Vitas Footwear

This is without doubt my favourite Brighton shoe shop. This business has seen me through many a pair of New Rock boot and trainer. More recently they have supplied me with my current collection of Loblan boots.
The shop takes up a couple of units on Gardner street and it was their stocking off New Rock boots that led me through the door a number of years back. If you are into your metal footwear then this is the place for you. I only ever bought a single pair of ‘big’ boots and they also sell alternative New Rock trainers that aren’t quite so full on, but still unique in design. Be warned that the price tags on these brands are coming in at £60 — £130, but trust me one pair will last a long time.
In the adjoining room, they have an impressive range of authentic Loblan cowboy and outback boots. I’m still kicking about in both my cowboy and outback boots from here and they have both lasted a good 3 – 4 years. Again, expect to pay over £100, but be assured that you are buying top quality footwear that will last all the adventuring you throw at them.
There are also a wide range of women’s shoes, including quirky designs and more staple classics. Not being a cross dresser, I haven’t really paid them much attention, but I would recommend having a look for yourself.
The staff are helpful and don’t mind bringing a range of shoes/​boots for you to try. I’m just gutted that the shoes they sell last for so long, or I would certainly give them my custom more frequently than I do.

Vitas Footwear in the North Laines might be my new top pick for shoes and boots. It’s a bit on the pricey side, but offers tonnes of solid-​yet-​stylish looking, high quality footwear. Many of the brand names are recognisable: Dr. Martens, Oxygen and CATS, for example.
Styles cover a great range and include casual canvas sneakers, sandals, dress shoes and flats, work boots and wellies plus several risqué thigh-​high boots in shiny black and red.
Vitas has a few kids pairs, including Crocs in every colour of the rainbow — and a few sale items, mostly displayed on the ledge outside. These cheaper pairs include winter boots, wellies and some cute flats in the £25 — £40 range.
Definitely a shop worth checking out if you’re strolling the North Laines.