United Nude's wedge slide.

I recently hit the shoe department at Saks as sale season began. The stiletto set was out in full force, buying up discounted designer styles—the higher the heel, the better. It was mayhem, and I felt right at home. That same day, I visited Soula (185 Smith Street, Boerum Hill, Brooklyn; 718-834-8423). Talk about shoe shock.

The store was bustling, but there wasn’t a stiletto in sight. In Boerum Hill, it seems, comfort rules. I can happily report, though, that here, comfort comes with style, thanks to owner Rick Lee’s discerning eye.

Now Boerum Hill boys don’t have to leave the Zip Code for sneakers by John Varvatos for Converse, Gola, or Puma. On date night, they can pop in for a pair of Camper or Terra Plana loafers. Women will find wedges by United Nude and Espace, espadrilles by Andre Assous, fun slides by Rafe New York. Prices are from $55 for espadrilles to $235 for those Terra Plana loafers.

What do the neighbors think? “People were very surprised that we weren’t a bar or a restaurant,” says Lee. “But they must be happy—we’ve already sold out of several styles.”

Related:

• Archive: “Shop Talk”
• Articles by Rima Suqi
• Table of Contents: Jul 12, 2004 issue of New York | Subscribe!