Get Your Kicks: Beijing’s Best Bets for Footwear
Decathlon
One stop shop for everything sports and fitness related. This successful French brand has grown to four different locations around the city and it’s not hard to see why. Prices are reasonable and the products are sturdy. Chances are, Decathlon will have the right footwear for you whatever sport. Hiking boots start at RMB 149, running and walking shoes are RMB 99 for adults, RMB 59 for children, while football shoes cost RMB 49-299.
1) Dajiaoting, Sun-Thur: 9am-9pm, Fri-Sat: 9am-10pm. 95 Dongsihuan Zhonglu, Chaoyang District. (8777 8788) 朝阳区东四环中路195号); 2) Laiguangying, Sun-Thur 9am-9pm, Fri-Sat 9am-10pm. 66-1, Xiangbin Road, Laiguangying, Chaoyang District. (6779 8886) 朝阳区来广营香宾路66-1号; 3) Longde, Daily 10am-10pm. 186 Litang Lu, Longde Square, Changping District. (8484 4848) 昌平区立汤路186号龙德广场
Deal
Here’s the place to pick up a cool pair of kicks. This shop has an excellent choice of girls’ and guys’ casual shoes. Brands include Puma, New Balance, Birkenstocks, Alife, Japanese cult brand Visvim and even Uggs. It also happens to be one of the few places in Beijing which stocks limited-edition Nike sneakers.
Daily 10am-8:30pm. 280 Gulou Dongdajie, Dongcheng District. (6402 8262) 主题潮流鞋店, 北京市东城区鼓楼东大街280号
Lane Crawford
This luxury goods retailer has the most comprehensive variety of high-end shoe brands like Jimmy Choo, Marc Jacobs, Miu Miu, and YSL – a must browse store for the stylistically inclined.
Daily 11am to 8:30pm. L130, Seasons Place, 2 Jinchengfang Jie, Financial Street, Xicheng District. (6622 0808) 西城区金融街金城坊街2号金融街购物中心L130
Long.com
Don’t be fooled by the “.com” – this is a real-life shoe store, with a vast selection for men and women. The emphasis is on youthful fashions, especially when it comes to flip-flops and strappy sandals (RMB 400). Ladies’ shoe sizes range 35-43, men’s 39-50.
Daily 10am-9.30pm. Nali Mall, Sanlitun Lu, Chaoyang District. (8643 2880) 龙.com, 朝阳区三里屯路那里市场内
Pi’erman Maoyi
This cobbler works wonders with leather. Using a photo that you supply, he’ll manufacture a comfortable and sturdy pair of shoes or boots in about three weeks. Quality – not to mention popularity – comes at a price, however. Expect to pay upwards of RMB 600 and RMB 1,200 for shoes and boots, respectively.
Daily 9.30am-9pm. 37 Gulou Dongdajie (just west of Jiaodaokou), Dongcheng District. (6404 1406) 东城区鼓楼东大街37号(交道口路口往西)
Sheng Hui Shoes
This small shop can give new life to a practically dead pair of shoes (about RMB 80 for a complete repair). They can also dye shoes, custom-make shoes and boots and fix leather and suede articles, including handbags. Additionally, the shop sells all kinds of sprays, polishes and tonics.
Daily 10am-10pm. B1/F, Pacific Century Place, 2A Gongti Beilu, Chaoyang District. (6539 3888 ext 1009). 生辉鞋业，朝阳区工体北路甲2号太平洋百货地下1层
Store #3017
Recreate any of your favorite Manolo Blahnik or Christian Louboutin shoes for RMB 1,000-2,000 (price depends on your bargaining skill). They work in a variety of leathers including suede, snakeskin and crocodile skin. Each pair takes 15 days to complete. They also custom-make bags and suede coats.
Daily Room 3017, 3.3 Shopping Mall, Sanlitun Beilu, Chaoyang District. (133 4115 8795, 133 9162 5461) 朝阳区三里屯北路33号3.3购物中心3层3017