Balisi

Yep I need to add my two cents of appreciation for Balisi. The shoes here are gorgeous, I noticed a lot of cool sexy looking flats, which is one way straight to my heart for sure, but this review is solely for the service. I stopped in and ended up chatting to Kayte, and confessing to her that my left shoe was literally in the process of consuming the flesh on my heel, redering me weepy and crippled on Queen street. She introduced me to moleskin inserts, which have now saved more then one pair of shoes for me, and didn’t charge me an arm and leg for them either. Super friendly, low stress vibe that seemed genuinely interested in folks liking what’s on their feet.

A good selection of brands, all well-​made, but not cheap. If you can wait until a sale hits, you can score some fantastic treads at a great price. I’ve purchased many a pair from Balisi, and they’re all really high-​quality shoes that get remarked on more often than not.
They also carry clothing and accessories, but I look at those less often.

I thought this place was my little secret… looks like it isn’t. I bought shoes from here during boxing day (amazing amazing deals) and I have been a loyal customer since.
If you are tired to shoes that fall apart within a year, and you want something that you can wear till it’s sole/​soul (lol my attempt at a joke) is ready for heaven…(because these shoes just may have a soul you know)…then, Balisi is worth it. (wait till sale days though… since the deals are pretty good) oh no… did I actually reveal this secret? well, as long as it makes someone’s sole happy, the secret is worth revealing.
Yes, it is pricier than your average shoe store, but as mentioned, wait for sale days… how do you know when the sales will occur… sign up for the newsletter (they don’t send that much junk mail at all, only when there is a really big sale or something really worth checking out).

this Balisi is SO different from the one on Yonge (& Eglinton); hipper, warmer, cozier, friendlier (the staff is friendly at both store, but the ambience is much friendlier here); the one @ Yonge is SO stark and cold. yuck
nice selection of interesting shoes.

Balisi is «my» shoe store. If I need nice shoes (ie. not Converse), this is where I go. Their selection always suits my style perfectly, their staff is super friendly but not pushy at all, and their prices usually beat those further east on Queen. There is overlap between their stock and the other shoe stores in the area, but they carry some brands I haven’t seen in other stores (like neosens, my current favourite brand).
Now if only I can find a store just like this in the San Francisco Bay Area!

I can’t imagine going to Balisi and not buying anything. I mean, the shoes are unique and original and they have a good selection for a boutique. Plus, you can’t forget the accessories! Rings and other jewelry are scattered around the store like little surprises you find as you are looking at shoes! It’s like a treasure hunt!
The staff are awesome here. Friendly, helpful, and full of humour and personality. I really enjoyed my visit — as if I was being entertained, and not shopping! That’s fun!
And yes, I bought a pair of shoes in an adorable shade of blue with gold trim, an obligatory ring, and a cute black hat for the chill.
Go! Not only will you find great stuff, you’ll have fun doing it!

There are two pairs of shoes that I own where I can not leave the house without getting complements. Both pair are from this lovely store with lovely sales people and an ever-​changing wall of shoes.
Literally the last three times I have worn my new shoes to work, I couldn’t go through a room without being stopped, «Come look at Kat’s shoes.»
Ok enough about me (That’s what I had to tell the people at work), Go to Balisi, check out their stock and tell me you can’t find what you are looking for.
This place has some staid, flats that are more comfort than fashion and the purple heels with red hearts on the toe. Despite my propensity to break my foot bones (I’ve been on cruches twice), I still opt for the high heel or squished toe over practicality.
They carry lots of brands, my fave happens to be the Vivienne Westwood Melissa line that are made of scented plastic and remind me of 3^rd grade scented pencils!

I love Balisi, it’s got the perfect combination of staff that actually STICK AROUND, wear the products, love the products and FANTASTIC stock that keeps you coming back for more.
I love that the staff are really attentive when you want them to be, helpful if you need them to be, and also able to let you just clomp around for maybe 15 minutes while you decide on your perhaps a giant chunk of your paycheque shoes. That while also always being FUN.
Don’t get me wrong, these shoes aren’t cheap, but with brands such as Fly, Jump, Melissa, Fluevog and more, you really are getting what you pay for.
My only complaint is that too many people shop here and the recent Melissa booties have already sold out in my size, but I guess writing fantastic reviews won’t really help me in those matters… sooo…
Don’t go here, by any means, and never buy anything in size 6, I may be forced to stalk you and render you shoeless.
;) Happy shopping.

Amazing customer service and selection. Balisi carries the Kamik brand rainboot I love. They have many flavors of this fun but functional rubber boot in stock. If you seek funky, you’ll love the experience here.

This Queen West store has lots of unique shoe brands and styles including my new favorite, Miz Mooz. Balisi does carry hangbags and clothing but the styles aren’t really for me and I tend to stick to the shoes. The service is great at Balisi as they have enough seating to try on your shoes and do a bit of a walk around. I have only been to the Queen location but it is good to know there are others in the city in case your size or colour isn’t in stock. The only problem I tend to have at Balisi is deciding which ones to leave behind…