The Definitive Guide to Living in the Capital , Cairo , Egypt

Good
shoes are valuable possessions, especially on the rough streets of Cairo. The better the
quality of the shoe, the less pain you will endure. If you love high heels, you
probably also know that the more expensive the heel, the less likely you will end
up on your bare feet with your shoes in your hand because they were
killing you. Established in 1851, Swiss fashion brand Bally specialises in shoes and bags and is an expert in premium quality footwear.

The brand’s
Cairo branch is located in Giza’s First Mall, and while it is not exactly the biggest
of shops, there is quite a choice of shoes and bags. The left side of the shop holds
the women’s section, carrying styles such as ballerinas, loafers and pumps. All
shoes are made of high-end leather and have a good foot bed that provides
support to your feet. All of this comes at a price, of course.

When
shopping at Bally, you’d better bring your whole piggy bank or an unlimited
credit card. Ballerina flats will set you back around 2990LE, while simple
pumps cost 3500LE. Yes, they are beautiful and comfortable (or as comfortable
as it can get on 15-cm high heels), but 3500LE is nonetheless an incredibly high
price to pay.

Naturally, Bally also has a line of bags
matching the shoes. The bags are also of high-end quality and also come at high
prices. A shopper costs around 9000LE, while the cheapest bag costs 2100LE, but
be warned that it’s very small. Apart from a credit card and a tube of lipstick,
nothing more will fit in it. You can also put that credit card in a matching
wallet, which sells for 2750LE and above. To top it off, you can buy a Bally key-chain for 950LE or a Bally belt for 1100LE and above.

Design-wise,
Bally sticks to conventional styles. Most shoes and bags are rather modest in
sedated colours like black and brown. Some of the pumps can be pretty spectacular, though. 

The
men’s department is slightly smaller but follows the same elegant but subdued
style, carrying smart shoes for around 3500LE, as well as smart casual shoes starting
at 1950LE and moccasins for 3200LE and above. Matching belts range between 990LE
and 1450LE.

The shop attendants are really friendly and don’t follow you around, which is
something that we are very thankful for. Bally is a high-end designer shop with
high-priced, simple and quality goods. It’s not for everyone, but if you can
afford it, Bally will give you the comfort and support that your feet really need.