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Image via <a href="http://www.fredasalvador.com">Freda Salvador</a>.
Image via Freda Salvador.

Where to Buy Boots in San Francisco

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Image via Freda Salvador.

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It may not feel like it, with the fog finally lifting and the sun shining through, but fall is upon us. And nothing goes better with pumpkin spice lattes and apple picking than a brand new pair of boots. (Or maybe five new pairs?) Whether you're the bootie type or only wear over-the-knee, there's a local store for you to find your next sole-mate. After you restock your old faithful, try branching out to new styles. Cowboy boots will come in handy for next weekend's PBR rodeo in Oakland, and nothing cheers up a rainy day better than chic rain boots. So take a look through the map and plot your next city journey entirely dedicated to boots.


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Freda Salvador

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This local brand makes the coolest boots around. And every style has some sort of special detailing, from metal fringe to wrap-around laces, that will never go unnoticed. But buyer beware: even just one pair will lead to severe Freda Salvador addiction.

Shaw Shoes

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A San Francisco staple for over forty years, Shaw Shoes stocks the big guns like Cole Haan, Giuseppe Zanotti, Via Spiga, and Le Pepe. But the store's true highlight is its stash of chic rain boots. So if this winter proves to be a wet one (knock on wood), you know where to go.

Tal-Y-Tara Tea & Polo Shoppe

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Tal-Y-Tara is both a tea room and the only polo shoppe in the city. Here you'll find equestrian brands like Ariat that work double duty for horseback riding and striding around town. And psst, equestrian boots are as finely crafted as the ones from high fashion brands but at a marginally better price point.

Wingtip

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The Wingtip Club may steal most of the thunder, but the store's extensive boot selection is noteworthy, as well. For the man looking for the non-cowboy boot to add to his winter closet, look no further than Wingtip's line up of lace-ups and pull-ons.

Christian Louboutin

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The boots at Christian Louboutin won't take it easy on your piggy bank but they're so special that they warrant a trip to the Maiden Lane store—even if it just to take them for a spin around the showroom floor. But beware: once you imagine all the places and outfits that you'll wear those red-soled, tall leather beauties, you'll be walking out with a large, tan shopping bag on your arm.

Paolo Shoes

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The shoes at this Fillmore boutique are designed in SF and made in Italy, meaning they're the best of both worlds. And Paolo's boot selection offers a wide range for all tastes from comfortable flats to sexy high heels.

Acrimony

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Acrimony's boot selection isn't extensive but it is beautifully curated. Here you'll find brands like Rachel Comey and LD Tuttle and the kind of boots and booties that you'll wear for years to come.

Azalea Boutique

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This Hayes Valley store is the one you can always depend on to stock the current trends, boot styles included. So it's not surprising that it's the only place in town to try on the ever-stylish Anine Bing boots (like the studded ones that you constantly see on the feet of top bloggers).

Cary Lane

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Cary Lane is where you'll find designer boots at deep discounts. Selection varies based on shipments and inventory, but chances are high that you'll score on a pair (or five).

Piper's Shoe Parlor

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The store's ownership changed hands earlier this year, but you can still expect the same indie brands and impressive inventory as before. Here you'll find the kind of boots that no one else in the room will be wearing, like these Lucky Pony boots from Seychelles.

John Fluevog Shoes

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This Canadian shoe brand has a cult following—and for good reason. The boots are high quality and the designs are eye catching. That being said, there's more here for the guy or girl with tastes that trend toward retro and mod.

Sui Generis Consignment

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This consignment store has an ever-rotating selection of boots. And although you can't bet on finding your size, you can be sure to find high fashion brands and boots no matter the time of year. And for all those size 6 ladies out there, aren't these Chanel leather booties are calling your name?

OK Corral

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Working cattle may not be in your near future, but if it is—or if you just want a really nice pair of cowboy boots—this is the store to visit. Your boots will fit right in at the next line dance and at the rodeo. Plus, because they're actually made for work, they'll break in like a glove and you'll never want to take them off.
Like everything else in this store, the boots are classic and timeless. They're the kind of boots that you'll wear every day and with any outfit and never grow tired of how they look. But selection is limited so check the online store in advance if you're looking for something specific.

Painted Bird

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This vintage shop has the best taste in boots (with a penchant for Prada) but also an incredibly fast turnover rate. Keep an eye on the store's Instagram for a classic pair of brand name boots then call the store for first dibs at the goods.

Freda Salvador

This local brand makes the coolest boots around. And every style has some sort of special detailing, from metal fringe to wrap-around laces, that will never go unnoticed. But buyer beware: even just one pair will lead to severe Freda Salvador addiction.

Shaw Shoes

A San Francisco staple for over forty years, Shaw Shoes stocks the big guns like Cole Haan, Giuseppe Zanotti, Via Spiga, and Le Pepe. But the store's true highlight is its stash of chic rain boots. So if this winter proves to be a wet one (knock on wood), you know where to go.

Tal-Y-Tara Tea & Polo Shoppe

Tal-Y-Tara is both a tea room and the only polo shoppe in the city. Here you'll find equestrian brands like Ariat that work double duty for horseback riding and striding around town. And psst, equestrian boots are as finely crafted as the ones from high fashion brands but at a marginally better price point.

Wingtip

The Wingtip Club may steal most of the thunder, but the store's extensive boot selection is noteworthy, as well. For the man looking for the non-cowboy boot to add to his winter closet, look no further than Wingtip's line up of lace-ups and pull-ons.

Christian Louboutin

The boots at Christian Louboutin won't take it easy on your piggy bank but they're so special that they warrant a trip to the Maiden Lane store—even if it just to take them for a spin around the showroom floor. But beware: once you imagine all the places and outfits that you'll wear those red-soled, tall leather beauties, you'll be walking out with a large, tan shopping bag on your arm.

Paolo Shoes

The shoes at this Fillmore boutique are designed in SF and made in Italy, meaning they're the best of both worlds. And Paolo's boot selection offers a wide range for all tastes from comfortable flats to sexy high heels.

Acrimony

Acrimony's boot selection isn't extensive but it is beautifully curated. Here you'll find brands like Rachel Comey and LD Tuttle and the kind of boots and booties that you'll wear for years to come.

Azalea Boutique

This Hayes Valley store is the one you can always depend on to stock the current trends, boot styles included. So it's not surprising that it's the only place in town to try on the ever-stylish Anine Bing boots (like the studded ones that you constantly see on the feet of top bloggers).

Cary Lane

Cary Lane is where you'll find designer boots at deep discounts. Selection varies based on shipments and inventory, but chances are high that you'll score on a pair (or five).

Piper's Shoe Parlor

The store's ownership changed hands earlier this year, but you can still expect the same indie brands and impressive inventory as before. Here you'll find the kind of boots that no one else in the room will be wearing, like these Lucky Pony boots from Seychelles.

John Fluevog Shoes

This Canadian shoe brand has a cult following—and for good reason. The boots are high quality and the designs are eye catching. That being said, there's more here for the guy or girl with tastes that trend toward retro and mod.

Sui Generis Consignment

This consignment store has an ever-rotating selection of boots. And although you can't bet on finding your size, you can be sure to find high fashion brands and boots no matter the time of year. And for all those size 6 ladies out there, aren't these Chanel leather booties are calling your name?

OK Corral

Working cattle may not be in your near future, but if it is—or if you just want a really nice pair of cowboy boots—this is the store to visit. Your boots will fit right in at the next line dance and at the rodeo. Plus, because they're actually made for work, they'll break in like a glove and you'll never want to take them off.

Mill

Like everything else in this store, the boots are classic and timeless. They're the kind of boots that you'll wear every day and with any outfit and never grow tired of how they look. But selection is limited so check the online store in advance if you're looking for something specific.

Painted Bird

This vintage shop has the best taste in boots (with a penchant for Prada) but also an incredibly fast turnover rate. Keep an eye on the store's Instagram for a classic pair of brand name boots then call the store for first dibs at the goods.