Shoe Tree

This cramped store has been around since 1991, and I have fond memories of taking the GO Train downtown to meet my older brother to buy a pair of Doc Martens (ooh, badass) from here.
Anyway, I came in recently looking for a pair of Blundstone’s to deal with the colder weather. The selection at Shoe Tree is deceptively large, and I had to stop myself from trying on something more expensive like Red Wings (also, to hell with shoe laces).
What surprised me was the relaxed, unhurried service I received. It was such a change to be served by someone who actually gives a damn (and owns the place), versus a lackey trying to take care of five people at once. There was no hesitation as I badgered him for more and more sizes and styles to try on.
I also come here for Birks, and prices for those (and for the Blundstone’s) is no different than any other retail outlet.
–1 star as I think they should focus just on shoes rather than the odd knick-​knacks: belt buckles, tacky t-​shirts, etc. All the paraphernalia hanging from the ceiling and splayed about steals focus from their best attribute (the shoes), and leaves the place feeling cluttered.