It’s A Freaky Shoe Summer: The Top Five NYC Shops For the Freakiest Finds
While the list could go on and on, the next five shops are a smart way to start.
The world was once taken by storm when Maison Margiela reintroduced the ‘Tabi’ shoe into the luxury market. At first, the girls shielded their eyes in disgust, hailing it the “hoove shoe,” but now even the likes of Steve Madden have created their own versions. Thus entering the freaky shoe era. New York City has never been afraid of a bold (or weird) look, with proclaimed fashionistas taking on daring new silhouettes every day.
So, it only made sense that I searched high and low for the freakiest summer shoes NYC had to offer. While the list could go on and on, the next five shops are a smart way to start.
Komune—92 Orchard St., New York, NY
Doys Oxide Cocoon Ballet, $480.
Nestled on Orchard Street, Komune is a collective shopping experience that creates a platform for international emerging designers, specifically with an alternative edge. Doys, a shoe designer at Komune, piqued my interest with the two-fold leather color and square shape. Doys’ designers have a background in architecture and wanted to combine elements of a derby, a clog, and a boot. They present a truly strange piece of structural art, which includes a magnetic shoe display.
Future Treasure—96 Orchard St., New York, NY
A new store taking over the old storefront space of Zemeta is destined to bring the whimsy back into NYC streets. With the designers originating in Bangkok, the perspective of joy is illuminated by bright color and wild shapes. So, when I saw those peepholes peeking at me, I had to take them in for all of their wonder. The Otis Mules, designed by Brave Shoes, strive to reinvent the space age through geometric structure. If green isn’t your color, Future Treasure carries them in black and baby pink.
Miista—69 Orchard St., New York, NY
The ultimate freaky girl shop has now opened up its first American storefront in New York City. Miista, designed and manufactured in Spain, has taken the sustainability of its handcrafted leather products seriously. The brand, founded by Laura Villasenin, used its initial profits to buy its own factory to gain full control over operations and the supply chain. The craftsmanship meets a high standard of luxury while still offering an accessible price point. And quite honestly, when thinking of the perfect freaky shoe to showcase for Miista, the options were endless. However, the Lena Boot offered everything and more. From the square toe to the inverted wedge down to the open lacing - it’s delectable.
Café Forgot—29 Ludlow St., New York, NY
If you don’t come to Café Forgot for the freaky finds, at least let it be for the revolving clothing rack managed by an oversized lime green shirt button on the wall. A very elevated Hannah Montana moment. A well-kept secret for stylists and fashion enthusiasts, Café Forgot curates independent designers with a soft feminine flair. Almost as if Courtney Love and Sandy Liang had a love child. Yusho Kobayashi is the perfect example, taking a typical ballet flat to the next level with buckling and contrast material paneling. They are currently available only in-store.
Retail Pharmacy—39A Henry St., New York, NY
The unassuming store packs a powerful punch. The definition of freaky, strange, and eclectic, Retail Pharmacy aims to stock pieces you simply can’t find anywhere else. From hair necklaces to studded socks, store owner Sophia Boli seeks to create a community of emerging designers that don’t have the NYC representation that their unique pieces deserve. Using her background in retail and admiration for vintage, she’s honed in on the store’s distinct style. There is no better way to encapsulate the store's cool, weird energy than with Ashley Williams Trash Heels. Real trash is sewn under a transparent vinyl, literally showcasing that one man’s trash is another man’s treasure.
