The clothes make the man. But most important are the shoes, which make the women, potential employers and homicide detectives pass a boatload of judgments about the man. If you don’t want people to suspect you rolled a Mormon missionary for his kicks, then head here, to Calgary’s best shoe stores for guys.
Checkm8
Though best known for their women’s offerings, this place is a reliable destination for some men’s styles from brands like Rockport and Clarks. And while the women’s offerings might be trend-driven, the men’s offerings – think desert boots, Wallabees and more – are timeless. Willowpark Village, 10816 Macleod Macleod Tr. S., 403-271-1597.
Gravity Pope
The 17th Avenue mainstay imports fashion forward styles from hard-to-find European brands like Zeha Berlin, MOMA and Punto Pigro. A favourite is Mr. Hare, a London-based gentleman who designed surf wear before starting this line of classically inspired but slightly offbeat Italian-made shoes. 524 17 Ave. S.W., 403-209-0691.
O’Connors
Calgary’s largest independent menswear boutique keeps it old school with classic brands like Alden and Allen Edmonds. Plus, they’re among the few places in town that employs a cobbler, though if you invest in a proper pair of shoes here, you won’t require his services for years. 1415 1 St. S.W., 403-269-4996.
Harry Rosen
Always reliable for classic styles, Harry Rosen has been outfitting Beltline bigwigs for decades. All the standards are here, from Ferragamo lace-up boots to Cole Haan loafers and Boss military boots to Allen Edmonds brogues. 317 7 Avenue S.W., 403-294-0992; 6455 Macleod Trail S.W., 403-252-2848.
Image courtesy of ChiBart.
