Different online shoe stores cater to customers with different needs. So, where is the best place to buy shoes online?
When you buy shoes online, you get all the shoes, but not all the comfort. However, not all shoe stores fit all feet, so here is a list of the best online shoe stores.
When you need a wide variety
One of the biggest advantages of buying shoes online is that you can choose from a wider variety. There are some online shoe stores, such as DSW (short for Designer Shoe Warehouse), that sell almost any shoe you could want. DSW offers all types of shoes for women, men, and children, from work boots to sandals, from flats to high heels, and even running shoes. If you are looking for a specific brand, DSW probably has it.
NET-A-PORTER is a great place to find luxury brand shoes. It does not have a separate line. On the other hand, NET-A-PORTER offers a seemingly endless selection of designer shoes, from high heels to kitten heels. Gucci, Stella McCartney, and Vetements are some of the most popular shoe brands in all sizes at NET-A-PORTER.
On the other hand, if you’re looking for a specific type, style, or designer brand of shoe, ASOS is the best place to shop for shoes. Nasty Gal is ideal if you’re looking for modern, eye-catching shoes with a rebellious style.
When you need a hard-to-find size
If your feet don’t fit the usual mold, buying shoes online can be your salvation. Online shoe stores sell the most sought-after shoes for shoppers with very small to very large feet. Nordstrom offers Jimmy Choo shoes starting at size 3 1/2 and Valentino shoes starting at size 4, while ASOS’s collection of thousands of shoes starts at size 4. No need to shop in the kids’ section anymore. At the other end of the size spectrum, the best places to buy shoes are Nordstrom, which sells shoes up to size 15, and Zappos, which sells shoes up to size 20.
When you want cheap shoes with free shipping online
If there’s one downside to buying shoes online, it’s that you have to pay for shipping and wait for them to arrive. Shipping costs are a great way to choose the best online shoe store. Many shoe stores offer free shipping. Nordstrom, Zappos, 6pm, and DSW all deserve mention for this feature.
When you need easy returns
So finding an online shoe store with a good return policy is a big plus. Zappos is, of course, known for its completely free returns policy, accepting shoes up to a year after purchase. Nordstrom even accepts returns on worn shoes, and Overstock offers free returns on any unworn shoes returned within 30 days of purchase.
When you’re looking for where to buy cheap shoes
This is tricky because a lot of the best deals depend on what you’re looking for. If you’re looking for designer shoes, you’ll pay more than you would for cheap flip-flops. So when comparing prices, look for fair prices compared to other stores. Aldo is known for consistently low prices on all types and styles of shoes in its own line. If you’re not looking for a specific designer brand, Aldo offers excellent value.
Another aspect of price is the size of the discount. For that, you should look at discount brand websites. 6pm and Overstock are two of the best online shoe stores that offer deep discounts on brand names. Overstock offers deep discounts on this season’s most popular heels, as well as last season’s styles.
When you need an easy-to-use website
Frankly, some online shoe stores can be overwhelming. Shoeaholics’ simple and straightforward website invites you to search by price or size, as well as style or brand. You can also easily search by keyword. DSW does a good job of making its thousands of shoes accessible by inviting shoppers to search by price, size, or style, or browse dozens of brands, arranged alphabetically.
When You Need Exceptional Customer Service
Customer service may not be the first thing you look for in an online shoe store, but it certainly makes a difference when you have a problem with your order or are trying to find cherry red sandals in size 5. Zappos practically relies on its famous customer service. Free shipping and returns are complemented by exceptional customer service from knowledgeable staff who don’t follow a script.
Nordstrom has made a similar effort to develop its customer service, and in addition to offering returns under almost any circumstances, customer service representatives make it clear that they are always ready to help.
When You Need a Physical Store, Too
Walking into a nearby store, trying on shoes, and returning them immediately if they don’t fit can sometimes be the fastest and easiest way. Stores like Aldo, Nordstrom, and DSW, which combine online shopping with a physical presence, allow shoppers to browse their entire shoe collection online and order them at their local store to try on the next day. Shoes often arrive at your local store faster and cheaper than if you ordered them from home, and you can try them on and return them to the store without any hassle.
The Best Places to Buy Shoes
Whether you need the lowest prices or easiest returns, want to explore a wide range of brands, or are looking for the perfect shoe, online shoe stores make it easy to size, purchase, and ship your next pair.
