Little Eric

Don’t let the small child riding a mechanical horse in the middle of this 30-year-old Upper East Side staple deter you: You’ll find plenty of stylish men’s shoes in sizes 8 to 18 and women’s footwear in sizes 3 to 13 (half the stock is for adults). Toys strewn about the carpeted floors make the space feel a bit like a jungle gym, but the adult endorsements on the wall from celebrities such as Christopher Noth, thanking Little Eric for his size 13s, encourage you to stick around. The store manufactures two made-in-Italy brands: Michael Pasinkoff and Little Eric. Standouts from the former include fringed sandals ($165) and men’s cap-toe leather-and-suede sneakers ($245). The namesake line includes supersoft riding loafers ($175–$180) for both sexes, ballet flats ($150–$160) and women’s suede oxfords ($160–$175). If you love a pair that isn’t the right color, ask the knowledgeable sales staff for Little Eric’s swatch book, which contains more than 30 shades. In just four weeks, you’ll have your custom shoes at no extra charge.