London is a shoe lover’s dream, with hundreds of shops selling thousands of different styles and brands of footwear. Whether you’re looking for a large selection that will keep you browsing for hours, or a more intimate shopping experience in a boutique, you’ll find the best of the capital’s shoe shopping here.
1. Selfridges Shoe Galleries
You’d naturally expect something special from Selfridges and its shoe department doesn’t disappoint. The Shoe Galleries takes the title of the world’s biggest shoe department, stocking over 5,000 pairs from 120 brands. Whether your style is more Converse or Jimmy Choo, you’re sure to find something here.
Selfridges, 400 Oxford Street, London, W1A 1AB
2. Irregular Choice
The ultimate spot for playful and original design, this Carnaby Street boutique is as unique as the shoes it sells. Japanese street fashion, Alice in Wonderland and everything in between inspires the stock on offer. There’s even an unconventional bridal collection and a small range of bags, accessories and clothing.
35 Carnaby Street, London, WC1 7DP
3. Kurt Geiger
Kurt Geiger’s flagship store in Covent Garden is a Mecca for shoe-lovers, and is conveniently located opposite the famous market and just a short walk from the Royal Opera House. Whatever style you’re looking for from ballet pumps to stiletto heels, you’ll find it here with some stylish accessories to match. Even if you’re not buying, it’s worth a visit to check out the famous shoe chandelier centrepiece.
1 James Street, London, WC2E 8BG
kurtgeiger.com
4. Size?
If you’re more into trainers than heels, head straight for Size?. With its huge selection of brands, exclusive designs, and a decent selection of men’s sportswear, Size? is a must-visit for trainer fanatics.
37A Neal Street, London, WC2H 9PR
5. Jimmy Choo
No list of best shoe shops would be complete without Jimmy Choo and the Bond Street boutique is worth a visit even if you’re just window shopping. If you want to splurge on completing an outfit for a special location, or you simply want to try on a few pairs and feel like Carrie Bradshaw for the afternoon, this is the place to be.
27 New Bond Street, London W1S 2RH
6. Church’s
Church’s is one of Britain’s original shoe manufacturers and the brand can be traced back as early as 1675. The heritage styles are popular with everyone from politicians to James Bond (the costume designer chose them to go with Pierce Brosnan’s suit) and if you can afford the investment, these are high-quality leather shoes that will last you a lifetime.
108-110 Jermyn Street, London, SW1Y 6EE
7. Nicholas Kirkwood
Acclaimed British shoe designer, Nicholas Kirkwood, works out of the studio above this Mayfair boutique, which showcases his unique architectural designs. The shop is as much a gallery than a store, with each style displayed for viewing on a floating shelf against a whitewashed wall.
5 Mount Street, London W1K 3NE
Shop Nicholas Kirkwood at Harrods
8. Harrod’s Shoe Heaven
London’s most luxurious department store naturally offers a glamorous experience when it comes to shoe shopping. Enjoy browsing 16 luxury shoe boutiques with marble floors and plush velvet seating, including Chanel, Christian Louboutin and Gucci.
Harrods, 87-135 Brompton Road, Knightsbridge, London, SW1X 7XL
9. Grenson
In business since the late 1800s (originally as William Green & Sons), Grenson should be your go-to for military and utilitarian-style lace-up boots, not to mention hard-wearing and stylish brogues. Grenson’s Bloomsbury location stocks both its mens and womens collections.
40 Lamb’s Conduit Street, London WC1N 3LB
Shop Grenson at MATCHESFASHION
10. French Sole
Specialising in ballet flats, this sweet boutique is a favourite of celebrities and the designs have been seen on Kate Middleton and Kate Moss. There’s also a small selection of handbags and boots – just don’t expect to see any heels!
61 Marylebone Lane, London W1U 2PA
Photo by Amanda Vick on Unsplash
