Mile End Kicks

If you think the only way to be the belle of the bash is to be in fancy stilettos, think again. Mile End Kicks (MEK) is a store full of stylish, comfortable, high-quality footwear that won’t compromise your posture, poise or confidence. “People come here looking for classic rather than bling-bling,” says owner Sam Papoutsis. He opened the first MEK store on Montreal’s popular Park Avenue in 2009, and opened the second store in 2013 just a few blocks away. Today, he and his wife Dia run the two stores together.

The husband-and-wife team is focused on providing the best on the market when it comes to down-to-earth footwear. The primary strengths that shape their business are expertise, customer service and exclusive products. They go to trade shows in New York and remain avant-garde on the Montreal scene. “We’re always the leaders when it comes to bringing in new stuff,” Sam says, adding that the response from shoppers has been fantastic.

They focus on carrying numerous collections that mainstream competitors don’t carry, such as Eric Michael. The brands and collections come from various manufacturers near and far including Portugal, Spain, Mexico and the U.S.