am an ardent fan of the leisurely Sunday summer stroll. One of my most beaten paths through the city is the way west along College Street from Kensington Market. Out of the vibrant energy that is Pedestrian Sunday in the Market and into the sweet smelling streets of Little Italy, Toronto’s charm truly does become apparent. Only here could a person turn an unsuspecting corner and come upon an entirely different culture. A summer stroll in Toronto is often an enlightening experience and you really don’t need much in order to enjoy it. Truthfully, you only need two things: a shoe for your left foot and one for your right. Luckily, my stroll always seems to come to its finale at 668 College, otherwise known as Balisi, where feet come to rejuvenate.

The coveted College Street shoe store just recently opened a new location down on Queen West, smack dab in the middle of the main shopping strip between John and Spadina. Owners Rehlee Balisi and Cory Kierstead were feeling confined to their little shop uptown and have since spread their wings. Their stock is more plentiful and their selection more vast thanks to the new shop. There is now more room to focus on clothing, accessories and jewelry, which will dangerously make Balisi more of a one-stop-shop then any of us ever expected.

Fly London’s chunky heels, Chinese Laundry’s wedge sandals, Lindsay Perry’s local lady-like pumps and Eject’s hard-core utilitarian footwear are among the many local and international brands found at Balisi. A mix of denim and sweet little dresses can be paired up with a larger-than-life bag and an elaborate necklace to finish off the look. With this kind of selection I may have to reroute my most beaten path to include a particular slice of Queen West. I wonder if my Chinese Laundry wedges will make it that far. No pain, no gain, right? –J.T.

711 Queen Street W.
Toronto, ON
416-203-2388