Different online shoe stores cater to customers with different service needs. So where is the best place to buy shoes online?
When you buy your shoes online, you get all the shoes, but not the footwork. However, not all shoe stores fit all feet, so here’s a roundup of the best online shoe stores.
When You Need a Wide Range
One of the biggest advantages of buying shoes online is that you can shop from a larger variety of shoes. There are some online shoe stores like DSW (short for Designer Shoe Warehouse) that sell almost any shoe you could want. DSW is stocked with all styles of footwear for women, men and children, from work boots to sandals and flats to high heels, as well as running shoes. If you’re looking for a specific brand, DSW most likely has it.
NET-A-PORTER is a great destination for luxury brand shoes. It does not have its own internal line. Instead, NET-A-PORTER showcases a seemingly endless selection of designer shoes, from pumps to kitten heels. Gucci, Stella McCartney and Vetements are some of the popular shoe brands you’ll find in all sizes at NET-A-PORTER.
On the other hand, the best place to shop for shoes if you’re looking for a specific type, style or designer brand is ASOS. Nasty Gal is ideal if you are looking for a modern and striking shoe with a rebellious touch.
When You Need Hard-to-Find Sizing
If your feet don’t fit the usual mold, buying shoes online can be your lifesaver. Online shoe stores sell the most sought after shoes by shoppers with very small and very large feet. Nordstrom has Jimmy Choos starting at size 3 1/2 and Valentino pumps starting at size 4, while ASOS‘ collection of thousands of shoes starts at size 4. No more shopping in the baby section. At the other end of the size spectrum, the best places to shop for shoes are Nordstrom, which stocks up to a size 15, and Zappos up to a size 20.
When You Want Cheap Shoes With Online Free Delivery
If there’s a downside to buying shoes online, it’s that you have to pay to have the shoes shipped to you and wait for them to arrive. Shipping costs are a great way to choose your best online shoe store. Many shoe stores offer free shipping. Nordstrom, Zappos, 6pm, and DSW deserve mention for this feature.
When You Need Easy Returns
Therefore, finding an online shoe store that has a good return policy is a big plus. Zappos, of course, is known for its completely free return policy, which accepts shoes up to one year after purchase. Nordstrom returns even shoes that have been worn out, and Overstock offers free returns on any unworn shoes returned within 30 days of purchase.
When You’re Searching for Where to Buy Cheap Shoes
This is tricky because a lot of good prices depend on what you’re looking for. If you’re looking for designer shoes, you’ll pay more than cheap flip-flops. Therefore, when you compare prices, you want to see fair prices compared to other outlets.Aldo is known for consistently low prices on all types and styles of shoes from its in-house line. As long as you’re not looking for a specific designer brand, Aldo offers reliable value for money.
Another aspect of pricing is the amount of the discount. To do this, you’ll want to turn to sites that specialize in discount brands. 6pm and Overstock are two of the best online shoe stores that offer great discounts on brands. Overstock features deep discounts on this season’s hottest heels as well as last season’s shoe styles.
When You Need a Website That’s Easy to Use
Honestly, some online shoe stores can be overwhelming. Shoeaholics‘ simple, uncluttered website invites you to browse 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, inviting shoppers to search by price, size or style, or browse dozens of brands arranged alphabetically.
When You Need Top Customer Service
Customer service may not be the first thing you look for at an online shoe retailer, but it sure makes a difference when you’re having a problem with your order or trying to find size 5 cherry red sandals. Zappos is practically built on its famous customer service. Free shipping and returns are complete with exceptional customer service from trained people who don’t work from a script.
Nordstrom has put a similar amount of energy into developing customer service, and in addition to offering returns in almost any condition, its customer service representatives make it clear that they’re always ready to help.
When You Want Brick and Mortar Branches Too
Being able to go to the nearest branch and try on the shoes and then immediately return them if they don’t fit can sometimes be the quickest and easiest way. Stores like Aldo, Nordstrom, and DSW, which combine online shopping with a physical presence, allow shoppers to browse their entire selection of shoes online and order them at their local branch to try on the next day. The shoes usually arrive at your local branch faster and cheaper than if you ordered them at home, and you can try them on and return them to the store without any problems.
The Best Places to Buy Shoes
Whether you need the cheapest prices or easiest returns, want to explore a wide variety of brands, or are looking for the perfect shoe, online shoe stores make it easy to size, buy, and ship your next pair of shoes.