Best Shoe Store

"When you're a rookie, you get the word not to buy shoes until you get to Atlanta." Michael Jordan had one spot in mind when he told GQ magazine that back in the '80s: Friedman's Shoes. Talk about timeless, this shoe store is as legendary as the celebrity clientele whose autographed photos and jerseys decorate the walls. When you specialize in extra-large shoe sizes, from 8 to 22, you tend to attract a lot of pro athletes. Former Hawks star Dominique Wilkins was a regular during his reign. Hell, the whole team was in Friedman's heyday, not to mention practically every other player in the NBA. A visit to the store in South Downtown today is like a three-story shopping museum for players who prefer old-school gators and contemporary Italian designer boots. Bruce Teilhaber, whose father-in-law Philip Friedman founded the shoe store in 1929, has laced his share of icons with some fancy footwear. Like the time when boxing promoter Don King dropped $64,000 on 110 pairs of shoes in one visit. In a sense, Friedman's is still one shoe store where size still doesn't matter. Just ask Shaq, whose 22D shoe size stays in stock. less...

Cher Horowitz famously quipped in Clueless, "You see how picky I am about my shoes and they only go on my feet." We couldn't agree more. Shoes make or break every outfit. Roll out of bed in sweatpants, put on a hot pair of kicks and you'll look like a million bucks. Epitome, the new shoe boutique in Buckhead, puts luxury on its toes with its carefully curated selection of sneakers, heels and accessories. The store, which opened in July, is a culture clash of hip-hop high-tops, preppy boat shoes, indie gladiator sandals and party-girl pumps. Out-there selections like American flag platforms next to biker-chick heels may seem at odds, but somehow the mashup makes sense at Epitome. The lighted Plexiglas walkway gives the store a space-age vibe while sunglasses rest on pads of Astroturf. The future's so bright, we got to wear sneakers. 252 Pharr Road. 404-869-8700. epitomeatl.com. less...

When you’re a label-lover without the salary of a CEO, finding deals on designer kicks can be a challenge. To help with the dilemmas of your sole, check out ALEXIS’ SUITCASE CONSIGNMENT BOUTIQUE. Part boutique and part consignment shop, Alexis’ two locations offer dazzling deals on flats, pumps, boots, kitten heels and stilettos, including Prada, Jimmy Choo and Michael Kors — at a minimum 25 percent markdown. After 50 days on the shelves, all items are knocked down to half price. But don’t wait too long. Competition can get fierce. 7878-G Roswell Road, 770-390-0010; 5805-I State Bridge Road, 770-813-1883. www.alexissuitcase.com. less...

When you’re a label-lover without the salary of a CEO, finding deals on designer kicks can be a challenge. To help with the dilemmas of your sole, check out ALEXIS’ SUITCASE CONSIGNMENT BOUTIQUE. Part boutique and part consignment shop, Alexis’ two locations offer dazzling deals on flats, pumps, boots, kitten heels and stilettos, including Prada, Jimmy Choo and Michael Kors — at a minimum 25 percent markdown. After 50 days on the shelves, all items are knocked down to half price. But don’t wait too long. Competition can get fierce. 7878-G Roswell Road, 770-390-0010; 5805-I State Bridge Road, 770-813-1883. www.alexissuitcase.com. less...

Our shoe obsession may not be on the Carrie Bradshaw level, but whenever we feel the urge to decorate our feet with a new strappy number, we head over to SOLE in the Edgewood Retail District. It offers a more unique and varied selection than your average department store, complete with name-drops such as Jeffrey Campbell, Tsubo and MC & Power. Whether you're looking for a classic pump or a trendy pair of sandals, the knowledgeable and friendly staff at Sole can outfit your feet. less...

If you’ve got a Carrie Bradshaw-size designer shoe fetish but a salary more like a grad student’s, we recommend a trip to Saks Fifth Avenue’s Semi-Annual clearance Sale. With names like Jimmy Choo, Chanel, Gucci, Marc Jacobs and Prada lining the racks at up to 60 percent off, you won’t have to worry your pretty little head about where you’ll find the rent money. A helpful hint: If you don’t see your size, don’t assume they don’t have it. Salespeople here are friendly, so speak up and ask them for help — they often keep other sizes in the back.
404-261-7234. www.saksfifthavenue.com.

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With a dizzying selection of men's and women's shoes to choose from, and prices up to 50 percent off the suggested retail, DSW SHOE WAREHOUSE is a must for the shopaholic on a budget. Like most discount stores, new inventory arrives weekly, so visiting often is completely acceptable. Organized by style, shoes run the gamut from Kenneth Cole and Steve Madden to pricier Marc Jacobs and Valentino. Scour the clearance racks in the back for markdowns up to 80 percent off. Plus, DSW offers a reward program that earns points toward even more savings. "1 Buckhead Loop, Suite 205. 404-869-4166. www.dswshoe.com" less...

If it's shoes you covet, there is no better place for fabulous footwear than BOB ELLIS. Drool over legendary names like Manolo Blahnik, Jimmy Choo, Gucci and Prada, as well as cutting-edge designers such as Alexandra Neel and Marc Jacobs. With price tags starting at $400, you may be reduced to living like a pauper. So be it. It's impossible to put a price tag on feeling like a princess. Handbags, sunglasses and men's shoes are also available. "3500 Peachtree Road, Suite A3. 404-841-0215." less...

Make sure you wear your walking shoes when visiting DSW SHOE WAREHOUSE, as there are rows and rows to stroll through at this discount shoe haven. Upon walking in, head straight to the back clearance racks, where shoes can be up to 80 percent off. Recent finds include Marc Jacobs stacked heel T-strap sandals and Calvin Klein satin flats. If it's fashion's most desirable names you want, then head to the far right of the store, where high-end shoes line the wall along with most of the store's evening shoes. From there, work your way left to find sassy kitten heels, hip flats, trendy boots and every style in between. DSW also has a selection of men's and women's sneakers and a small selection of men's shoes. "One Buckhead Loop, 404-869-4166, and other locations. www.dswshoe.com" less...