• Goliath RF

  175 E. 105th St., nr. Lexington Ave.; 212-360-7683.

  This Spanish Harlem landmark is constantly calibrating its selection to reflect trends in the sneaker world—currently evolving away from crazy eighties-inflected colors and puffy athletic styles (though they’re carried in the store) toward simpler, more elegant kicks meant to be worn as dress shoes. The stock runs from the standard Nikes, Pumas, and Reeboks to more upscale Pro-Keds ($90), Supra ($150), and Android Homme ($240), as well as collectible limited-edition pairs. To cement its relationship with its clientele, owner Rosemary Frazier hosts Fourth of July barbecues in the neighborhood and bowling nights at Bowlmor Lanes in Union Square.

From the 2010 Best of New York issue of New York Magazine