Shoes.com is one of the major retailers when it comes to buying shoes online. While it doesn't quite have the same levels of customer services as some rivals, it does have a major advantage when it comes to offering shoes of all shapes and sizes to users. If you're looking for unusual sizes, want to get specialized footwear, or you need something very specific when it comes to your shoes, we recommend making Shoes.com your first visit. While it isn't our top choice, it ranks well on our guide to the best online shoe stores, and for good reason.
Shoes.com review: Website and shoes
Shoes.com offers over a million different styles from over 800 brands. This is quite a claim, and means you're more likely to find something specific at Shoes.com than you are at rivals like DSW and Zappos. One of its stand out features is that it has plenty of stock of those sizes that are particularly hard to find. Despite its name, the store also sells accessories and bags too, so it has a huge variety of items.
You can browse the company's selection of women's, men's and children's shoes, or if you're looking for something specific, shoes are organized by category type, such as boots, sandals, or athletic sneakers.
Shoes.com provides numerous specialty shoes; for example, shoes for work, hiking, running, etc. In addition, you can filter search results by special features, such as orthotic-friendly, vegan, moisture-wicking, insulated and diabetic-friendly. This means if you need something more than just a pair of sneakers or dressy shoes, you can narrow your search to find exactly what you are looking for.
The website's home page features a search toolbar at the top so you can enter a brand or style, and it will bring up options for you to view. Additionally, you can refine your search further using the company's advanced search features, so if you are looking for casual shoes, for instance, you can search under different categories such as canvas, clogs or flats. You can also narrow your search by size, color, price range and brand.
Shoes.com: VIP scheme and support
There's a Shoefans reward club that you can sign up for at Shoes.com. Register for free, and you earn 1 point per $1 spent at the store. Once you have 100 points, you qualify for a $5 coupon to redeem against more shoes. You can also earn points by referring friends, and following Shoes.com on social media - all nice little bonuses.
Unlike many other shoe stores, Shoes.com offers free shipping on all items, and there's no minimum spend to qualify for this. Returns are technically free too, although you'll be charged a $6.95 restocking fee, which is removed from your total refund when your order returns to Shoes.com. Not the best, and this is something that has upset many customers in their user reviews.
At least the return shipping is easy. You simply print out the return-shipping label at home, attach it to the box and drop it off at your local UPS facility. You don't have to wait in line to get your item weighed and labeled.
You can place orders online or by phone, using the toll-free telephone number located on the website. There is an extensive list on the FAQ page along with helpful tips. You can reach a representative by email or phone, but there is no live-chat service. Although, you can sign up for an email newsletter to receive the latest news and offers from the company.
Should you shop at Shoes.com?
Shoes.com is an excellent option if you are looking for something specific and want excellent customer care to go along with it. This company provides a large inventory and free shipping options, with no minimum spend. In addition, Shoes.com also provides a 60-day return policy, which provides enough time for you to return your shoes without feeling rushed.
We like the Shoefans reward club, and if you shop here regularly, the coupons will soon add up. The only major issue we have with the site is the restocking fee you're charged on returns, and perhaps the fact that customer services aren't 24-hour, as with some of the other leading footwear retailers. Overall, though, we think this is a great store, especially if you're looking for specific or specialized shoes.