Downtown Florence is best experienced on your own two feet. Though cobblestones and a carless lifestyle can wreak havoc on your shoes, the city’s unwritten dress code leaves little space for sneakers. Florence requires stepping up your style game; fortunately, comfortable shoes that can bear some street-beating are easier to come across than you might think. If you’re looking for everyday staples that will survive Florence (and wherever your feet may take you), we’ve rounded up some favorites…and where to find them. Price tags tend to swing toward the upper end, but these are investment pieces you’ll use for years.
The go-to flat
VIAJIYU | Ph. Prisca Tozzi
Heels have their time and place, but it’s certainly not when you’re dodging Florentine traffic, groceries in hand. Concept boutique VIAJIYU (1) sells handcrafted, customizable, made-in-Italy flats, from classic ballerinas to pointed-toe models to tasseled loafers. Visit the shop by appointment only.
Walking in style
Running errands or walking to work may be one thing, but be realistic: for long days of sightseeing and the like, a shoe designed for wear-and-tear is what you need. Nod to the ‘90s with a retro pair of Doc Martens (2), available at Desii, where they also stock sample sizes of Jeffrey Campbell shoes. They’re so rock-solid they’ll resist years of full days on your feet, and though far from elegant, they’re bold enough to show you put some thought into your look.
The classic boot
The enduring over-the-knee trend hasn’t quite yet earned “timeless staple” status. Head to Maledetti Toscani to score modern Tuscan models that are ruggedly classic. It’s all in the detailing: look for fashionable flourishes like the snakeskin patches on the pictured model (3)—they’re neutral enough for regular rotation, but add a bit of edge to your everyday look.
