The City:
Where to buy shoes
Whether you’re searching for the perfect pump or waiting for the hottest new sneaker drops, The City is your perfect sole-mate. From high-end brands along Edward St to high-street stores along Queen Street Mall, we’ve crafted this guide to shoe shopping in The City so you’ll always put your best foot forward.
Luxury footwear
QueensPlaza is Brisbane’s home of luxury brands. If you’re hunting for a fine pair of statement shoes, hot-step it into Balenciaga, Gucci, Salvatore Ferragamo, Dior, Fendi, Louis Vuitton, Saint Laurent and Scanlan Theodore for shelves upon shelves of dazzling designs. Queensland’s flagship David Jones store also carries an impressive shoe section with dedicated in-store mini boutiques for luxury brands.
Running along the QueensPlaza end of Queen Street Mall, Edward Street is home to an enticing line-up of luxury stores and brands. For men, look to Canali or Hugo Boss. While all three specialise primarily in clothing, they also stock curated ranges of high-end men’s footwear, from loafers and sneakers to leather shoes and boots. In the hunt for that perfect pair, it’s worth dropping into chic Italian label Gucci.
Specialist boutiques
For everyday luxury and style that won’t blow your budget, Queen Street Mall is home to premium national shoe brands that won’t compromise on materials, comfort or make. Treat your feet to a new pair of shoes from Nine West, Jo Mercer, RM Williams. Mimco also stocks a gorgeous shoe section for the ultimate in accessorisation.
For specialist shoe boutiques with a mix of brands and styles, look to Peter Sheppard on Edward Street. Operating since 1973, the boutique stocks more than 60 brands from Europe and the US. Likewise, Footgear in QueensPlaza focuses on comfort and fit in every style from fashion shoes to sports shoes. Both boutiques stock a great range for fashion lovers who need orthotic insoles or have wide or narrow feet.
For Ugg boots and sheepskin slippers, Queensland brand Skinnys is Australia’s leading specialist and you can find its flagship store in Uptown. For those on the tightest of budgets, try Famous, Spendless or Novo – also located in Uptown – for shoes under $50. Rubi, inside Queen Street Mall’s flagship Cotton On store, also sells affordable footwear.
Department Stores
Your one-stop-shop for all things fabulous and fashionable, the multi-storied David Jones department store has huge shoe sections for women, men and children. Here you can find mid-range and luxury footwear brands for work, play and special occasions.
At a lower price point, popular international fashion stores Zara and H&M – both fronting Queen Street Mall – have large shoe selections. Of course, you can always rely on Target in Uptown or Big W, in Edward St’s Macarthur Central Shopping Centre, for affordable, basic footwear.
Fashion stores with footwear
While clothes are the obvious focus at many Queen Street Mall fashion boutiques, there are a few brands that include footwear collections too. How better to complete a quirky Gorman outfit than with shoes that match the vibe, right? Or finish your chic outfit from Seed or Country Road with shoes to match.
Men's shoes
Beyond the mall’s big department stores and luxury menswear stores on Edward Street, there are a handful of dedicated shoe stores just for men. In Wintergarden, shop the latest looks and new season styles and in Uptown, step inside Florsheim for quality leather shoes made in Italy.
Menswear boutique Peter Jackson stocks shoe ranges in addition to their suits and clothing lines.
Sneakers
Looking for fresh kicks? If it’s streetwear you’re after, Hype DC, Universal Store and Platypus feature display walls filled with street and sports brands from Nike to Vans and everything in between.
If you’re searching for performance shoes for running, hiking and playing sports, there are two Rebel Sport stores off the mall as well as an Athlete’s Foot store, staffed by experts offering a more specialised fit. Foot Locker and its adjacent House of Hoops store on Albert St have every shoe you need to hit the basketball courts in style. For the sneakerheads, be sure to check out Laced and Subtype.
