Shoe Gallery

Is it time to make a pilgrimage to Shoe Gallery? The answer is a resounding, yes! Shoe aficionados come from far and wide, office workers rush over on their lunch breaks, college students visit during spring break, and middle schoolers flock in groups. Shoe Gallery is more than a boutique, it’s a landmark. So well-known that we wouldn’t be surprised if it eventually became a permanent stop on the hop-on-hop-off Miami city bus tour.

           

Founded in 1979 by Cuban immigrant Abram Waserstein, Shoe Gallery has stood the test of time, run now by Abram’s grandson, Danny, and achieving a fandom that spans generations. With grandparents frequently bringing their grandchildren for a shoe shopping field trip, it’s no surprise that this place has made it’s way into the hall-of-fame of Miami shopping destinations.

What you’ll find here are shoes. Hundreds of them from well-known brands such as Nike, Adidas, New Balance, and Saucony to the new kicks on the block, such as Karhu, Diadora and Oh. In the market for something less athletic? They stock casual brands such as Birkenstock, Sebago, Clarks, and Converse. What really drives its popularity are the limited-edition collections by brands such as Vault by Vans featuring collaborations with the likes of Marc Jacobs, Kenzo, WTAPS and Undercover. These coveted releases are often produced in batches as few as 500 pairs, and most often than not, Shoe Gallery is the place that stocks these highly sought-after collectors’ items. Even so, it may require a bit of luck, as some of these releases are so sought-after that they require a lottery ticket to purchase.

With prices about the same as any store at the mall, a visit to Shoe Gallery is a no brainer. It’s like the Disney World of shoes.

           

Photos courtesy of Shoe Gallery.