Shopping for Shoes Online

Shopping for Shoes Online: Why Would You?

Personally, I love shopping for shoes, any time and any place. But still every once in a while, when I mention that I buy so many shoes online, I’ll get the surprised reaction of: “But, you can’t try them on!”

This is certainly true; however, that shouldn’t necessarily mean that you can’t take advantage of the great selection and options available via online shoe shopping.

The ability to shop for shoes online is probably one of the best things about the era we’re living in. But, you still need to be careful about where you shop. Below I’ve listed several resources to ensure that you get the best deals from the best retailers.

Shopping for Shoes Online

This article will help you decide whether shopping for shoes online is right for you.

Latest Developments

In recent years, online shoe sales have been on the rise.

I believe this is based on several factors.

  • Style – Due to space limitations, many brick and mortar department and shoe stores simply can not offer the style and color selections of many of the online retailers. While finding a black pump is a relatively simple task at any store, a bronze sling-back is tougher to accomplish.
  • Standard Sizing – While many of us have no trouble finding shoes to fit right “off the rack,” there are probably more people who need something other than standard width or size. Warehouse workers, for example, need special shoes that can hardly be found in stores. These options are more readily available online.
  • Brand Name and Designer Merchandise – Between television, print, and online media, we’re bombarded with brand and designer names that are often difficult to find in local department stores. But running that name through any search engine brings usually returns several online retailers of the shoes you so covet.

History

I remember shopping for shoes as a kid – and by that, I mean actually going to a shoe store, having a salesperson measure your foot, and bringing you styles in your size.

Though I didn’t appreciate that quite as much as a child, now I’d probably enjoy the attention.

But pampering aside, what options were available to a woman who happened to wear a size 11 or 12? – Which, by the way, is much more common that the shoe industry wants to acknowledge.

She would be forced to either cram her feet into a too-small shoe, be offered whatever was in the storeroom in her size – usually a loafer, or be directed to the men’s department and told there were no pretty shoes for her.

Though I haven’t spoken directly with any men or women with smaller than average feet, I’m guessing their experience was similar, only perhaps the end result was being sent to the children’s department, where they could peruse shoes with bows or super-heroes on them.

Wider than average feet were forced into standard-width shoes, and people who needed comfortable footwear were forced to let the world know their needs by having to wear shoes that screamed “sensible.”

Thankfully, not only have the shoe manufacturers started catching on, but online shoe stores have increased our options — and even brick-and-mortar shoe stores are starting to acknowledge that no two feet are created equal.

Pros: Online Shoe Shopping

  • A wider selection of styles and colors.
  • Better potential to find the exact shoe or brand you are looking for.
  • More sizing options
  • If you’re an easy fit or know your size, you can shop for shoes any time you desire from the comfort of your home.

Cons: Online Shoe Shopping

  • If you are uncertain of your size or width, you must try shoes on before purchasing. Ill-fitting shoes are not good for your feet or your mood.
  • If you have special footwear needs, you may want to have a discussion about them with a footwear expert. This is not easily accomplished online.
  • Even overnight shipping isn’t as quick as a car ride to the nearest shoe store. If you need your shoes in a hurry, and they have to be right, don’t take chances, buy them in person.
  • If you’re uncomfortable with the idea of making online purchases, you should definitely not.
  • While the vast majority of web transactions are safe, if online shopping costs you peace of mind – you should not do it.

Where It Stands

Ultimately, where and how you shop for shoes is totally your decision.

You should do what makes you most comfortable, and there is certainly nothing wrong with the traditional way of shopping for shoes — as long as your needs are being met.

However, if you’re interested in increasing your options, there is a whole world of new shoe shopping opportunities awaiting you on the world wide web.

Shopping for Shoes – Best Online Shoe Stores & Shopping

This guide to stores and shopping contains reviews of online footwear stores, advice for shopping for shoes, and links to hot shoe sales.

Best Online Shoe Stores

  • Affordable / Budget
  • Online Shoe Shopping
  • Online Shoe Stores
  • Sale / Discount / Clearance
  • Shoe Gifts
  • Shoe Outlet Stores
  • Shoe Stores
  • Top Picks in Men’s Shoes
  • Top Picks in Teen Shoes

Where to Find …

Looking for vintage shoes, sexy shoes, cowboy boots? Whatever kind of footwear you’re looking for, this is a great first stop. Find the best sites for all different styles of shoes and boots.

Where to Buy Your Favorite Shoes

Want to know the best sources for your favorite footwear brands and styles? You’re in luck, I’ve rounded up some of the best online and real-world resources for several of the most popular names in shoes.

Footwear Finds

I’ve rounded up some of the week’s best deals on shoes, and here they are!

Shoe Reviews

Looking for the most comfortable, stylish, or popular shoe styles and footwear brands? You’re covered with the review listed below.

Cyber Monday Shoe Sales – Promo, Discount and Coupon Codes

It’s the biggest online shopping day. Here are all the coupon, promo and discount codes you’ll need to save at the Cyber Monday Shoe Sales. There are lots of huge Cyber Monday shoe sales to attend, all from the comfort of your very own home. Be sure to check out this list of some of the best.

Christmas Shoe Sales

This season there are some great shoe sales going, so if you or someone on your gift list is in need of a new pair of boots or shoes, you definitely won’t want to miss this master list of Christmas shoe sales.

Black Friday Shoe Sales

It’s every bargain-hunters favorite shopping day, and shoe fans have an extra reason to be excited, as 2018 is set to have some of the best Black Friday and Thanksgiving weekend sales I’ve seen in a long time. Be sure to check them out.

So you missed 2018’s Black Friday shoe sales, but you’re too early for Black Friday 2018. Don’t worry! There are still loads of ways to save money on all your footwear needs.

Of course, if you’re interested specifically in deals related only to Black Friday… well, I don’t understand that. But, you’ll have to check back closer to the next holiday season for all those details.

Better yet, you can subscribe to my free shoe newsletter and the get hottest trends and best sales delivered via email, year ’round. That makes a lot more sense.

In the meantime, I’ve provided a few money-saving tips and sale links below.

Shoes Under 20 Dollars

When your budget is tight, it’s always nice to have a list of affordable go-to stores for all of life’s little necessities, like shoes. Luckily, I’ve put together just such a list. Here are some of the best places to score a cute pair of shoes for under $20.

Naturally, these shoes probably aren’t going to last you a lifetime. Hello, they’re $20 or less! But still, there’s a good selection of trendy styles, and some of them are nicer quality than you might expect.

Shoe Outlet Stores – Outlet Shopping Tips

Shopping at shoe outlet stores can save you a great deal of money on footwear, but it’s best to be prepared. These outlet shopping tips will help you avoid being disappointed the next time you visit an outlet mall.

Find your favorite brand-name shoe outlet stores by state, or by brand, using the resources below. And while you’re here, don’t forget to check out the outlet shopping tips — they could really save you a lot of time on your next shopping trip.

Shoe Stores Online

It’s hard to believe that in a world where people actually like to try their shoes on, online shoe stores have become so popular. But I have to admit; when I think about the size, brand, style, and color selection available from my favorite online shoe stores, it’s easy to see why. There are many great online shoe stores to choose from. Here are a few of my favorites.

From local shoe stores to some of the most popular chains around the world, this directory features profiles and information on all your favorite shoe stores.

Shoes.com

The web is full of shoe stores, and it seems like there’s a new one launching every day, but not all online shoe stores are created equal. How does the www.shoes.com rate? Check out these reviews to find out.

UGG Australia Outlet Stores

I hear from a lot of people who are looking for UGG outlet stores, so I’ve compiled this list of addresses and phone numbers. I’ve also included links to several chains and online retailers that typically stock UGG Australia boots so that you can compare prices and find deals and sales.

Shoe Outlets by State

Looking for brand-name shoe outlets near you? Be sure to check out this state-by-state listing of outlet stores for some of the most popular shoe brands.

Journeys Shoes

Full of youthful, fashionable, and trendy shoes, boots, and sneakers, Journeys is a great place for teens and adults to shop for footwear.

Brand Name Shoe Outlets

If you’re a shoe lover who loves a good deal, you’re going to love this big list of brand-name shoe outlet stores.

Shoes on Sale – Sales & Discounts

Whether you’re looking for mainstream brands or high-end designer shoes, it’s always welcome to find them on sale. The resources below will help you find the best sales, clearance sections, and discount sites for footwear all price ranges.

Current Bargain, Clearance & Discount Shoes on Sale for Men, Women & Kids. Find the hottest footwear on sale this week.

Top Picks in Women’s Shoes

Learn about the latest trends and hottest styles with these top picks in women’s shoes. From designer names to hot bargains, if you’re shopping for shoes, these editor’s picks are a great place to start.

Directory of Shoe Stores

Looking for a great shoe store? Check this complete list of national footwear chains, complete with location finders and links.

Buy Shoes on a Shoestring Budget

This article has loads of tips on how to save money on shoes, all year long.

Holiday Shipping Deadlines for Buying Shoes Online

There’s still time to get your shoes, boots or slippers by Christmas. This handy list breaks down all the order deadlines and shipping schedules, and there are lots of coupons and promo codes as well.

Newport News

In addition to their mail-order catalog, the Newport News web site is a great place to shop for clothing and a fabulous place to pick up shoes at great prices. Learn what to look for and how to score some great deals at Newport News.

Shoe Stores – Things to Know Before Shoe Shopping

While your local Target or Wal-Mart may be fine for general purpose shoes, when you’re shopping for specific shoes, it pays to go shopping at the right kind of shoe store. Learn how to find the right shoe store for your needs and other shoe shopping tips.

The Best Shoe Shopping

Whether your a shoe addict who loves the process of shopping for shoes or the type of person who views shoe shopping as an evil necessity, arming yourself with the right information can make any shoe shopping trip more enjoyable. Find the top stores and sites for everything from athletic shoes to designer footwear.

Shoe Rules – Tips for Trying on Shoes

For some people, trying on shoes is merely a necessity. For others, it’s a pastime. But either way, there are a few rules you should follow when trying on footwear. Be sure to check them out before your next trip to the shoe store.