Walter Steiger

Profile

Walter Steiger designs his shoes in Italy with meticulous detail, and pays equal attention to his 25 retail showcases around the world. The New York outpost boasts an imposing stone facade on the outside, yet looks like a living room on the inside. Steiger's collection runs the gamut from elegant, low-key black silk pumps to sandals with bling, eye-awakening color, and fun patterns like oversize polka dots. The smaller men's leather line is equally deluxe. The Upper East Side ladies who come to this boutique come not to browse, but rather to buy in the comfort to which they're accustomed: Big brown couches, beige rugs, long black drapery, and attentive service. — Susan Avery

Biannual sales, early summer and early winter for six to eight weeks.