Looking for the perfect pair of shoes while in Istanbul, Turkey? Look no further! Istanbul is a city known for its vibrant culture, rich history, and diverse shopping scene. Whether you’re in search of trendy sneakers, stylish boots, or traditional Turkish slippers, this city has it all.
From bustling bazaars to modern malls, Istanbul offers a plethora of options for shoe shopping. But with so many choices, it can be overwhelming to know where to start. That’s why we’ve put together a guide to help you navigate the best places to buy shoes in Istanbul. So, get ready to step up your shoe game and explore the exciting world of footwear in Istanbul, Turkey!
Where to Buy Shoes in Istanbul
Best shopping districts for shoe shopping
Istanbul is a sprawling and diverse city, with many different neighborhoods that offer unique shopping experiences. For shoe shopping, there are a few districts that stand out:
Beyoglu
Beyoglu is a trendy, up-and-coming neighborhood that is known for its stylish boutiques and vintage shops. The main shopping street in Beyoglu is Istiklal Avenue, which is lined with shops selling everything from high-end fashion to quirky souvenirs. For shoe shopping, Istiklal Avenue has a great selection of stores, ranging from international brands to local designers. Some of the standout shoe stores in the area include Ayakkabi Dünyasi, which specializes in affordable, trendy footwear, and Beyman Shoes, which offers a selection of luxury designer shoes.
Nisantasi
Nisantasi is a chic and upscale neighborhood that is home to some of Istanbul’s most exclusive boutiques and designer stores. The streets are lined with high-end fashion brands, and the shoe stores in the area are no exception. Some of the top shoe stores in Nisantasi include Beymen, which offers a wide selection of designer shoes from brands like Jimmy Choo and Gucci, and Vakko, which is known for its high-quality leather shoes and boots.
Grand Bazaar
For a more traditional shopping experience, head to the Grand Bazaar. This historic market is one of the oldest and largest covered markets in the world, and it’s a must-visit for anyone interested in Turkish culture and crafts. The Grand Bazaar is home to hundreds of shops and stalls selling everything from spices to textiles to jewelry. When it comes to shoe shopping, there are plenty of options to choose from, including shops selling traditional Turkish slippers and boots.
Top shoe stores in Istanbul
If you’re looking for specific shoe stores to visit while in Istanbul, here are a few top picks:
Derimod
Derimod is a popular Turkish shoe brand that specializes in leather footwear for men and women. The brand is known for its high-quality materials and craftsmanship, and its shoes are both stylish and durable. Derimod has several stores throughout Istanbul, including a flagship location in the Akasya Shopping Center.
Hotiç
Hotiç is another well-known Turkish shoe brand that has been around since 1938. The brand offers a wide range of footwear, including boots, sneakers, and sandals, and is known for its comfortable and affordable designs. Hotiç has several stores throughout Istanbul, including a large flagship store in the Kanyon Shopping Center.
MarkaPark
MarkaPark is a popular shoe store chain in Istanbul that offers a wide selection of footwear for men, women, and children. The store carries both local and international brands, and is known for its trendy and affordable designs. MarkaPark has several locations throughout Istanbul, including a large store in the Akbatı Shopping Center.
Traditional Turkish shoe styles to look out for
One of the unique aspects of shoe shopping in Istanbul is the opportunity to discover traditional Turkish shoe styles. Here are a few to look out for:
Kilim shoes
Kilim shoes are a type of slipper that is made from colorful, woven kilim fabric. These shoes are a traditional Turkish style, and are often sold in markets and bazaars. Kilim shoes are comfortable and lightweight, making them a great option for warm weather.
Yataghan boots
Yataghan boots are a traditional type of Turkish boot that is made from leather and decorated with intricate embroidery. These boots have a pointed toe and a curved design, and are often worn as part of traditional Turkish costumes. While they may not be the most practical footwear for everyday wear, they are a beautiful and unique addition to any shoe collection.
Ottoman slippers
Ottoman slippers are a type of slipper that was worn by Ottoman sultans and their courtiers. These slippers are made from velvet or silk, and are decorated with intricate embroidery and gold thread. While they may not be the most comfortable shoes to wear for long periods of time, they are a luxurious and elegant option for special occasions.
Tips for haggling and bargaining
When shopping in markets and bazaars in Istanbul, it’s common to haggle and bargain for a lower price. Here are a few tips to keep in mind:
- Start by asking for a price that is significantly lower than the asking price. This will give you room to negotiate.
- Be friendly and polite, but firm in your negotiations. Don’t be afraid to walk away if you can’t reach a price that you’re comfortable with.
- Be aware of your surroundings, and keep an eye on your belongings. Pickpocketing can be a problem in crowded markets.
- If you’re not comfortable with haggling, stick to shopping in stores and malls, where prices are usually fixed.
Where to find luxury designer shoes in Istanbul
If you’re looking for high-end designer shoes in Istanbul, there are several options to choose from:
Beymen
Beymen is a luxury department store that offers a wide selection of designer shoes, including brands like Jimmy Choo, Valentino, and Saint Laurent. The store has several locations throughout Istanbul, including a large flagship store in Nisantasi.
Harvey Nichols
Harvey Nichols is a British luxury department store that has a location in the Zorlu Center shopping mall in Istanbul. The store offers a wide range of designer shoes, including brands like Alexander McQueen, Balenciaga, and Givenchy.
Vakko
Vakko is a Turkish luxury brand that offers a range of high-quality leather shoes and boots. The brand has several stores throughout Istanbul, including a large flagship store in Nisantasi.
Shopping for affordable shoes in Istanbul
If you’re on a budget, don’t worry – there are plenty of affordable shoe options in Istanbul. Here are a few places to check out:
Ayakkabi Dünyasi
Ayakkabi Dünyasi is a shoe store chain that offers a wide selection of trendy and affordable footwear. The store has several locations throughout Istanbul, including a large store on Istiklal Avenue in Beyoglu.
LC Waikiki
LC Waikiki is a Turkish clothing and footwear brand that offers affordable fashion for men, women, and children. The brand has several stores throughout Istanbul, including a large flagship store in the Zorlu Center shopping mall.
MarkaPark
As mentioned earlier, MarkaPark is a shoe store chain that offers a wide selection of affordable footwear. The store carries both local and international brands, and is known for its trendy and affordable designs.
Cultural considerations when shopping for shoes in Istanbul
When shopping for shoes in Istanbul, it’s important to be aware of cultural considerations and customs. Here are a few things to keep in mind:
- Shoes are considered a sign of respect in Turkish culture, so it’s important to wear clean and presentable shoes when visiting mosques and other religious sites.
- When trying on shoes in stores, it’s customary to ask for permission before taking off your own shoes.
- Shoes are often removed before entering homes and some businesses, so be prepared to take off your shoes if asked to do so.
Online shoe shopping options in Istanbul
If you prefer to shop for shoes online, there are several options available in Istanbul:
Trendyol
Trendyol is a popular online shopping platform in Turkey that offers a wide range of fashion and footwear options. The site carries both local and international brands, and offers fast and reliable shipping throughout Turkey.
Morhipo
Morhipo is another popular online shopping platform in Turkey that offers a wide selection of shoes and other fashion items. The site offers free shipping on orders over a certain amount, and has a 14-day return policy.
Modanisa
Modanisa is an online fashion retailer that specializes in modest and Islamic fashion. While the site primarily focuses on clothing, it also offers a selection of shoes and accessories.
Conclusion and final tips for shoe shopping in Istanbul
Whether you’re in search of traditional Turkish shoes or high-end designer footwear, Istanbul has something for everyone. From trendy boutiques to historic markets, there are plenty of options to choose from. When shopping for shoes in Istanbul, be sure to keep cultural considerations in mind, and don’t be afraid to haggle for a better price. And if you prefer to shop online, there are plenty of options available as well. Happy shoe shopping!