Paris: Where to Shop [I]

In the past few years, Christian Louboutin's red-soled shoes have become synonymous with the epitome of French style. For those travellers who can't spend their entire hotel budget on a pair of heels (no matter how beautiful they are) and those who just don't want the same pair of shoes everyone else has, there are some other fantastic places to shop for shoes in Paris.

When in Paris, shop for shoes at...

Candice - 14, rue de l'Ancien comédie      (M) Théâtre de l'Odéon

You won't find any expensive shoes at Candice. There are no brand names. Some of the shoes come without boxes. But in spite of the plethora of manmade fabrics and blatant knockoffs, the French have a distinct advantage when it comes to low-priced merchandise that North Americans never will. The shoes at Candice are all made in Europe. Granted, they are made by underpaid and overworked Europeans, a fact that is evident upon close inspection, but these shoes will surprise you. They are immediately comfortable and shockingly durable. If you really feel like you need a pair of red patent Oxfords, even though you know in your heart of hearts you'll only wear them once, Candice won't disappoint- and the prices are low enough that you can avoid buyer's remorse entirely.

Jonak - Ten locations in Paris

If you've been admiring the motorcycle boots all girls in Paris seem to own in every imaginable neutral shade, head to your nearest Jonak location to find a pair of your own. A veritable institution in Paris, the Nakam family has been making quality footwear since 1964. Buying a pair of their boots is like buying a Parisian souvenir- and it's a much better investment than an Eiffel Tower key chain.

Minelli - Twenty-three locations in Paris

Minelli has a lot in common with North American Aldo. They offer low-to-mid priced basic and trendy footwear- some of it is leather, while some of it falls into the 'other' category. But, being that this is a French business, the store has a decidedly stylish twist. You won't find any fuchsia satin pumps in their window display; all of their shoes come in pleasing neutral tones- black, brown, beige, charcoal...- with the occasional glaring exception. Minelli is fond of purple. And they adore red.

Repetto - 22, rue de la Paix       (M) Opéra

The old standby of European ballerinas, this dancewear company recently expanded their line to include fashion footwear and handbags. Money cannot buy you a better pair of ballet flats than the ones Repetto makes, and they come in every colour in the known universe. (My current favourite is BB Star, a sparkly navy blue.) They aren't cheap, but in this case, you get what you pay for- consider your Repettos an investment in the health of your feet. (Or, if you aren't a fan of thinking practically, just consider them really pretty shoes. The strappy salomés are to die for.) The store offers serious service- they will measure your feet to ensure you get the best possible fit.