If you seeking elegant but traditional shoes for special occasions such as a weddings, or need…read moreappropriate footwear if your profession has a formal dress code then Arabesque is worth a visit. They stock Italian and Spanish designer shoes that are smart but comfortable classics, beautifully made from leather and suede that will lift your stature with out being excruciatingly high or ultra trendy. The target here is really for the well heeled older woman, but on the other hand I have noticed there are good sales on here so the prices are by no means out of sight. So I should confess my eye is on some rather nice wedge heel black suede numbers. There is also a selection of classic handbags to marry with the shoes. It's very old school in here, with a charming, gentlemanly proprietor in charge. As a small shop, the service is attentive so is best for those who are genuinely interested in the stock rather than casual browsers.

I always knew the summer was coming to an end when we made that long trip across Belfast to go get…read moreschool shoes in Reids. It was both exciting and depressing in equal measure. This shoe shop is huge, and it's pretty old fashioned. But something must be working because it has stood the test of time. I think it must be a family business to have survived this long. Apart from school shoes, I know a lot of people that go there to get wedding shoes (my mother included) and other occasion footwear.

A true Belfast institution and famous for its selection of children's school shoes. It also sells…read moremens and ladies shoes and I think it's fair to say that you won't find anything really fashion forward here, more like traditional and good quality men's shoes like Barkers and ladies boots and shoes for the over 30s. There is a wide range of kids school shoes so even the fussiest little darling should find a pair they like here. Top marks also for the balloon and Fredo Frog that goes in the bag with every pair. A really clever and appreciated little touch that I've never found anywhere else. I'm going to go against my own selfish rules for keeping bargains to myself and share the secret of the Reids kids shoe sale. Held once a year around Hallowe'en, it has some of the best bargains I've ever seen. For example all kids Geox trainers are reduced to an unbeatable £15. Given that Geox can be up to £50 full price, that is a really great sale. Here are the essentials - go early on the first morning of the sale, take cash as they don't accept cards in the sale, sharpen your elbows and bribe the children with whatever it takes to get them to do as they're told in among the slightly crazed crowds. You'll emerge battered and exhausted but with some of the best bargains ever.

Shoe Zone is a stockist of all kinds of footwear for men, women, and children. This is a real 'no…read morefrills' shop (which, in general, are becoming hugely popular in these tough economic times) and while you're not going to find a pair of Jimmy Choo shoes or expensive Italian loafers in here, they do have a decent selection of footwear, ranging from trainers and boots to slippers and sandals. This is the type of shop you love to find when you're on holiday and realise that you've forgotten a pair of trainers, or the shoes you bought a month ago aren't nearly well enough broken in yet for walking around Belfast or up at the Giant's Causeway. Cheap and cheerful is the essence of this shop - I picked up a pair of desert-type boots here for under £13. Considering those type of boots all look the same with a pair of jeans, they were a bargain. This wouldn't be a bad place to kit the kids out with their 'back to school' shoes, either.

From the owner: Shoe Zone is the UK's leading value footwear retailer. We love nothing better than helping our…read morecustomers find exactly the right shoes, and always at affordable prices. Our huge selection of shoes for all the family means that whatever the occasion, whatever the outfit, you're sure to find something you'll love.

I never usually venture into stores like this. And not without reason, as I recently discovered…read morewhen visiting Rojo. The most stunning designer shoes line the walls of this sleek footwear boutique, in every shape, size, colour and style you could possibly imagine. And we're talking big names here - Chanel, DKNY, Gucci - the real deal as it were. Yet, despite the designer names, the price tags weren't quite so bad as I thought they would be. Fair enough, £129 isn't exactly what I would spend on a pair of shoes, but it's all about the label, dahling. A few awe-inspired moments were spent gazing at the multitude of beautiful, and well-reduced due to the sale, shoes. It was at this point that I felt completely out of place, and I think everyone else realised this fact too. Despite my best efforts to fit in (I was wearing my £55 heeled brogues), it was never going to happen. Perhaps it was the Primark jeans that gave me away, or the fact that I looked like a small child in a toy shop, but either way, I was determined to make a swift exit (via the UGG section of course...they have the most gorgeous blue boots for ladies, and turquoise ones for girls). As long as you put your best foot forward, or ensure that the shoe's on the other foot, you'll be fine. Or something like that...

The onset of autumn is unfortuate in some ways but the good thing is all the latest boots that…read morestart appearing in the shops, because that's how I prefer to encase my feet in the winter. In Rojo they're somewhat beyond range at £180+ on average but there was a pair of black suede ones for less. They'd last for 10 years with fair treatment without looking out of place, so compare that to what you might fritter over the same period on cheap stuff and you've got a case for some serious purchasing...Ok, maybe not yet. Anyway - there are also the shoes and the clothes section but as far as I am concerned Rojo is about the boots.

Barr & Co probably hasn't changed in 30 years, and, indeed, why should it? It caters I would say…read moremainly for older people - men and women - with a selection of soft and inexpensive shoes and slippers that would be comfortable and easily worn on tired feet. The biggest nod to fashion trends or any form of quirkiness would be the zebra striped wellington boots, imitation crocs and the almost irresistibly cheerful tiger feet slippers! Other stock includes various children's shoes, slipper and wellingtons. Should you need gum boots, which are good for the snow (when it happens) but can be hard to find in the city, they've also got what are about the best in that line - proper black Dunlop ones and some green boots too.

Now I know feet can be a bit of squeamish subject for some people but sometimes you just have to…read moreman up and get the beasts treated. I had to go here a while ago as I'd a minor foot ailment and I must admit I wasn't looking forward to it one bit. I made the appointment on the phone and the lady was totally pleasant and I immediately got a bit more relaxed and pencilled the date into my diary. Of course I was a nervous wreck by the time the date came around but the clean, calm surroundings of the surgery put me at ease. The staff were all quite young and very friendly so the whole process of registering and treatment was very relaxed. I know it's sometimes considered impolite to talk about this most heinous of subjects but feet need love too. Shuropdpy, despite the punning name, will provide that in an effective and professional manner. Oh, there's also an adjoining shoe shop which sells all kind've shoes and accessories in varying styles. Pros: Excellent, professional service. Cons: Don't be shy.

Searching for a place to get your limited edition/specialist trainers, look no more because Size?…read morehas you covered. Nike's, Adidas, New Balance to Vans Size? stocks pretty much every trainer you can think of. But this isn't really the place to come and get your sports trainers this is more of a fashion trainer shop - to clear up that's trainers that you wear for fashion purposes rather than to do physical activity. They also have some of the coolest clothes about from retro tracksuit tops to classic Fred Perry polo's. If you're looking for something that not everyone will have then Size? Is the place for you. It makes a welcome change from Topman and other High Street stores. One thing to note is that for limited edition trainers or rare clothing items you will pay a pretty penny so make sure you come with your wads of cash at the ready because Size? isn't cheap.

Here's one for all you sneaker pimps out there. Really great shop dedicated to all thing sneakery…read more If you're after a specific vintage Adidas shoe or simply want to update your grubby Converse this is the place to go to. The shop is well laid out with rows of suitably colourful and funky trainers. As someone who only has a passing interest in footwear it was great to see some of the 're-issued' footwear of yesteryear. There was a large selection of the Adidas vintage re-issues plus a whole load of Nikes/Converse stuff as well. Staff were cool, leaving me to browse unhassled and there even were a few racks of clothes looking a bit lonely hung over by the counter. Anyway's in here its all about the footwear, give it a go, there was a large rack of discounted/sale stuff so don't be put off by the prices. Pros: Great selection, good deals on sale items. Cons: You just want to collect the lot.

The ladies in La Femme are really helpful and they both spent plenty of time with me as I searched…read morefor a mother of the bride outfit for my mum. My mum is a larger lady and while La Femme does stock sizes up to 18/20 they are limited in the 20 sizes whereas other establishments stock right up to size 26. This is a good place to find really formal outfits and the attached shop has dressy more expensive everyday clothing. You can also pick up hats and jewellery in this nice, bright and spacious establishment. I didn't see anything to suit my mum but we will both be back very soon for another look. I drove by recently and there are some gorgeous new pieces in the window.

Again, being a male I have little need to go in here but I am stitching together information from…read moremy friends and family that have shopped here and they all found it a pretty good shopping experience. La Femme has earned a really good reputation for what I'm reliably informed are mother-of-the-bride, mother-of-the-groom or what somebody explained to me was a 'second wedding outfit'. This is apparently what the bride, or someone formally dressed changes into for the knees up part of the wedding day. From all reports this has a relaxed and friendly atmosphere and they pride themselves on keeping up to date with all the latest fashions. This place is well worth checking out if you are planning a wedding and want to spend lots of money.