Sole Focus
Whether you are into classic, comfy or mildly sadistic styles, Valley shoe lovers can rejoice. Three terrific shops are now part of our retail landscape.
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CategoryFashion
FOR UPTOWN GIRLS
Ladies, you don’t need to go over the hill for an array of high-end shoes anymore. The Kingdom in Calabasas opened this past summer—stocked with everything you’d find in the shoe department at Barney’s and more.
Opened by a former real estate broker and a fashion industry executive, the luxury boutique offers 1,400 square feet of space that includes a velvet sofa, crystal chandeliers, herringbone oak floors and chinoiserie wallpaper.
But don’t kick back too much. You’ll need every ounce of energy to shop. The boutique carries Gucci, Manolo Blahnik, Balmain, Saint Laurent, Alexander McQueen, and what every “shoe freak” seems to want these days, Gianvito Rossi and Aquazzura.
4719 Commons Way, Suite G, Calabasas
FOR SANDAL LOVERS
Jerusalem Sandals offers more than what you might expect, with its line of handcrafted leather shoes (for both men and women). Sure, the biblical-style sandals come in standard black and dark brown, but they also include an array of vivid colors like red, which make them feel a bit more contemporary. Other interesting twists: versions with buckles as well as ones with thinner, more feminine straps that crisscross.
The Valley-based couple who owns the shop discovered the sandals when they took a trip to Israel and soon began importing them.
Posted photos of celebrities like Sharon Stone (sporting the red) and Annabeth Gish wearing the styles have trendy types from the westside venturing into the Valley to get their hands on a pair.
4325 Woodman Ave, Sherman Oaks
FOR SOPHISTICATED TYPES
Valley-based fans of the Brentwood Habit Footwear + Accessories were thrilled when the boutique opened in Studio City. The elegant shop offers high-quality shoes with a California- casual vibe. Most look and feel comfortable but are still sophisticated.
There is an eclectic assortment of brands including Trask, as well as some that are new to you. Prices tend to be moderate— more than some of the more stylish shoe store chains— but well below the level of popular designer brands.
Expect terrific one-on-one customer service; you won’t ever feel rushed or pressured to buy here. Handbags and jewelry are also available.
12069 Ventura Place, Studio City
