DON’T SWEAT IT Geox, the Italian footwear brand, is taking a giant step into Manhattan with its 6,000-square-foot flagship store at the corner of Madison Avenue and 57th Street. In the pod-shaped interior space, guys who don’t like hot and sweaty feet will find an answer to their woes: These shoes are made to “breathe.” The soles of Geox shoes are made from a porous liner with tiny holes that let vapor out yet prevent water and slush from getting in.

The concept came about when Geox founder and third-generation winemaker Mario Moretti Polegato cut small holes on the bottom of his sneakers in an effort to keep cool on a trip to Reno. Now, 11 years, three patents, and 350 stores later, the company specializes in both rubber- and leather soled shoes that nix soggy socks and keep toes comfortable all year round. Currently at Geox is a pair of slip-on suede and “Geobuck” sneakers in a variety of colors, including black, brown, and gray ($110-$120); a calfskin and suede moccasin in colors such as light brown, coffee, tan, and black ($120), and a cracked leather and suede lace-up oxford in brown-and-orange and brown-and-yellow ($105). Geox air-vented apparel and microhole shoes are also available for women and children. Geox, 595 Madison Ave. at 57th Street, 212-319-3310.

BOUTIQUE CHIC One week after September 11, 2001, as many downtown merchants closed up shop, Ari Men’s Boutique opened its doors on West Broadway. Owner Moshe-Ben Ari, 37, has been keeping business going with Italian leathers, snakeskins, and exclusive handmade suits. This season, the minimalist boutique – with its white brick walls and black hardwood floor – is upping the luxury offerings even more. On the racks now is a brown full-length sheepskin shearling coat ($2,595) and a gray cashmere and mink hand-sewn twin-vented suit ($1,995). According to Mr. Ari, the shop is for men who want an “aggressive” look. Ari Men’s Boutique, 471 West Broadway, between Prince and Houston streets, 212-253-7831.

STRUT YOUR STUFF Competition for men’s clothing dollars just got tougher in SoHo. Strut, a new men’s-only clothing shop, just opened its doors at 81 Greene St., around the corner from Armani Exchange and across the street from John Varvatos. The shop is importing new Italian and Canadian designers. “Canada is Europe with a North American flavor,” the shop’s Canadian owner, Kevin Thompson, said. Brands include Kamkyl, Kaadiki, and David Mayer.

The upstairs space is packed with a variety of Bray Steve Alan jeans, made in Bologna, Italy. A pair of washed denim with a bronze dog-tag belt loop chain is $275, and a cuffed, ripped pair, decorated with embroidery and patchwork, is $310. The Kamkyl collection, made in Montreal, includes a mustard six-button corduroy peacoat ($880), and a navy pinstripe custom-finished suit with twin vents and a chartreuse lining ($1,150).

Patrons can sip complimentary coffee or wine as they look through the clothing, accessories, or the art in the 1,600-square-foot lower level gallery (accessible from either of the shop’s two long glazed-cement staircases). Modest men beware: The frosted glass dressing rooms are slightly transparent. So if you don’t want to show off the goods, Strut will ship items to your home (after a credit card pre-authorization) prior to purchase. Strut Menswear 81 Greene St., between Broome and Spring streets, 212-343-3005.