If you ever wondered what a visual representation of a cacophony of shoes would look like, then…read moreShoes Direct Factory Outlet in Brunswick will probably give you a clue. Shoes. Shoes everywhere. Not unkempt, mind, just numerous. The front section of the store features the latest stock in all styles from boots through to sandals, work shoes and sneakers, ballet slippers through to high heels and wedges right through to all of the above in children's sizes (though with notably fewer high heels in the kiddie section). The stock reflects the fashion trends amongst the various staple designs that pop up every row or so. Out the back are the heavily discounted odds and ends leftover from other seasons and trends, or were simply relegated there when the more common sizes sold out. This section is an unmoving parade of bargains for people with the right foot size, with all of it down to the last couple of pairs, so it's a generally hit and miss affair. The shoes are all from different brands and designers, largely from within your standard cheap to mid-range venture, so unless you're very gentle with your footwear you needn't expect your purchases to last long term. Prices start at $5 in the back room right through to standard mid quality boot prices. Highly convenient, if a tad overwhelming, from sheer force of its size.

Got a pair of Dunlop Volley safety shoes here the other day. I'm reviewing it because I tried to…read moresearch online for somewhere that stocked them, and had no luck, so for the next person who does the same: this shop has a good stuck of Dunlop Volley Safety (i.e. steel capped) sneakers, as well as other Dunlop styles, in a full range of sizes.

A gamut of handbags and wallets from the like of AnnaPelle, Diana Ferrari, Levis, Jag and Fiorelli…read moreamong many others, this store is an efficient way to find the most beloved of women's accessories. Although there's also a range of largely high heeled shoes available, there's not nearly as many on offer as there are handbags. The stock changes over fairly regularly, and there's the odd sample hiding amongst the clones. The styles are as numerous as there are handbags, so you can find a plain work satchel-style bag as easily as a brightly coloured statement handbag. There's also a range of luggage down the back. The quality varies from brand to brand, and the odd leather bag may turn out not to be leather after all. Nonetheless, every purchase I've ever made from this store has been a magnet for compliments and my main handbag is still going strong after a year of heavy use. It's always the first place I go for a new handbag or wallet.

Florsheim Factory Outlet sells not just Florsheim shoes but they also stock other brands such as…read moreMidas, Tony Bianco and Lipstick. They have a variety of stock that ranges form all seasons and prices are heavily reduced, so you are sure to walk away with a bargain. This is a great place to come if you are looking for a last minute purchase on the cheap. Also great for guys who are in need of business shoes or classic suit shoes.

Boulder trunks said the plaza was awesome. Boulder knows best. Also it seems Boulders trunks are…read morebursting at the seams.

Okay, this is a shopping centre, and not a particularly spectacular one at that (not that I…read moreactually consider shopping centres all that spectacular, especially since they happen to be full of chain stores). However, it does have most, if not all, of the basic things that you would need if you happen to be in Northcote. However, it isn't actually a drawcard for the suburb, especially since the action on High Street is so much better. As such it seems to be a little run down and worn out in places. Actually, it seems to have two distinct sections, though I suspect that it is actually two separate shopping centres, one on each side of a narrow alley. However, I wouldn't recommend coming to Northcote just to check out the shopping centre, or even checking out if you happen to be in Northcote - there are much, much better things to do.

This store in Northcote Plaza is overcrowded with stock. The three customers could barely navigate…read morethe stock let alone each other. The stock itself looks cheap and is more expensive then it should be. Considering that the quality doesn't appear too good. perhaps this is the place to go for a "wear once" item? There is a wide range of women's fashion, jewelery, bags and shoes. The mantra appears to be the more sparkly the better. I love a bit of bling but evidently too much poor quality sparkle is not a good thing. The loud techno-Christmas music in October completed my idea of shopping hell. Unfortunately this place was not my cup of tea, I wish I could award it two stars but I would feel bad for misleading you.

Anna Fiori seems a little misplaced amongst the other, more down to earth shops surrounding it, yet…read moresomehow it seems to be doing well in this spendthrift environment. I've been known to stare in awe at some of the more interesting and artistic designs, but being a strictly flats kinda gal I somehow garner the strength to resist temptation. In those ominous moments of lust when I have ventured inside the shop the staff have been polite and subtle, and the whole place is lit like a 1980s romance novel adapted to the screen. The shop will probably appeal most to the bridal crowds and upcoming event, with just about every kind of high heel conceivable gracing its shelves with the changing of the seasons. A good range of colours also graces the scenery, so if you're trying to match shoes to a very particular dress it's probably going to be worth a shot.

Ok, I'm probably not Walk On! Footwear's target market - being youngish and with absolutely no…read morepropensity towards comfortably ugly shoes - but even so... Aptly named Walk On! Footwear is a ladies shoe shop on Queens Parade in Clifton Hill almost directly across the road from Mixed Business, and stocking what can only be described as shoes for the slightly older lady who is not quite yet ready to commit to fully orthopaedic footwear. Yep, they look comfy. But with their invariably upturned toes, giant straps, murky shades and too sturdy heels, Walk On's shoes just stray too far into Crocs territory for me. Although I'm sure others would beg to differ. Let me put it this way. If I had a garden gnome that I was really attached to and it just so happened to come to life and develop a penchant for perambulating, I would take him to Walk On! Footwear to buy some shoes to replace his plaster clogs. Until that day comes, I plan to walk on and buy my shoes elsewhere...

As a young person with feet/knee/hip joint aches and pain from constantly working on my feet all…read moreday, I've always found it difficult to find a good quality pair of supportive shoes that are also relatively fashionable (I'll settle for not ugly in this market!). I've always found Walk On! shoes to be very comfortable and designed for people of all ages who may need or are borderline in need of orthotics in their footwear. Finding the right design at the right price is the challenge. I found Clifton Hill's Walk On! Footwear shop is ideal for browsing through to meet this challenge. It contains seconds and cheaper prices and full-price shoes (which admittedly are expensive - the price of good shoes!). Sometimes I find a win, and sometimes I don't. But I am more likely to find work shoes I can use daily here rather than all the 'fashionable' thin-souled rubbish out on the market that will kill my feet and back before I'm even 40. It's a small place that's 'browse at your leisure' - not a large full-service store. Walk on in if you're looking for shoes that will keep you walking a lot longer in your life.