No matter how expensive or beautifully cut your clothes are, if you're wearing crummy shoes it spoils the whole look. So if you're serious about your appearance you need to get some well-made shoes that will last--not any of those cardboard and imitation leather jobs you can pick up in the discount shoe barns. If you live in Austin you're in luck, because it has plenty of great places to buy shoes.
Instructions
1. Take care of all your shoe shopping in one spot at Karavel. Located in a complex of shops on Burnet, it carries dress, work, athletic, orthopedic and kids shoes. Karavel carries such brands as ECCO, New Balance, Dansko, Birkenstock, Timberland, Mephisto and Rockport and even does special orders.
2. Head over to In Step, the shoe shop that specializes in comfortable shoes that pamper the feet rather than torture them. Sandals are the big item here, from Birkenstocks and flip flops to to dressier designs. You can also find crocs, clogs, vegan/leather-free shoes and shoes designed for outdoor and active pursuits.
3. Show off your quirkiness with some Fluevog's from Atomic City, shoes that are as much collectible works of art as they are coverings for your feet. Shoes and boots aren't the only things for sale here, though. There's books, postcards, posters, odd toys and lots of just...stuff. The shop is like a hoarder's version of Pee Wee's Playhouse.
4. Mosey on down South Congress to Allen's Boots for a wide selection of cowboy boots from Tony Lama, Lucchese, Justin, Dan Post and lesser-known makers. If cowhide is a little too run-of-the-mill for you, pick out some boots made of ostrich, pig, iguana, buffalo, or kangaroo. Allen's also stocks a full line of cowboy hats and Western wear.
5. Run to RunTex, the shoe store with the highest profile in Austin and the de facto center of the local running community. It has an unparalleled selection of trail, track and road running shoes for men and women. Two of its stores are located a few hundred yards from the Lady Bird Lake Hike and Bike Trail. And RunTex also sponsors numerous running events, offers free running workshops and workouts and organizes running groups.
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