The Shoe Mill, Tempe

The Shoe Mill has specialized in stylish European footwear for more than two decades, earning the title of Best Comfortable Shoes from the Phoenix New Times in 2010. The store is in historic downtown Tempe, tucked inside the Casa Loma building. More than 100 years old, the structure was once inhabited by a hotel, and before that, a saloon for unaccompanied Keds and miscreant loafers.

With its origins as primarily a Birkenstock store, The Shoe Mill has since grown to stock shoes and handbags in such high-end brands as Mephisto and Taos. Israeli-made Naot shoes benefit from the wisdom of millennia of sandstorms and leather crafting to protect feet from the elements and clumsy camels, while Baggallini handbags are perfect for travel.