This originally appeared in the October 2015 print edition of OTTAWA magazine. Above photo (cropped): Ben Welland

Fluevog
61 William St.

John Fluevog’s unconventional shoes, boots, and sandals are functional works of art. Featuring bold colours, quality leather, and quirky heels, footwear from this Canadian designer has been spotted on the feet of film and rock stars, bloggers, and brides. The new ByWard Market boutique is a showcase of creativity and design and is a must-see for shoe lovers.

THIS FALL: Meet the Rockstar family, a new heeled Mary Jane; a lace-up pump called The Fascination; and The Seraphina, sexy new lace-up boots featuring a scrolled heel that parts in two at the bottom and comes in black as well as a black-and-blue metallic snake print.

Glebe Trotters
860 Bank St.
This Glebe mainstay is a reliable source for quality footwear. For over 20 years, Paul Shields and his friendly and knowledgeable staff have been fitting people looking for that perfect shoe, whether it be a practical pump or a colourful pair of kicks to wear to school. Glebe Trotters boasts the largest Blundstone selection in the city; other popular brands include Clarks, Ecco, Keen, and El Naturalista.

THIS FALL: Prepare for the mayhem that
ensues as the temperature drops (and the snow falls) with waterproof, stylish ankle boots — and a return to the styles of the 1990s.

Letellier
146 Rideau St.

In business since 1897, this well-established shoe store has survived two fires and gone on to expand to a 6,000-square-foot store in the centre of the city’s busiest shopping district. The family business focuses on comfort and quality, with a wide selection of men’s and women’s footwear from such brands as Beautifeel, Pajar, La Canadienne, Mephisto, and Naot. Women looking for a more fashion-forward style that doesn’t sacrifice craftsmanship should check out Hispanitas.

THIS FALL: The popularity of garnet as a fall colour can be seen in Ecco’s line of streetwear-inspired shoes, as well as boots from Merrell.

Nordstrom
50 Rideau St.

It opened to much acclaim in March 2015, and the U.S. department store continues to garner attention for its exclusive lines, beautiful displays, and customer service. Check out the shoe section for the latest styles in footwear from such brands as Jimmy Choo, Manolo Blahnik, Vince, and Steve Madden. Men won’t want to miss the shoe-shine service — a Nordstrom tradition.

THIS FALL: The styles of the ’60s and ’70s are back! This time, plat-forms, stacked heels, and power pumps get the modern treatment for a look that is retro and confident. Oxfords and brogues from Cole Haan and Allen Edmonds are popular picks for men.

Wolf & Zed
519 Sussex Dr.

This shop, which is part of the Schad family of stores, is a mecca for shoe lovers. Owners Andre and Chantal Schad are always ahead of the curve when it comes to bringing in the hottest styles from around the world — but they maintain it’s not about the trends. Rather, the lineup showcases fashion-forward, quality footwear for men and women.
THIS FALL: Look for high- and low-top sneakers in neutral colours, booties, and subtle printed styles, as well as classic boots from Palmroth and playful styles from Switzerland-based Ikkii. Green, grey, and garnet are top choices.