Shoes are your friend.

As soon as I moved to Denver, I knew I needed a new pair of Birkentsocks. No, we’re not the crunchy, granola city that many accuse us of being(that’s Boulder, ha!), but I definitely wanted a fresh pair to add to my new spring/summer wadrobe. Dardano’s has all the Birk styles as well as clogs and sneakers for the most comfortable shoe options around. I believe these shoes are all actually good for your feet, too. So, after 5 days a week of torture and binding (my feet, you pervs), I let them recuperate with some Dardano’s love on the weekends.

If you happen to be a freak for sneaks, the 400 is well known around Denver as THE hottest store for kicks with attitude. Not your run of the mill athletic store selling running shoes…..the 400 is strictly about fashion. For everything from the latest designs to more limited-editions(is this art?) head to the 400 and bring your Benjamims. And hoody. And dope skinny jeans. ok…sorry.

My absolute favrorite shoe selection around for so many reasons. When I walk into Nordstrom, it’s almost as if chimes and bells start ringing; am I entering the Holy Gates? I love the lay-out which makes it easy to find flats, silvers, heels, patents…it’s well edited. You also have a section called B.P.(juniors) with fantastic prices for the latest designs. Salon shoes let’s me drool over Jimmy Choos and the main floor is a delightful, perfect mix of everything. I could live here. I love here.

For the trendiest shoes at a price more than 1% of us can afford, head to ALDO. This one, like most others, is located in a mall and has everything from simple flats to knock-out heels in every color imaginable. Bonus: Fabulous handbags at a great price to match your shoes!

Every gild is familiar with Nine West from our days growing up. Nine West has a selection of well made shoes for every occasion from business to cocktails. NW is a big supplier of Steve Madden, Via Spiga and other well known designers in this price range.

You walk through each aisle, slowly gazing from side to side to find a shoe for the weekend. Out of the corner of your eye, you spy a gun-metal skimmer peaking out from the aisle 5 feet over and you’re on your way to your right. Find your size from the stack of boxes beneath this cute shoe…OMG! they are out of 7.5’s!!! Have no fear, with as many shoes as DSW has, you will find another purchase-worthy shoe in your size. Selections for men, women, and from cheap and chic to designer, check it out when you want to hunt for your shoes. DSW is known for great deals.

Located on S. Broadway among the smattering of thrift stores and trendy boutiques, True Love fits right in and has a loyal following among the young stylies or just young at heart. Fashion forward pumps in bright primary colors stand out from the window, but when you step inside you’ll find everything from feminine ballet flats to vintage looking, stacked heels. If you want something affordable, unique and of-the-moment…..True Love should be your first destination. Who knows, you may just fall in love.

You may have to get a few visits under your belt before you get a smile out of Patrick, the main shoe guru at Cobbler’s Corner, but once you do you’ll be a customer for life. No frills here. Patrick and Pete keep track of your order by phone number and tell you the cost up front. I’ve had straps mended, heels polished, shanks replaced (what the heck?) and simply just had some shoes spiffed up for a special occasion. They sell Minnetonka Moccasins (even the fringed knee-high kind my hippy sister wore in high school) and fuzzy slippers. When I told them I was going to write about them, I got all kinds of smiles and poses out of them. Definitive local Denver business if I’ve ever seen one. Support your local businesses!