My Online Shoe Shopping Experience

[Kristyn]

It's official, I'm done with retail shoe shopping!  It's a complete waste of time running around looking for style, selection and size that's rarely ever there.  I'm tired of the crowded malls and, most of all, I'm tired of the rude sales clerks.

Over the last three weeks I've ordered three pairs of shoes--two from Zappos.com

http://canada.zappos.com/n/p/p/7620266/c/7494.html
http://canada.zappos.com/n/p/p/7588693/c/183092.html

and one from Aldo

http://www.aldoshoes.com/ca-eng/women/shoes/peep-toe-pumps/80323044-slovenia/96

Zappos is a five day wait and offer a fair return policy.  They provide you with a prepaid return label and you are chrged 15/pair returned.  Nothing to really complain about considering.

Aldo is a two day turnaround and returns can be taken to any Aldos store.  Trust me, it's far more fun returning the pair that doesn't fit than spending two or three days running all over town to find a pair of shoes that you like!  SO LONG RETAIL!!!!!

[Janet_Girl]

I love the Aldos.   Kind of great pair for jeans or even a skirt.

The only thing I don't like about online shopping is the sizing thing.  I need wider shoes in at least an 11.

[Kristyn]

I love the Aldos.   Kind of great pair for jeans or even a skirt.

The only thing I don't like about online shopping is the sizing thing.  I need wider shoes in at least an 11.

That's what is good about Zappo's they offer shoes in a wider fit.  They also have reviews which I have found to be extremely accurate.

[Epigania]

I'm lucky enough that I don't need wide.   But finding 10.5's is virtually impossible in stores ... I may have to give Zappo's a try.

[NikkiJ]

I go to the DSW stores around me, and always go through the "Oh, I like that...damn, it's not in my size!" As a result I buy whatever I like if it's in my size the day I'm in there, because I know it won't be there next time.

I've been wanting to try Zappo's though, I heard an interview with their CEO on NPR the other day, and he sounds like a cool guy.

[sneakersjay]

http://www.cinderellashoes.ie

www.6pm.com


FWIW my daughter wears size 11 shoes, and is in the same boat.  Stores NEVER have what she wants.


Jay

[Hikari]

I have heard too many great things about Zappos not to try them, and it seems that their selection is wonderful, whenever I get a credit card or bank account again, I will definitely try them.

I have never seen nor heard of an Aldos store before, is this something specific to Canada or a regional? I live in the Eastern United States south of the Mason-Dixie line so, there are many stores that we have that don't seem to be elsewhere (Waffle House is ubiquitous here, but I couldn't find one up north) So it would be foolish for me to assume that there are stores elsewhere that we don't have.

In any case, I thank the OP for their post, after hearing so many good things about Zappos here and elsewhere I will certainly give it a try.

[mjr]

Silly question, but are womens and mens sizes the same?

I'm so helpless in all this...

Mary

[Between Names]

From what I remember, men's sizes are two numbers down from women's. (In the US.) For example, I wear a men's size 8, and a women's size 10.

Somebody tell me if I'm WAY off...

[Hikari]

From what I remember, men's sizes are two numbers down from women's. (In the US.) For example, I wear a men's size 8, and a women's size 10.

Somebody tell me if I'm WAY off...

This is what I have heard as well, however in my experience brand seems to matter more than the number. Once I wore a pair of Vans in size 13 mens, however my Converse knock offs are a size 10 mens, and I can fit into some size 10 womens, and many size 12 womens are loose. In theory the sizes are supposed to actually be equatable to inches at some point, but it seems in practice there isn't a terrible degree of standardization.

Some of the places I have shopped however, have guidelines on how to measure your feet and ensure that the sizes they list always work with those measurements using that method.

[Kristyn]

http://www.cinderellashoes.ie

www.6pm.com


FWIW my daughter wears size 11 shoes, and is in the same boat.  Stores NEVER have what she wants.


Jay

Great links Jay.  I like 6pm shoes, unfortunately they don't ship to Canada 

[Kristyn]

I have heard too many great things about Zappos not to try them, and it seems that their selection is wonderful, whenever I get a credit card or bank account again, I will definitely try them.

I'm currently trying their return process, I'll post my experience once they've credited my account.

I have never seen nor heard of an Aldos store before, is this something specific to Canada or a regional?

I'm pretty sure Aldo's is international.

I live in the Eastern United States south of the Mason-Dixie line so, there are many stores that we have that don't seem to be elsewhere (Waffle House is ubiquitous here, but I couldn't find one up north) So it would be foolish for me to assume that there are stores elsewhere that we don't have.

Just stay away from the Blue Waffle House    (YES!  My depression is slowly lifting!)  If you don't know what blue waffle is, Google it, but be forewarned, it's not pretty!

In any case, I thank the OP for their post, after hearing so many good things about Zappos here and elsewhere I will certainly give it a try.

You're welcome!  I always like to make a helpful contribution. 

[Kristyn]

I go to the DSW stores around me, and always go through the "Oh, I like that...damn, it's not in my size!" As a result I buy whatever I like if it's in my size the day I'm in there, because I know it won't be there next time.

I've been wanting to try Zappo's though, I heard an interview with their CEO on NPR the other day, and he sounds like a cool guy.

My experience as well.  I just got so fed up with it that I decided to try online and it's been a great success so far!  Still need some winter boots!

[JennX]

Zappos.com for the win!!! 

I've bought dozens of shoes from them and the service is A++++. Returns are fast & easy, and their selection is about as good as it gets.

[mjr]

From what I remember, men's sizes are two numbers down from women's. (In the US.) For example, I wear a men's size 8, and a women's size 10.

Somebody tell me if I'm WAY off...

Ouch that means I'd need a size 12 or 13.  Big feet obviously.

[Kelly Blaine]

No, not a 12 or 13 but it depends on the Mfg.  I wear a 9 1/2 and if you follow the scale that would be a 10 1/2 for open toe shoes and a 11 1/2 for closed toe shoes.  I ordered two pair of shoes from Nine West , one pointed toe heel and the other a round toe.  Both closed toe and they are size 10 and fit famously.  I also wear size 10 wedges from Kohls and peep toe pumps in size 10.  Go figure.  Cheap CD shoes seem to run smaller so that number may be truer.

[bethanypahl]

sign up for the zappos VIP upgrades your shipping to next day and returns are processed the day they recieve them back

cool

[NikkiJ]

We have a gorgeous young exec asst at work, taller than I am, and I noticed her shoes were pretty big, turns out she takes a 10, and only wears pointy heels.