Life is too short for a boring outfit; and the easiest way to complete an outfit and make it stand out are with accessories, specifically shoes. Amidst all the supposed rage of Pakistani and Indian sandals people tend to ignore the fact that our local markets manufacture export quality shoes. This article's aim is to bring focus to such stores in Dhaka, which sell a variety of shoes and cater to the wants of even the most finicky customers. 

Jennys
This is a shop that is given much preference by people who are looking for a good buy within a set budget. But simply because this is a store for budget buys does not mean that the quality is compromised. Jennys has a wide-ranging collection of shoes in different styles and for different occasions for both men and women. The availability of regular use shoes and sandals are better. Having durable, comfortable and aesthetically made sandals at a very reasonable price is what makes Jenny a part of today's shoptalk. 

Apex
This is one of the better shops in Dhaka for the purchase of shoes for men. They have an extensive collection formal and casual wear. And even though this shop does keep a collection of women's footwear it is still more recognised for its men's collection as their emphasis on comfortable foot wear and their make of the footwear is more attuned to the taste of men's footwear rather than women's. 

Apex is also well known for not being an overly pricey store where most people can find well-made shoes within their desired budget starting from Tk3000 onwards. Additionally, having several branches across Dhaka city adds to their accessibility to customers.

Mayasir
One of the most well loved stores for clothing; it is also a wonderful shopping place for sandals and shoes, especially for ethnic style sandals like "nagras" and "kolapuris." 

Mayasir is a favourite of many women because they make matching sets of bags and shoes suitable for numerous occasions within a reasonable budget. The finishing of the sandals is very good as well making them more resilient to even everyday use. This is a store where you can get proper going out sandals from Tk2500. And it's easier to shop here because you can shop for your outfit and accessories under the same roof.

Aarong
This shop needs no introduction. Aarong, like Mayasir, has a selection of ethnic footwear with matching clutches or evening bags that would appeal to women and also has an extensive range of men's traditional and casual footwear. 

Aarong is a bit pricier than Mayasir but the collection is also larger and you will not only be paying for the name but the quality of goods. 

Shimmer& Cat's Eye
Both of these stores cater to niche clientele in the local market. Specialising in formal occasion wear, they have better options for heels for women.  Cats eye stocks more modern party wear which can be worn with saris and shalwar kameez sets but are more apt for parties. Heavy stone work foot wear to gladiators and tie-ups are all a part of Cat's Eye's footwear collection. 

The prices mostly depend on what sort of shoes you opt for but it is slightly on the pricier side of things. Shimmer is similar in its collection but it stocks more traditional party footwear. Shimmer has shoes that would not look particularly cohesive with western outfits but are perfect for weddings and such events, especially because Shimmer also does matching clutches with heels in a wide variety.

Photo: Sazzad Ibne Sayed
Footwear: Apex Footwear Limited