Giraudon shoe boutique, 8th Avenue

With just two shops (one in Chelsea, and one in Chicago's cool Bucktown 'hood) but a devoted mail-order following, Giraudon (152 8th Ave., 212-633-0999) is all about high-quality, high-end footwear, for both women and men. Expect substantial, happily chunky stuff that you could just as easily wear to work as to the Barracuda bar, around the corner (I don't recommend wearing such nice footwear in the video arcades at the Unicorn, however). The lace-up ankle boots are particularly snazzy, but don't overlook the sleek bowling shoe (come on? you're willing to fork over $200 for footwear intended for a bowling alley, right?), or the olive-leather sport drive shoe. There's also Kaju, a line for women featuring beautiful suede boots. Complement your new shoes with clothing at nearby boutiques like Brooklyn Industries, Universal Gear, and Gallerie H.