Rome Shoes

In Italy, you’re only as good as your shoes. And we’re not talking about comfort: Birkenstocks are only sold at religious outfitters. (Jesus wore sandals.) Being glamorously shod is not a luxury here, but a way of life. Rome may have more shoe stores per square kilometer than any other city in the world, and offers everything from €10 sandals at outdoor markets to jewel-encrusted silk numbers whose prices are “available upon request.” Luckily, there are many stylish, moderately priced stores—to fit in with locals, trade your flip-flops for leather sandals, preferably with heels. Pragmatists should note that Via Nazionale is home to a number of larger shoe stores with wide selections, quality products, and reasonable prices.

Elisheva, V. dei Baullari 19 (☎06 68 71 747), off Campo dei Fiori. This small boutique solves your shoe problems with their array of sexy sandals, plus a number of daytime flats (from €40). Bright colors are fun for summer. Open M-F and Su 10am-8pm. AmEx/MC/V.
Loco, V. dei Baullari 22 (☎06 68 80 82 16), near Campo dei Fiori. Sells fun shoes for a younger crowd. Quirky sandals, flats, boots, and sneakers, but fashion comes at a price (from €100). Open M 3:30-8pm, Tu-Sa 10:30am-8pm. AmEx/MC/V.
Trancanelli, P. Cola di Rienzo 84 (☎06 32 34 503). Shoe store for the young, restless, and rich. Brands like Tod’s, Hogan, and Sergio Rossi are of impeccable quality but will cost you. The store also stocks a few less expensive lines, like the quirky Mallorcan company Camper. Open M 3-7:45pm, Tu-Sa 9:30am-7:45pm. AmEx/MC/V.
Bata, V. Nazionale 88A (☎06 679 15 70), V. di Due Macelli 45 (☎06 482 45 29). 250 shops in Italy and 6000 shops world-wide stocked floor-to-ceiling with functional, affordable shoes. Open M-Sa 9:30am-8pm, Su 4-8pm. AmEx/MC/V.
Mada, V. di Croce 57 (☎06 67 98 660). A very popular women’s store, Mada carries conservative, classic, and comfortable shoes. Located in a fashionable shopping district, its (relatively) cheap prices make it a favorite among Roman women. Shoes around €100. Open Tu-F 9:30am-7:30pm, Sa 9:30am-1:30pm. AmEx/MC/V.
Petrocchi, V. di Orso 25 (☎06 68 76 289; www.calzoleriapetrocchi.it), north of P. Navona. Since 1946, Bruno Ridolfi has produced the sort of classy men’s and women’s shoes that never go out of fashion. All shoes are hand-made, but don’t come cheap. €350 prêt-à-porter. €750 customized. Open M 4-8pm, Tu-Sa 10am-1pm and 4-8pm. AmEx/MC/V.
Eventi, V. d. Fontanella 8 (☎06 36 00 25 33; www.eventiup.it), off V. del Corso toward P. del Popolo. 2nd location at V. dei Serpenti 134. Funky men’s and women’s shoes with a selection of clothing to match. Heels and flats around €100, but keep an eye out for generous sales. Both locations open M-Sa 9am-1pm and 3:30-8pm. AmEx/MC/V.