6 Best Places to Shop in Piazza di Spagna, Rome

Founded in the 1920s, Tod's has grown from a small family brand into a global powerhouse so wealthy that its owner, Diego Della Valle, donated €20 million to the Colosseum restoration project. The shoe baron is best known for his simple, classic, understated designs done in butter-soft leather, but his light, flexible Gommini line of driving shoes with rubber-bottomed soles are popular as well. This location sells menswear and men's shoes; womenswear and women's shoes are available at another location on Via dei Condotti.

Shoe lovers with a passion for minimalist design flock to Fausto Santini to get their hands on his nerdy-chic footwear with its statement-making lines. An outlet at Via Cavour 106, named for Fausto's father, Giacomo, sells last season's shoes at a big discount.

Fratelli Rossetti is an old-world company with modern aspirations. Although known for its classic leather mens' and womens' loafers, some of its recent offerings are slightly more playful, with oversized tassels, say, or contrasting colors. It also has lines of leather sandals and sneakers. There is another location on Via del Babuino.

Giuseppe Zanotti creates sought-after women's and men's shoes ranging from pencil-thin stilettos (often with a bit of sparkle or other bling) to colorful loafers to couture sneakers. The footwear here is placed on a literal pedestal so the craftsmanship can be admired from all angles.

Fans of the brand will think they have died and followed the white light when they enter the Ferragamo stores, where shoes and handbags are displayed on pillars like jewels. The Florentine design house also has ready-to-wear clothes, scarves, and ties. Men's styles are found at Via dei Condotti 65, women's at 73/74. Its splendid luxury Portrait Suites Hotel is on the upper floors.

In business for more than 100 years and beloved by many Italians, Superga sells timeless sneakers in classic white or a rainbow of colors. The 2750 model has been worn by everyone from Kelly Brook to the Princess of Wales. There is another location on Via di Campo Marzio.