Fashion

8 Must-shop Vancouver Shoe Stores

While we're all still excited about Nordstrom bringing its legendary shoe department to town, we wanted to give a nod to some of the other fab footwear stores that grace the city's streets

By Ariane Fleischmann /

Credit: Umeboshi

Eight great local shoe stores to warm your soles

Umeboshi: 3638 Main Street

Umeboshi owner Stephanie Gorrell has an eye for hand-crafted footwear and independent labels from around the world. You can always count on finding something both functional and beautifully designed when you step into this little shop on Main Street in Mount Pleasant.



Credit: gravitypope

gravitypope: 2205 West 4th Avenue

A Canadian footwear institution, Gravity Pope’s 4th Avenue shop is full to bursting with a curated collection of men’s, women’s and children’s footwear. Among the designer labels (Michael Kors, Fluevog, Isabel Marant), their eponymous in-house line offers enviable styles at affordable prices, but the best deals are at their annual warehouse (sorry guys, not until next summer!)



Credit: Livestock

Livestock: 141 East Pender Street

For the best in urban footwear, stop by one of Livestock’s three Vancouver locations. With brands like New Balance, Timberland, and some great Adidas collaborations, you’ll be dancing down the street in no time.

Locations: 141 East Pender St, Vancouver; 1709 West 4th Ave, Vancouver; 239 Abbott St, Vancouver



Credit: Rowan Sky

Rowan Sky: 334 West Cordova Street

Known not only for its great selection of footwear but also some pretty dapper accessories, Rowan Sky is a go-to for fall trends. Throw in a gorgeous bag like the Aunts & Uncles Heartbreaker in Coffee and you’ll be sure to catch someone’s eye this winter. (If you’re lucky, it might be that adorable in-house dog they’ve got!)



Credit: El Kartel

El Kartel: 104 East Pender Street

Not only does El Kartel offer classics like Converse and Vans, this Chinatown staple showcases artwork from international and up-and-coming local artists and hosts some pretty stellar events. Add to that the in-store DJ and shoe shopping became a whole new experience.



Credit: Kalena's

Kalena’s: 1526 Commercial Drive

Is there anything quite like the smell of Italian leather? With the largest selection of Italian shoes and accessories in Vancouver, you’ll feel like you stepped into the old world when you visit Kalena’s. Grab an espresso and slip your feet into a supple pair of leather shoes, and you’ll never want go back to regular shoes again.

Locations: 1526 Commercial Dr, Vancouver; 229 Mountain Highway, North Vancouver



Credit: John Fluevog

John Fluevog: 65 Water Street

What Vancouver shoe store list would be complete without mentioning the iconic John Fluevog. The two-story glass-and-brick Gastown location opened its doors in 2008 just a block away from the original Fox & Fluevog that started it all. Not only is this location the flagship, it’s John Design Studio and HQ. Definitely worth a peek.

Locations: 65 Water St, Vancouver; 837 Granville St, Vancouver



Credit: Poppy Barley

Poppy Barley: 4386 Main Street (for a five-day popup event)

These days you can find shoes a-plenty online, but sometimes the brick-and-mortar experience is, well, a little more fun. Online retailer Poppy Barley (also headquartered with a store in Edmonton) has teamed up with Little Mountain Shop for a five-day Vancouver popup shop from December 2 to 6. Be sure to pop in while they’re in town!

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