Brave D Magazine intern Hannah Boen was curious to see for herself just what makes Gregory’s the Best Shoe Store in Dallas, as we have declared in our August issue.
So she visited the Galleria and forced her foot into that contraption you see at left. She also filed a report about her discoveries, which you can read after the jump.
BONUS: Take the ShopTalk Celebrity Shoe Quiz. A fantastic prize awaits the winner.
Here’s Hannah:
If you’ve ever been to Gregory’s, you’re not surprised that the shop was named the best shoe store in Dallas by D Magazine. I decided I’d drop by the 20-year-old staple to pinpoint what made it so special. After spending the afternoon there, I realized that singling out just one thing that made this shop stand out would be an impossible feat.
The store literally sparkles. It’s provided shoes for music videos of both Carrie Underwood and Beyonce and it’s custom-making a size-23 sneaker for Shaquille O’Neal. Ashanti has Tweeted about Gregory’s. Mariah Carey and Jessica Simpson are regulars.
The store is a fraction of the size of major department stores, yet it’s home to the largest collection of Swarovski crystal shoes in the country. It was the first in Dallas to carry Jimmy Choo and Christian Louboutin, and short of traveling to Italy yourself and making appointments with dozens of designers and visiting a handful of factories, you won’t find the inventory packed into this Galleria shop anywhere else.
Besides housing an extensive assortment of footwear, Gregory’s is owned by the most passionate shoe lover I’ve ever encountered. Leslie Matney’s zeal for fabulous footwear began two decades ago in Dallas and has spread to two additional stores: one in Houston, another in Las Vegas. She and husband Larry Matney, also known as the shoe god, make sure every store is equally impressive.
“We don’t treat anyone like a stepchild,” she says. “We give every store the same special treatment.”
Walking into the place is overwhelming. Glamour exudes from every glittery pump and shiny leather boot. You’ll be hard pressed to find a higher heel, a longer boot, or a more outrageous style than you see at Gregory’s.
Leslie beams with pride when she talks about the selection on her gleaming shelves and glistening tables. Her knowledge and enthusiasm prove helpful to shoppers.
“I like to get a feel for the lifestyle of someone who walks in here,” she says. “Walking in, it can be a lot to take in, but we want you to get something you’ll love and wear for years and years.”
I couldn’t help but wonder what she would choose for me as she sat me down on the couch that she claims Paula Abdul has spent hours on. I’m not much of a heel girl and jewels and gems aren’t my thing. One look at my outfit, and 15 minutes into our meeting, she pulled a pair of leather Elisanero booties with an open toe and a tiny heel. Spot on: exactly what I would have chosen if I possessed a sense of style and $598.
For a night out or a dinner date, she suggested a pretty Le Silla leather peep toe pump. The heel was intimidating and the price tag overwhelming, but they were easily the most comfortable shoes I’d ever slipped my feet into.
Regardless of what exactly makes this store special, it’s worth a trek through the Galleria to get a glimpse of the nationally-renowned shop and possibly purchase your future favorite pair of boots, pumps, or sandals. Maybe you’ll run into Celine Dion or Lebron James. And if you’re feeling generous, I wear size 7 1/2.
