Women usually have a good appetite for shoe shopping, paying close attention to trends and styles. Shoes are fun to shop for and wear. Women are much more likely to become shoe gourmets, so to speak. Quality is soon perceived and desired, as with a good collection, shoes can last for years.

Although men don't generally have twenty five or more pair of shoes in their closet, they too appreciate quality. Any self respecting shoe freak must have at least one pair of Italian shoes. If you can stop there.

Italy is a country of artisans. Whether it's cheese, wine, blown glass or shoes, production requires that centuries of traditional techniques be applied. The result is a superior product and Italian shoes are no exception. The artful Italian shoe designers are masters of footwear, coming up with imaginative, captivating designs which they engineer to show women's legs off to best advantage, while also providing comfort in wearing.

Italian shoes are known the world over for their quality, comfort and fine appearance. Although the Italian shoemaker sticks to the traditional methods, which require the finest quality of leather as well as time consuming hand sewing techniques, his sense of artistry allows no compromise for the sake of profit. Italian shoes are still priced competitively in the marketplace. Which is a good thing if you're the avid shoe collector!

It's safe to say that there is no type of shoe that is unavailable in the scope of Italian shoes.

Boots come in every length and style, from classic, sophisticated designs to statement-making capabilities, some with bracelet trims, jewels, beading, brocaded, sequined or fringed, as design accessories. Cowboy styled boots are spoofed by one designer, in vivid shades of satin with gold buckles.

You can find soft as butter boots sporting holographic appliques, the holograms creating a visual sensation as you're dancing (or even walking), at a club. Boots are highly valued and a staple of the Italian's winter shoe wardrobe.

Heels on women's Italian shoes run the gamut, from sensible pumps for wear to work or extended walking, to six inch platform, lighted or snow-globe effect plastic-heeled boots.

If you're looking for Italian shoes which run to a more conservative perspective, a shop in Milan (the business center of Italy) should be your fist stop. Although you'll see a predominance of business styles of Italian shoes, there are still shops specializing in the more avant garde styles.

In Rome, you'll find shoes spanning the spectrum from state dinner wearable to the most flamboyant and imaginative designs you've ever seen. One famous designer came up with a shoe decorated like a taxi, complete with driver and passenger embroidered on the shoe. The humor of Italians is showcased in such creations.

In the end, with the high quality of materials and craftsmanship, Italian shoes are arguably, the best in the world. On top of that, designers apply passion to their work. Italian shoes are art. You'd better get a couple of pair!