NOTE: All updates to this listing are now here.
UPDATE: City Soles is closing its Southport location on February 15, 2010.
2001 W. North, (773)489-2001 (City Soles), 1566 N. Damen, (773)489-2001 (Niche), 3432 N. Southport, (773)665-4233, citysoles.com
Goods: Shoes and accessories for men and women. Designers: Shoes by Camper, Chie Mihara, Tsubo, Pour la Victoire, Coclico, Corso Como, Farylrobin, CYDWOQ, Cynthia Vincent and Pajar; handmade bags by (h(om)e). Owner: Scott Starbuck, who’s been working with shoes since he was in high school, opened City Soles in 1991. Vibe: Funky window displays feature everything from old street signs to stained-glass flowers. Inside, oriental rugs, cowhide chairs and leather sofas create a downtown-living-room feel. Price Range: Moderate to expensive on the City Soles side; expensive to luxury in Niche. The Look: This shopper has a shoe fetish and a city life. He/she wants to run to catch the El without spraining an ankle; but slipping on an old pair of Reeboks (and wearing ’em with dress pants) is out of the question. Shopper’s Perks: Buy ten pairs of shoes and get $100 off an eleventh pair.
UPDATED OCTOBER 2009
City Soles Bucktown
Niche Wicker Park
City Soles Lakeview
UPDATED SEPTEMBER 2008