Shoe Stores Review
Why Use an Online Shoe Store?
A trip to the local mall was once the only way to shop for shoes. Crowded shopping malls and aggressive salespeople were unavoidable. Now you can visit an online shoe store where you'll find far more styles and sizes than a department store can offer. Whether you need running shoes for a 5K or high heels for a wedding, there are shoes designed for every occasion. Our top three picks for the best online shoe stores are Zappos.com, Shoes.com and OnlineShoes. To learn more you can read our articles on online shoe stores.
Online Shoe Stores: What to Look For
The best online shoe stores have an inventory of 50,000 styles or more. Since you can't try on the shoes, it's important to use a website that offers free exchanges. Below are the rest of the criteria we used to evaluate the best online shoe stores.
Payment & Shipping
Online shoe stores should offer free returns and exchanges. Many shoe sizes vary slightly by brand, so look for a company that offers free exchanges so you can get the perfect size.
When it comes to return policies, longer is better. If you have a busy schedule, it may be difficult to run to the post office to return merchandise, so look for shoe stores that offer 60-day or longer return times.
There are different methods of shipping, and standard shipping takes 7-10 days. It is nice to have the option for faster delivery times. Most online shoe stores offer expedited shipping for an additional cost. If you want to keep tabs on your order, all of the stores we reviewed offer order tracking so that you can check on the status of your shipment while it is in transit.
Women's Shoes
We prefer online stores that have 10,000 or more women's style options. You can browse the latest trends and fashions, and many stores offer specialty shoes you might need for your profession. If you need narrow or wide shoe, look for an online store with specialty sizes.
Men's Shoes
Let's face it, most men don't like shopping in malls and department stores, so a web store is ideal. The best online shoe stores offer a wide selection of name-brand golf and athletic shoes for men. Many online shoe stores allow you to shop by price so you can stay in your price range. Look for shoe stores that offer size charts and descriptions to help you choose the right size. It is helpful to read the posted customer comments to preview feedback from other customers regarding size accuracy.
Children's Shoes
Kids are tough on shoes so durability is key. The best shoe stores offer quality brand names and shoes with extra features such as toe guards and slip-resistant soles for extra grip.
Customer Service
All of the shoe stores we reviewed accept returns on unworn and unused merchandise. The best shoe stores have one-year return policies. Look for shoe stores that have toll-free numbers so you can contact a live agent if you need to.
Online shoe stores provide convenience and the ability to shop a much larger selection than you will find in a brick-and-mortar store. They save you time and provide you with the ability to find exactly what you want without driving to different shopping centers.
