1237 S. Michigan, (312)834-0909, houseofsole.net (1 votes, average: 5.00 out of 5)
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Goods: Shoes and accessories for women. Designers: Shoes by Chie Mihara, Corso Como, CYDWOQ, Camper, Fornarina and Sam Edelman; handbags by Jack Blue and Cate Adair; candles by Seda France. Owner: Tiffany Bullock ditched a fifteen-year career in finance to open a shop devoted to her true passion. Vibe: Uncluttered, organized and full of joy. Bullock’s enthusiasm and knowledge make this a fun, easy shopping experience. Price Range: Inexpensive-Expensive. The Look: Shoes from this collection are for the gal who wants to rock the current trends, but isn’t willing to sacrifice comfort. Luckily, the naked eye can’t see bonuses like the extra padding near the toe of a Corso Como heel. Shopper’s Perks: Bullock makes a point to stock shoes that will flatter all types of feet, so both wide-soled and narrow-footed shoe lovers can find something that looks and feels great.

UPDATED OCTOBER 2009

House of Sole

4341 N. Lincoln, (773)935-5511, traipseshoes.com (No Ratings Yet)
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Goods: Shoes for men and women as well as a select line of CYDWOQ bags. Designers: CYDWOQ, Cordani, Tsubo, Camper, Chie Mahara and Trippen. Owner: Margaret Jung had her heart set on opening a clothing store until she tried on a pair of CYDWOQ shoes. Now she travels the world to handpick shoes for her Lincoln Square boutique. Vibe: The small, sparsely decorated space can seem intimidating since there is no room for the salespeople to hide, but browsing is highly encouraged. Price Range: Moderate-Expensive. The Look: A touch from Traipse would elevate a pair of sweats to the look of a laidback hipster.

UPDATED OCTOBER 2009

Traipse

UPDATE: City Soles is closing its Southport location on February 15, 2010.

2001 W. North, (773)489-2001 (City Soles), 1566 N. Damen, (773)489-2001 (Niche), 3432 N. Southport, (773)665-4233, citysoles.com (No Ratings Yet)
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Goods: Shoes and accessories for men and women. Designers: Shoes by Camper, Chie Mihara, Tsubo, Pour la Victoire, Coclico, Corso Como, Farylrobin, CYDWOQ, Cynthia Vincent and Pajar; handmade bags by (h(om)e). Owner: Scott Starbuck, who’s been working with shoes since he was in high school, opened City Soles in 1991. Vibe: Funky window displays feature everything from old street signs to stained-glass flowers. Inside, oriental rugs, cowhide chairs and leather sofas create a downtown-living-room feel. Price Range: Moderate to expensive on the City Soles side; expensive to luxury in Niche. The Look: This shopper has a shoe fetish and a city life. He/she wants to run to catch the El without spraining an ankle; but slipping on an old pair of Reeboks (and wearing ‘em with dress pants) is out of the question. Shopper’s Perks: Buy ten pairs of shoes and get $100 off an eleventh pair.

UPDATED OCTOBER 2009

City Soles Bucktown

City Soles

Niche Wicker Park

Niche

City Soles Lakeview

City Soles

UPDATED SEPTEMBER 2008