jewelry, beauty, and home decor from prestigious brands.
Copley Place |
 Saks Fifth Avenue Shop Online> Luxury department store renowned for its high-end shopping experience. Offers an exquisite selection of luxury apparel, accessories, beauty products, and home goods from top designers, including Chanel, Gucci, and Prada, alongside emerging fashion labels. Prudential Center, Copley Plaza (men's) |
Premium Shoe Stores in Boston
 Abercrombie & Fitch Shop Online> Sale> Iconic American retailer known for its casual, youthful, and trendy clothing for women, men and children. Offers tops, tees, jeans, pants, dresses, rompers, swimwear,
accessories, and footwear. Newbury Street, Faneuil Hall, Burlington Mall, Northshore Mall South Shore Plaza, Natick Mall, Marketstreet Lynnfield |
 American Eagle Outfitters Shop Online > Clearance> Check Clearance! Fashion brand with men's and women's clothing, shoes and accessories. "We are the go-to destination for casual style... Cambridgeside, Burlington Mall, South Shore Plaza, North Shore Mall, Lynnfield |
 Anthropologie Shop Online Sale> Upscale lifestyle brand with eclectic assortment of women's clothing, shoes, bags, jewelry, accessories, home decor, bridal and cosmetics. Visiting an Anthropology store lets you explore a unique world of products from all over the world reminiscent of a bazaar. Newbury Street, Harvard Square, Seaport, Burlington Mall, Chestnut Hill, Burlington Mall, Natick Mall, Lynnfield |
 Bobbles and Lace Shop Online Stylish and affordably chic boutique known for its wide selection of contemporary women's fashion. The store offers everything from trendy dresses, tops, and denim to handbags, shoes, and an eye-catching jewelry collection, with most items typically priced under $100.
Newbury Street |
 ECCO Shop Online> Sale> Danish footwear brand founded in 1963, offering high-quality, comfortable, and stylish footwear. Designed for comfort, functionality, and sustainability
Burlington Mall |
 Francesca’s Shop Online Clearance> Check Clearance! Nationwide chain of women's boutique-style stores with dresses, handbags, shoes, accessories, unique gifts and home décor. Chestnut Hill, Newton, Burlington Mall, South Shore Plaza |
 Freebird Shoe store specialized in high quality boots of their original designs. Newbury Street |
 Hoka Shop Online> Performance footwear brand known for its maximalist cushioning, innovative technology, and commitment to enhancing comfort and performance for runners and outdoor enthusiasts. Desogned for runners, hikers, and walkers seeking high-performance, comfortable footwear. Prudential Plaza |
 Inkerman Startup shoe brand offering comfortable, high quality and stylish, footwear that's honestly priced and built to last. All outlets are located in pop-up stores nationally to sell directly to consumers at lower cost. Seaport Area |
 J. Jill Shop Online> Sale> National retailer offering stylish and comfortable women's apparel, accessories, and footwear. Known for its relaxed yet sophisticated aesthetic, J.Jill caters to women seeking versatile and timeless pieces that can be effortlessly integrated into their everyday wardrobes. Copley Place, Burlington Mall, North Shore Mall, South Shore Plaza, Lynnfield |
 Johnston & Murphy Shop Online> Sale> Distinguished American footwear brand known for its high-quality craftsmanship, classic style, and enduring legacy. Founded in 1850, Johnston & Murphy has built a reputation for producing sophisticated and durable shoes for men and women. Burlington Mall |
 Scandic Footwear Shop Online> Footwear brand known for combining Scandinavian design aesthetics with comfort and functionality. The brand focuses on creating high-quality shoes that reflect the simplicity, elegance, and practicality characteristic of Scandinavian style. Burlington Mall |
 Steve Madden Shop Online Back to School Sale> Back to School Sale! Outlet store for Steve Madden offering a wide range of products, including shoes, handbags, accessories, and apparel. The brand is synonymous with affordable luxury, blending high fashion with everyday wearability. Assembly Row Mall |
Budget Shoe Stores in Boston
 Aldo Shop Online> Sale> Global retailer specializing in high-quality, fashionable footwear and accessories for men and women. Known for its stylish designs and affordability. South Shore Plaza, Burlington Mall, Square One Mall Saugus, Natick Mall, North Shore Mall |
 DSW Shop Online> Clearance> Check Clearance! Shoe store/warehouse with an extensive selection of footwear and related accessories. Downtown Area, South Shore Mall, Northshore Mall |
 Famous Footwear Shop Online> Discount shoe store with brand-name shoes and sneakers for men, women and children. Carries popular brands like Nike, Adidas, Converse, Vans, Skechers, and New Balance, providing options for casual, athletic, and dress footwear
South Shore Plaza, Square One Mall, South Bay Center |
 Foot Locker Shop Online> Back to School Sale> Back to School Sale! Well-known global retailer of athletic footwear and apparel. Offers apparel from top brands such as Nike, Adidas, Jordan, Puma, and many others.
Cambridgeside, South Shore Plaza, Square One Mall |
 Nordstrom Rack Shop Online Back to School Sale> Back to School Sale! Off-Price version of famous Nordstrom Department store. Offers Clothing and shoes for men, women and children as well as bags, accessories, jewelry and cosmetics. Newbury Street, Liberty Tree Mall |
 Off Broadway Shop Online Well-known retailer specializing in discount shoes and accessories. They offer a wide range of footwear, from casual and dress shoes to boots and athletic shoes. Liberty Tree Mall, Patriot Place |
 Old Navy Shop Online Sale> Nationwide fashion retailer with clothing for the whole family, including for men, women, girls, boys, toddlers and babies as well as maternity clothing Downtown Area, Liberty Tree Mall, Square One Mall, South Bay Center, South Shore Plaza |
 Primark Shop Online Back to School Sale> Back to School Sale! Multinational clothing brand with affordable and stylish clothing and shoes for women, men and children as well as accessories and cosmetics. Downtown Area, , Burlington Mall, South Shore Mall |