Where in Chicago should my mother and I go shoe shopping?

March 18, 2010 4:35 PM

Where in Chicago should my mother and I go shoe shopping?

My mom is coming to visit me in Chicago in a few weeks, and we want to go shoe shopping. She likes comfort shoes (clarks, dansko, etc.), and I like comfortable shoes with a bit more (or just younger, i guess) style (frye, camper, etc.). When she's not around, I sometimes go to Akira, but I think it might be too high-heel-centric for her. I've only been to the downtown store, though.

I know Nordstrom will be able to accommodate both our needs, but I'd rather find someplace a bit smaller, with a more curated, boutique-y feel. Is there a Chicago equivalent to pdx's Imelda's?

Just in case it matters, I live on the south side, and she'll be staying downtown. We'll probably be getting around on the CTA.

posted by dizziest to Shopping (10 answers total)

It's pretty Hyde Park in atmosphere (which is to say not so much boutique-y, although it's a perfectly nice store), but Wesley's Shoe Corral in Hyde Park has that kind of shoe.
posted by craichead at 5:49 PM on March 18, 2010

One and only one store popped into my brain: Lori's Shoes. My mom and I love this place and I guarantee it will have shoes to appeal to both of you (and some pretty decent deals too!). They are located at 824 W. Armitage Ave.

http://www.lorisshoes.com/default.asp
posted by muxnaw at 6:24 PM on March 18, 2010 [1 favorite]

Maybe try City Soles/Niche in Wicker Park? I'm not sure how much they have geared towards moms, but a lot of their shoes tend to skew trendy/comfy (I've bought a pair of Camper sandals there).
posted by awegz at 6:31 PM on March 18, 2010

Best answer: It seems to me that Hanig's might fit the bill for both you and your mom. They are certainly larger than a boutique (or at least the one I've visited in Lincoln Park) but carry many of the brands you've mentioned and they have a certain funk all their own.
posted by DrGail at 7:07 PM on March 18, 2010

Have you ever been to DSW? It's a huge store with alot of selection and good deals. There's one off the Belmont red line and apparently one on South Canal st. It's a do-it-yourself kind of place so you can have alot of fun trying on different stuff. Great for two people with different tastes.
posted by amethysts at 9:55 PM on March 18, 2010

I totally failed on reading comprehension on the last part of your post. DSW might still be fun, though.
posted by amethysts at 9:58 PM on March 18, 2010

Best answer: I'd agree with Hanig's for sure. There are 3, but I think the biggest store is the one on Diversey and Clark (a bit of a stroll from the Brown line stop, but both Clark and Broadway buses run by there.) Otherwise, maybe the Fluevog store on North in Wicker Park? There used to be a shop in Lincoln Square called Traipse that would fit the bill, but they may have closed. That's a cute neighborhood if you're in the mood to explore.
posted by travertina at 8:24 AM on March 19, 2010

Located in Uptown Alamo shoes is really good. Close to the Redline Berwyn stop
Alamo Shoes 5321 North Clark Street, Chicago, IL‎ - [phone] http://www.alamoshoes.com/
posted by cuando at 11:45 AM on March 19, 2010

i like the bakers in the loop on state street. there is also an Akira shoes across the street. there's also an aldo a few stores down from the bakers.
posted by MXJ1983 at 2:35 PM on March 19, 2010

Response by poster: Hanig's was perfect, and I plant to check out some of the others during my last few months in Chicago. Thanks, all!
posted by dizziest at 12:14 PM on April 18, 2010