The best shoe store in America is a highly subjective idea. An idea that can be affected by location, selection, type of shoe style preferred, people behind the scenes, etc. So, here I lay out why I chose the store that I chose. This post was originally written in 2010. In fact, it was one of my original blog postings. I have decided to revamp my blog by updating my archives, post by post. Some, I will simply rewrite and leave where they are. Others, I will rewrite and re-publish them, as I am doing with this post.
Fourteen years ago, I wrote that the best shoe store in America was Leffot. And to this day, I still believe that. It is not necessarily because they have the best or largest selection, but rather for what Leffot has done for the shoe industry. The legacy of Leffot will forever be the first real multi-brand shoe store in the US that brought us high-end welted footwear from up-and-coming brands that shook the industry. One could argue that it was Wilkes Bashford or Bergdorf but neither one of those shops took the risk that Steven did by bringing brands like Corthay, Norman Vilalta, Hiro Yanagimachi, and Gaziano & Girling to the mix. ‘Wait,’ some of you will say that they did. And yes, they did, only after Leffot brought them. I know this as I went to the stores the same year that I went to Leffot, trying to sell Stefano Bemer shoes. Everyone turned me down, but at least Steven had the courtesy to listen and consider it.
Leffot helped to make a niche industry into the greatness that it is today by paving the way for small welted makers to come and present themselves to the vast market of America. I am one of those small makers that he helped. He did so by allowing me to come to present my footwear in his beautiful NYC shop. During these trunk shows, I met great friends like Chris Dillon of American Patina and Jake Mueser of J. Mueser New York, who eventually helped me launch in the US. The shop is a historical location for lovers of welted shoes.
He has done this selfless gesture for many brands we all know and love today. Even though they do not sell in his shop. This helped many people get their foot into the American market and ease people’s minds from an online purchase 5000 miles away that was more likely than not subject to import duties. The fact that Steven opened his doors to so many, for me alone, makes Leffot the best shoe store in America.
Leffot’s collection is vastly different now than it was 14 years ago. Times have changed and Steven Taffel, the owner, has gone a slightly different direction. And I get it. The industry has gone through tough times and it is a testament to Leffot’s greatness that it is still standing. One can only hope that it forever remains a staple piece of the NYC menswear scene and that Steven can once again bring obscure makers to his shop in the hopes of helping build the side of the shoe industry that stands for real craftsmanship and quality.
If you have yet to visit Leffot, I highly suggest you do. Just tell Steven that Justin sent you and you will be in good hands!
Learn more here: https://leffot.com/
—Justin FitzPatrick, The Shoe Snob
Shop · Marketplace · J.FitzPatrick Footwear
Brian Tepper
Justin,
Leffot is indeed a unique, fine shop and Steven is an extraordinary purveyor of fine footwear. However, don’t cut yourself short! You have had an awesome influence ,for your enlightened insight, sharing your experience and inspiration!
Cheers,
Brian
Justin FitzPatrick
Thanks Brian! While I love my shop and am bias toward it, my post was more about multi-brand shops 😉
Arthur Catalanotto
I agree with Brian Tepper.
Justin FitzPatrick
Cheers!! I appreciat that!
claude whalen
Leffot is like your blog, willing to show and discuss competitors’ shoes. Nice to see, helps the industry and educates buyers.
Justin FitzPatrick
Indeed. Steven is a great guy