The best shoe stores in Boston

Its location in Harvard Square is a no-brainer, as the selection of Vans, Toms, Dr. Martens and Converse fits the student demographic (and anyone else looking for cool kicks) to a T. Seasonal styles like Wellingtons and strappy sandals are salient picks. Keep your eye out for dirt-cheap sidewalk (literally) sales.

At first glance, it looks like any other convenience store, the window lined with faded bleach bottles and paper towels. Something's odd though—the kid behind the counter is a little too stylish, the water stains on the ceiling are too perfect, the horse race on the TV seems to be caught in a loop and none of the bottles of detergent seems to have moved in months. Step in front of the faux Snapple vending machine, to activate the hidden sliding door and reveal the secret store within a store. Inside is the ultra-modern interior of Boston's flyest sneaker shop—carrying rare kicks from Nike Tier Zero and Adidas Consortium, as well as deluxe streetwear and books on art and design.

With its selection of vintage cowboy boots, be-yoked Western shirts and belt buckles bigger n’ Texas, this leather-laden shop is an Americana oasis in the Yankee desert that is Boston. In business since 1932, Rick Walker's is a bootlovers’ dream, with pointy-toed pairs stitched and embellished in every which way.

Not sure if you’ve noticed, but Boston takes its running pretty seriously. Marathoners and recreational joggers alike flock to this running store (victoriously located at the Boston Marathon finish line in Copley Square), where associates let you test-run different shoe styles for fit. Snag some socks and some insoles, and you’re off to the races.

It's not all antiques shops round these parts. This stylish little boutique stocks a tempting mix of shoes, bags, jewelry and accessories from popular designers such as Marc Jacobs, Hollywould, Tory Birch and Taryn Rose. The general style leans towards colorful and girly, and prices are mid-range to high.