Shoe shopping in Italy
 

Can someone please tell me where the best place is where one can buy Italian made shoes at reasonable prices in Italy ?I heard a while back that Italian shoes are cheaper to purchase in Greece,is this true ? <BR>I really have a hard time finding narrow fitting shoes,so your suggestions are welcome.

Juliet, darling, just go to Gucci, Prada, or any other luxury shoe store on the Via Condotti and buy yourself some shoes. Who cares how much they cost? Your feet are worth it. People who buy cheap shoes now, pay for it later when they spend a fortune at the podiatrist. Remember, Juliet, you can't spend your money when you are dead! Love, John G.

I'd also like advice on where to find high-quality, semi-reasonably priced shoes in Italy. I can buy Gucci and Prada at home - I'm looking for shoes that can only be purchased in Italy, and are finely crafted. I'm not interested in paying triple for a name like Blahnik, however - I'd rather spend less for a lesser known craftsman. Any ideas? We'll be in Rome, Florence, Siena (& environs), Venice, and Bologna.

(Blushing) I just discovered that if I'm after unique Italian shoes, it's a good thing I'm not after Blahnik, since he's not Italian!! Of course, in retrospect he doesn't sound particularly Italian, but since he's the most famous shoe designer I can think of, I have just always thought he was. Which just reinforces the point that I need some help in identifying shoemakers in Italy . . .

topping, good question!!! hope you get answers as I could use the advice also.

Andrea, you may be able to get Gucci or Prada shoes at home, but not a the prices you can get in Italy. I have literally paid $150 less for a pair of Ferragamo shoes in Firenze that I saw in Barney's New York. If you go to Gucci on the Via Condotti in Roma, you will see it full of Asians ripping things off of the shelf to take back with them because they are so cheap compared to prices at home. John G

When in Florence, try Gilardini on the corner of Via Cerretani and Borgo San Lorenzo and also their other store less than a block down on the corner of Via Cerretani and Via Zanetii. Great shoes, good prices and made to last a lifetime.

Blahnik may not tbe Italian, but his shoes are made there. <BR> <BR>It's true; unless you hit a really great sale here in the States, the prices of shoes in Italy are less and there is a greater variety of styles. <BR> <BR>I love you , JOhn G. <BR> <BR>Michele <BR> <BR>Try Ferragamo for narrows.

Michele: We shoe whores have to stick together. :)

Try Raspini, in Florence. They're a departmental store, and carry their own brand as well (which run between 80 -150 USD), in addition to Prada, Gucci, Ferragamo, etc. They carry both trendy as well as conservative shoes. I also found the Pradas and Ferragamos to be cheaper (sometimes up to 40%) in Italy than in the US.

julilet - there is a Prada outlet in Tuscany - the Store is called "SPACE" I can't remember the name of the village - but the locals should know. Ask your hotel concierge!

I am a shoe fanatic and I also wanted to buy shoes while I was in Rome this summer. A "local" suggested the brand Villaverde. They are hand made and you can't find them here in the States. There is a shop at the airport. I am sure there are more in Rome. <BR> <BR>I was looking for comfort and quality and I got it! <BR>Good luck!