Urban Discoveries Baltimore

Where I’m from shoes matter. Scuffing a stranger’s kicks can get you a broken nose—and that’s just the men’s shoes. I was a shoe salesman in Atlanta shortly before I moved here, so one of the first things I noticed about Baltimore was that shoes just don’t seem very important to people here. That’s all right, but it doesn’t mean you can’t occasionally pick up a nice pair. Even if they don’t start any good fistfights.

Poppy and Stella in Fells Point (728 S. Broadway) is a sly little fancy-town boutique where you (you being a lady) will find plenty of inspiration when next you’ve got a wad to burn. These are shoes and bags one wears with the intention of being noticed, not necessarily with practicality or thrift in mind. There is a fairly reliable sale section, but is that really what you came here for?

Homey and indulgent, Ma Petite Shoes in Hampden (832 W. 36th Street) is a combination shoe-and-chocolate store that takes both lines quite seriously. There are in fact some shoes for men, but I feel that I needn’t name the target gender. With a range of prices, brands, and occasional (ask nicely) free tastings, this is a good store to visit with friends, sisters, or even Mom.

When it comes to men’s shoes, Baltimore’s no different than most places in America––you’ve basically got the discount warehouses and the mall brands. There is some good stuff in both. But if you’re feeling snooty and you’ve got money to spend, try Gian Marco Menswear in Mount Vernon (33 S. Charles Street). In addition to their distinctive clothing (suits) and sportswear (not for playing sports), they’ve got a limited but memorable selection of fine Italian shoes. Men’s shoes are in some ways trickier than women’s. You want to stand out, but you don’t want to look like a jackass. Gian Marco gets it right.

Finally, if you’re going to bother buying decent shoes, then you’ve got to take care of them. Make Eugene’s Shoe Repair in Roland Park (516 W. Coldspring Lane) part of your routine every few months––for polishing, heel repair, and resoling. It’s a tiny place, and the staff isn’t particularly sweet-tempered, but they know what they’re doing and they do it on the cheap.

Where’s your favorite place to get shod?

Posted in: Baltimore User's Guide, Fells Point, Hampden, Mount VernonNo Comments