Racked is no longer publishing. Thank you to everyone who read our work over the years. The archives will remain available here; for new stories, head over to Vox.com, where our staff is covering consumer culture for The Goods by Vox. You can also see what we’re up to by signing up here.
Now that the snow and salt have cleared, Bostonians can actually wear shoes other than rubber, waterproof clunkers. Break out those freshly manicured toes and slide into something slinky, suede, or sensitive—maybe tackle all three on a particularly lovely day. Should you consider expanding your shoe collection this spring, here are Boston's 10 best bets for footwear.
Sudo has vegan footwear for days, catering to locals who have a hard time finding veg-friendly goods. Shop boots, sandals, and more from trend-conscious brands like Madden Girl, Roni Kantor, and Blowfish, as well as Marais USA's cruelty-free offerings.
Concepts is a Cambridge institution specializing in high-demand collabs and all the hype that surrounds a major release from Clarks, Nike, New Balance, and other iconic brands in skate and street culture. It also offers pieces from fashion legends like Margiela and Lanvin.
This girly Charles Street boutique (and Racked 38 member) is known for a top-notch selection of footwear and accessories. Explore trendy updates on classics from contemporary brands like Rebecca Minkoff, Dolce Vita, Kate Spade, Joie, and more.
The Downtown Crossing location of this national-chain is gigantic, with multiple levels and a clearance department the size of most other shoe boutiques. You're almost guaranteed to snag whatever type of footwear you seek—and at a majorly steep discount.
From Danner boots to New Balance collaborations, Ball and Buck stocks cool men's footwear that is also functional in the outdoors. Better yet—it's all made in the good ol' US of A.
With roots in footwear, The Tannery devotes the entire first floor of its flagship to the category. Stylish-yet-comfortable lines (Kork Ease, Mephisto) sit alongside trendy must-haves (like Charlotte Olympia's coveted smoking slippers, for example). You'll find a full range of shoes to satisfy any craving from men's Alden boots to Yves Saint Laurent stilettos.
Boots are the first thing to come to mind when thinking Frye (they do stock hundreds of styles)—but the Americana-loving leather brand has quite the sandal collection too, including wedges, strappy flats, and slip-on thong sandals. The historic building alone is worth checking out.
This Newbury mainstay is all about footwear, with relatively inexpensive styles from Jeffrey Campbell, Chinese Laundry, Havaianas, and many more on its displays.
Knock out all the luxury brands in one building at Copley Place. Grab sky high booties at Jimmy Choo, sleek or sensible pumps at Stuart Weitzman, flats at Tory Burch, or peruse to-die-for labels at Barneys.
When thinking of Bodega, the notion of a sneaker mecca comes to mind (and what it's known the world over for)—but the legendary disguised shop also stocks streetwear-friendly styles from Filling Pieces, Vans Vault, and Converse First String.
Sudo has vegan footwear for days, catering to locals who have a hard time finding veg-friendly goods. Shop boots, sandals, and more from trend-conscious brands like Madden Girl, Roni Kantor, and Blowfish, as well as Marais USA's cruelty-free offerings.
Concepts is a Cambridge institution specializing in high-demand collabs and all the hype that surrounds a major release from Clarks, Nike, New Balance, and other iconic brands in skate and street culture. It also offers pieces from fashion legends like Margiela and Lanvin.
This girly Charles Street boutique (and Racked 38 member) is known for a top-notch selection of footwear and accessories. Explore trendy updates on classics from contemporary brands like Rebecca Minkoff, Dolce Vita, Kate Spade, Joie, and more.
The Downtown Crossing location of this national-chain is gigantic, with multiple levels and a clearance department the size of most other shoe boutiques. You're almost guaranteed to snag whatever type of footwear you seek—and at a majorly steep discount.
From Danner boots to New Balance collaborations, Ball and Buck stocks cool men's footwear that is also functional in the outdoors. Better yet—it's all made in the good ol' US of A.
With roots in footwear, The Tannery devotes the entire first floor of its flagship to the category. Stylish-yet-comfortable lines (Kork Ease, Mephisto) sit alongside trendy must-haves (like Charlotte Olympia's coveted smoking slippers, for example). You'll find a full range of shoes to satisfy any craving from men's Alden boots to Yves Saint Laurent stilettos.
Boots are the first thing to come to mind when thinking Frye (they do stock hundreds of styles)—but the Americana-loving leather brand has quite the sandal collection too, including wedges, strappy flats, and slip-on thong sandals. The historic building alone is worth checking out.
This Newbury mainstay is all about footwear, with relatively inexpensive styles from Jeffrey Campbell, Chinese Laundry, Havaianas, and many more on its displays.
Knock out all the luxury brands in one building at Copley Place. Grab sky high booties at Jimmy Choo, sleek or sensible pumps at Stuart Weitzman, flats at Tory Burch, or peruse to-die-for labels at Barneys.
When thinking of Bodega, the notion of a sneaker mecca comes to mind (and what it's known the world over for)—but the legendary disguised shop also stocks streetwear-friendly styles from Filling Pieces, Vans Vault, and Converse First String.
:format(webp)/cdn.vox-cdn.com/uploads/chorus_image/image/45274390/2014_04_boston_shoe_stores.0.jpg)
:format(webp):no_upscale()/cdn.vox-cdn.com/uploads/chorus_image/image/62443314/52625_165749146784185_4116794_o.0.0.jpg)
:format(webp):no_upscale()/cdn.vox-cdn.com/uploads/chorus_image/image/62443315/Flagship-Photo-Concepts.0.0.jpg)
:format(webp):no_upscale()/cdn.vox-cdn.com/uploads/chorus_image/image/62443316/gus_20131103_1210.0.0.jpg)
:format(webp):no_upscale()/cdn.vox-cdn.com/uploads/chorus_image/image/62443317/croppedimage567356-IMG-2906.0.0.jpeg)
:format(webp):no_upscale()/cdn.vox-cdn.com/uploads/chorus_image/image/62443318/gus_20130829_2072.0.0.jpg)
:format(webp):no_upscale()/cdn.vox-cdn.com/uploads/chorus_image/image/62443319/gus_20130703_3580.0.0.jpg)
:format(webp):no_upscale()/cdn.vox-cdn.com/uploads/chorus_image/image/62443320/gus_20130514_8140.0.0.jpg)
:format(webp):no_upscale()/cdn.vox-cdn.com/uploads/chorus_image/image/62443321/2841.0.0.jpg)
:format(webp):no_upscale()/cdn.vox-cdn.com/uploads/chorus_image/image/62443322/Screen_20Shot_202014-04-24_20at_2012.39.59_20PM.0.0.png)
:format(webp):no_upscale()/cdn.vox-cdn.com/uploads/chorus_image/image/62443323/gus_20131111_1003.0.0.jpg)