The Best Places to Buy Shoes Online for Convenient, Reliable Shopping (2023)

The Best Places to Buy Shoes Online for Convenient, Reliable Shopping (1)

Depending on a few key factors, shoe shopping can be one of the most enjoyable retail experiences out there. You don’t have to take your clothes on and off a million times in harsh dressing room light. Also, unlike clothing, there’s usually not a ton of discrepancy when it comes to shoe sizing. And beyond all of that, shoes are just a fun accessory—an opportunity to try something a little bolder or add a pop of color to an outfit. Still, shoe shopping can be overwhelming if you don’t know where to start. The retailers are endless, and when you add in online shopping, the list gets even longer. Still, there are tips and tricks for making the online shoe shopping process easier, says Regina Popp, Senior Director of Fashion and Trends at DSW. The bottom line, though, is that shoe shopping should be fun.

“Ultimately the best shoe shopping experience is when you feel inspired, can digest all the new looks out there, and try them on easily to make sure you get the perfect fit,” says Popp. “Shoes are more about fit than any other category out there, so you need to invest the time to take them for a test run, whether that’s in-store or at home in your closet.”

If you’re feeling inspired and wondering where to start, we rounded up the best places to shop online, based on reviews, shopping experiences, and more.

Best Overall: Zappos

The Best Places to Buy Shoes Online for Convenient, Reliable Shopping (2)

Online-only shoe retailer Zappos is known for its seemingly never-ending supply of shoes in all different styles and sizes—and for its customer service. In fact, according to Forbes, the former CEO has said Zappos' success was largely built on the fact that each customer service rep was encouraged to stay on the phone with customers and connect with them personally as much as possible. These days, Zappos sells more than shoes, but they’re still a great place to start if you’re looking for a wide variety and easy returns. Zappos VIP offers free expedited shipping (they already offer free standard shipping site-wide), a points-earning system, free UPS pick-ups, and more. The best part? It's free to sign up.

Return Policy: Full refund within 365 days; free return shipping | Rewards: Zappos VIP | Size Range: Women’s 1-20, Men’s 1-20 (plus wide and narrow)

Best Runner-Up: DSW

The Best Places to Buy Shoes Online for Convenient, Reliable Shopping (4)

Buy on Dsw.com

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The Best Places to Buy Shoes Online for Convenient, Reliable Shopping (5)

One of the most accessible shoe shopping options out there, DSW offers a wide range of shoe styles and sizes at a variety of price points (the majority of which are pretty affordable). The store also sells styles from major designer names like Steve Madden and Jennifer Lopez—which are exclusive to DSW.DSW VIP allows you to earn rewards on every dollar you spend, which can then be redeemed for gift cards. It’s free to join the program and offers a 20 percent off coupon for signing up, free shipping, $5 off on your birthday, and more (in addition to free returns).

Return Policy: Free in-store returns within 60 days, $8.50 shipping fee for online returns | Rewards: DSW VIP | Size Range: Women's 4-13, Men’s 6-16 (plus wide and narrow)

Best for Designer: Nordstrom

The Best Places to Buy Shoes Online for Convenient, Reliable Shopping (6)

Nordstrom is, of course, known for much more than just footwear, but its shoe selection is still pretty expansive, especially if you’re looking for a good variety of affordable and luxury or designer styles.According to the website, Nordstrom handles returns "on a case-by-case basis with the ultimate goal of making our customers happy.” Plus, Nordstrom's rewards program applies to any section of the store, and allows customers to earn points for shopping and redeem those rewards for “Nordstrom Notes.”

Return Policy: Lenient | Rewards: The Nordy Club | Size Range: Women’s 4-14, Men’s 5-20 (plus wide and narrow)

Best for Vintage: The RealReal

The Best Places to Buy Shoes Online for Convenient, Reliable Shopping (8)

Love shopping for unique vintage shoes? Not interested in paying full price for the designer styles you love? Browsing The RealReal for shoes can be a good option. The RealReal is an online consignment store for high-end luxury and designer goods, and it’s a great way to find one-of-a-kind footwear.While the store doesn’t have a traditional rewards program, it does have a variety of options to shop items at discounted prices. If you consign an item on The RealReal and it sells, you have the option to put your earnings toward another purchase on the site. There is also an influencer program in which certain people who qualify can earn commissions on sales.

Return Policy: 12-14 days from shipment or in-store purchase date | Size Range: Varies based on inventory

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Best Variety: Amazon

The Best Places to Buy Shoes Online for Convenient, Reliable Shopping (10)

If you’re shopping for shoes in a hurry, it wouldn’t be a bad idea to check out what Amazon has to offer (especially if you’re a Prime member and have free two-day or even overnight shipping on many styles). Whether you’re looking for UGG Slides, Dolce & Gabbana sandals, or Carhartt steel-toed work boots, Amazon has it.

Return Policy: Usually free within 30 days of delivery | Rewards: Amazon Reward Credit Cards, Amazon Prime | Size Range: Women’s 3-16, Men’s 4-20 (plus wide and narrow)

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Best Trendy: Asos

The Best Places to Buy Shoes Online for Convenient, Reliable Shopping (12)

For those shopping for trend-forward styles, Asos is an excellent option. Not only do they have the latest, greatest trending styles, but the brand also offers trending styles at affordable price points, which is not always easy to find. In addition to Asos-designed styles, you can shop for shoes from popular brands like Dr. Martens, Converse, and more.While the online retailer doesn't have a rewards program, they do offer unlimited 2-day shipping for a flat fee of $19 per year, which could be worth it if you shop there often.

Return Policy: Full refund within 28 days, a voucher from 29-45 days | Size Range: Women’s 4-15, Men’s 10-14 (plus wide and narrow)

Best Sporty: Foot Locker

The Best Places to Buy Shoes Online for Convenient, Reliable Shopping (14)

Buy on Footlocker.com

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The Best Places to Buy Shoes Online for Convenient, Reliable Shopping (15)

When it comes to budget-friendly athletic and sporting shoe options, Foot Locker has you covered. In other words: If you’re looking for a sport-specific sneaker, Foot Locker is a good place to start, whether you’re shopping online or in person. Basketball shoes? They’ve got it. Very particular pair of sneakers from a very particular brand? They probably have that, too.The company's rewards program offers free shipping, early access to deals, exclusive rewards, and members-only sweepstakes.

Return Policy: Full refund within 45 days | Rewards: FLX Rewards | Size Range: Women’s 5-12, Men’s 6-18

Best for Running: Road Runner Sports

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For running shoes (especially if you’re a marathon or ultra-marathon runner), you want to make sure you’re getting your perfect shoe for the best price possible (running shoes aren’t cheap, after all). If your entire family happens to run, having access to a program like Road Runner’s Family VIP Rewards is key. It costs just $2 to join, but a family of four saves, on average, $284 a year with the benefits of the program. The program not only offers 10 percent off everything in-store, 5 percent rewards cashback, and free shipping, but it also boasts a 90-day "perfect fit promise." This means you can run for three months in your shoes and still return them if they don’t work.

Return Policy: Full refund within 60 days for new and unused items | Rewards: Family VIP Rewards | Size Range: Women’s 3-15, Men’s 5-18 (plus wide and narrow)

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Best Curated: McMullen Boutique

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If you fancy a site with a tight edit of options from a curator with impeccable taste in designer fashion, look no further than McMullen. The shop was founded in Oakland by Sherri McMullen in 2007 and has since blossomed into one of the top boutiques in the country, according to Vogue and WWD. In terms of shoes, McMullen carries brands such as Rachel Comey, Proenza Schouler, J.W. Anderson, Peter Do, and Veja.

Return Policy: Exchange or refund on anything full price on orbefore 10 days from delivery of your package | Rewards: Automatic enrollment for perks and complimentary services | Size Range: Varies from brand to brand

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Meet the Expert

Regina Popp is the Senior Director of Fashion and Trends at DSW. She was previously a senior fashion editor at Footwear News.

What to Look for When Buying Shoes Online

Good reviews and proper filters

“Filter in, filter out, and read the reviews,” Popp instructs. “I usually start by filtering down to the category/style/brand I am looking for, but then progressively remove the filters to see if I missed anything spectacular. And look for cues on sizing, whether that’s new technology solutions or purely customer reviews.”

Popp says this kind of filtering strategy will likely save you a lot of time and energy that you'd spend on returns. If the shoe does arrive and it doesn’t seem quite right, though, Popp suggests trying it on twice—and not after a long day on your feet.“This will ensure that it wasn’t a fluke or ‘love at first sight’ and you are truly able to walk comfortably and style the shoes as you anticipated,” Popp explains.

Find your style

When it comes to choosing the right styles for your wardrobe and lifestyle, Popp says she usually goes by the “know thyself” rule. “If strutting in stilettos isn’t your thing, pick a blockier heel with sexy strapping and call it a day. Snap judgments don’t usually pay off in the footwear department,” Popp says. “Pick the shoes/booties/heels/sneakers that let you be your best self—shoes should never hold you back because they hurt, slip, etcetera.”

FAQ

  • Can you return shoes you have worn?

    When it comes to shoes, no brand expects you not to try them on when you get them home. But while trying them on and walking around in them is encouraged to gauge fit, taking them out on the road or the town might be a different story. In general, it’s always a good idea to try shoes out on clean surfaces to keep them as clean as possible in case you have to make a return.
    There are exceptions to this rule when it comes to running shoes in particular, though. Zappos, for example, allows you to try (and wear, and run in) running shoes for 30 days before making your final decision. If you don’t like them, you can return them for a full refund, no matter how many times you’ve worn them. Brooks Running has a similar offer on their running shoes, except it’s a 90-day policy. In other words: If you’re buying running shoes, there are plenty of options that allow you to wear the shoes and return them if they’re not right, so be sure to choose your retailer carefully.

  • How do you measure shoe size?

    Measuring your shoe size at home isn’t all that complicated, but it is a process that’s easier to follow if you’re able to see a visual example. All you’ll need is a ruler, a piece of paper, and a pencil. This video from HealthyFeetStore.com explains the rest of the process.

    There is also the option of buying a cheap foot measurer (view at Amazon), of course. It’s also worth mentioning that most retailers have those options available in person if you’d rather go that route.

Why Trust Byrdie?

Olivia Muenter is a fashion commerce contributor for Byrdie, and she has been published in Refinery29, Bustle, Fashionista, Glamour, and Woman’s Day, among others. Her search for this piece covered shoe retailers of all types. For criteria, she evaluated customer reviews, return policies, variety of inventory, and user-friendly or inspiring shopping experiences.

According to ourDiversity Pledge, 15% of products in our newly-published market roundups will feature Black-owned and/or Black-founded brands. At the time of publishing, we were not able to find enough Black-owned and/or Black-founded shoe retailers to meet this percentage. If you know of one we should consider, please email us at contact@byrdie.com, and we will evaluate the product ASAP.

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FAQs

What is the best way to buy shoes? ›

Have the salesperson measure both of your feet — and get measured every time you buy new shoes. If one foot is larger or wider than the other, buy a size that fits the larger foot. Stand in the shoes. Make sure you have at least a quarter- to a half-inch of space between your longest toe and the end of the shoe.

Is GOAT a reliable website? ›

So, is GOAT Legit? In short, GOAT is legit. Just as with StockX, nothing about the platform is absolutely perfect...but GOAT does a pretty darn good job at ensuring that their customers are protected against fake shoes.

Are shoes cheaper in stores or online? ›

Online shopping is often cheaper than in stores because online retailers may have fewer overhead costs. Online shopping also may come with the chance to apply more discount codes so you can save even more money. You may even be able to find cheaper gently or never used items on second-hand shopping sites.

Which company has the best sneaker? ›

1. Nike. Nike is the epitome of all sneakers — coinciding with the American running craze in the 70s, the iconic American brand was founded by Phil Knight in 1964 in Oregon, US. As one of the pioneering sneaker brands, Nike shaped the sports shoe industry and brought sneakers from basketball courts to everyday fashion.

Does goat sell real shoes? ›

Our goal is to be the most trusted marketplace for footwear, apparel and accessories. Sourcing from the world's premium boutiques and retailers, as well as our sellers and trusted network of partners, we aim to only sell authentic, high-quality products.

Is StockX a trustworthy site? ›

So, is StockX Legit? Yes. StockX is a legit place to buy and sell your rare sneakers and streetwear. However, as with any business, any seller, any transaction, there are definitely things that slip through the cracks.

What is the number 1 shoe brand? ›

The number one shoe manufacturing company in the world is currently Nike, which is also the world's second-largest apparel company (the first being the luxury fashion empire, Christian Dior).

Which retailer sells the most shoes? ›

CharacteristicE-commerce revenue in million U.S. dollars
amazon.com1,636
walmart.com1,301
dsw.com787
shein.com742
1 more row
Oct 18, 2022

What is the best shoe app to buy from? ›

The 11 Best Sneaker Apps to Stay on Top of Every Drop in 2023
  • Best new sneaker app entry: Highsnobiety App.
  • Best sneaker resale app: GOAT.
  • Best sneaker brand app: Nike SNKRS.
  • Best sneaker retail app: Finish Line — Shop Exclusive.
  • Best resale sneaker app: StockX.
  • Best sneaker app for ease of use: Stadium Goods.
Jan 26, 2023

Is Flightclub a legit website? ›

Yes, Flight Club is legit. The company was founded as a consignment store for rare sneakers in 2005. Based in New York City, there are also physical locations in L.A. and Miami. While the physical stores are cool, Flight Club is also known for their robust online marketplace.

Can I trust buying from GOAT? ›

Is GOAT Safe? Yes, GOAT is a safe website to buy and sell sneakers. The website accepts a wide range of secure payment options, such as PayPal, Apple Pay, and Google Pay. In addition, GOAT offers a buyer protection policy to help protect sneakerheads from fraud.

Does GOAT allow returns? ›

You have 3 days to request a return from the date you received the item(s). To initiate a return, tap “Request Return” in the GOAT app when you receive your package or contact us here. Once we receive your return, the item(s) will be evaluated before your refund is made.

What is the best selling shoe brand of all time? ›

1.NIKE AIR JORDAN

The first Air Jordan was produced for Michael Jordan during his time with the Chicago Bulls in 1984 and designed by Peter B. Moore. Along with iconic release of colourways including Air Jordan 1 Royal. Moreover, Air Jordan Metallic, Air Jordan Black Toe and more.

Which color shoes go with everything? ›

Footwear in black, beige, white, and gray should be a must-pack for your next trip since these colors can match everything you're bringing.

What is the cheapest way to buy shoes? ›

8 Ways You Can Get Free or Cheap Deals on Shoes
  • Use your discounts. ...
  • Become a product tester. ...
  • Give your email. ...
  • Sign up for credit cards. ...
  • Enter giveaways. ...
  • Join a store's “friends and family” circle. ...
  • Shop inventory clearance sales. ...
  • Attend activations.
Dec 15, 2021

Should I size up when buying shoes online? ›

When shopping for shoes try and order them in your 'normal' shoe size, not one size up as this may cause problems with fit. If you have a wider foot or usually a half size then you should go up a half a size.

Should you buy online or in store? ›

Additionally, online retailers often have more exclusive sales and discounts than in physical stores, and you may be able to find products that were not discounted in-store available online for a much cheaper price. You are then able to pick these products up from your local store or get them delivered to your house.

What are the top 5 sneakers? ›

Top 5 Popular Sneakers 2022
  • 1) Nike Dunks. Click/tap image to shop for these on eBay! ...
  • 2) Air Jordan 4s. Click/tap image to shop for these on eBay! ...
  • 3) Air Jordan 1s. Click/tap image to shop for these on eBay! ...
  • 4) adidas Forum. Click/tap image to shop for these on eBay! ...
  • 5) New Balance 550.
Jan 1, 2023

What is the top selling shoe brand in the US? ›

Largest Shoe Brands Research Summary

The largest shoe brand in the US is Nike, with a revenue of $44.538 billion and over 75,000 employees. As of 2022, the US shoe industry has a market size of $85.84 billion.

Who are the number 1 consumers of sneakers? ›

China was the world's leading consumer of footwear, with around 4.32 billion pairs of shoes bought in 2021. It is of little surprise that China tops the list of footwear consumers as it had the highest number of inhabitants on the planet as of 2021.

How long does GOAT take to deliver? ›

Standard items

The majority of GOAT items––except those listed as “Instant”––are shipped first to one of our facilities to be authenticated and verified before being delivered to you. It typically takes 7-10 business days for these items to be delivered to a buyer located in the US.

Where does GOAT ship from? ›

Orders are shipped from the GOAT USA premises located in Plainview, New York.

Who owns GOAT sneakers? ›

Eddy Lu - Co-founder and CEO - GOAT Group | LinkedIn.

What shoe cost the most? ›

Passion Diamond Shoes – $ 17 Million

One of the most costly pairs of shoes ever made was a collaboration between Jada Dubai and Passion Jewelers. The stiletto heel pumps are priced at $17 million and feature two 15-carat D-grade diamonds. Additional 238 diamonds are used to adorn the trim.

What happens when you wear cheap shoes? ›

Cheap shoes do not provide enough support to your arch in the foot. Overtime and with regular use of cheap shoes, your arch may flatten. The loss of this natural arch strains the ligaments and is the primary cause of conditions such as Achilles tendonitis and other serious problems related to foot and leg.

Are shoes more expensive online? ›

Now a new study finds that e-commerce is cheaper too. After looking at 184,000 running shoes — across 450 brands — independent review aggregator RunRepeat.com found that consumers saved 38.1 percent, about $46.20, per purchase of sneakers online versus in stores.

Are shoes off of EBay real? ›

Does Ebay Really Authenticate Shoes? EBay uses independent authenticators to make sure sneakers bought through it's authentication program are legitimate. Using independent checkers helps ensure zero bias towards selling an authentic product.

What does PS mean in shoes? ›

PS: PS stands for “Preschool.” PS sizes are typically smaller than GS sizes as they are produced for younger children.

What does GS mean in shoes? ›

What is Grade School (GS)? Grade School or GS refers to the reengineered sizes of popular sneaker silhouettes. Built of a smaller and narrower construction, Grade School models are specifically designed to fit a foot smaller than the average male, offering the perfect fit for girls and adolescents.

What if I get scammed on StockX? ›

If you see an unauthorized charge being made through your StockX account, it's our goal to assist you as quickly as possible. We recommend you get in touch with StockX Support to alert us to the charge so we can investigate and identify a resolution.

What site is better than StockX? ›

Top 10 StockX competitors
  • Grailed.
  • KYX World.
  • SODA.
  • Rally.
  • GOAT.
  • Poizon.
  • Secured.
  • Stadium Goods.

Why is StockX so cheap? ›

12. 25% of the items sold on StockX are sold for less than retail price. This often happens when there is too much supply in retail stores and instead of waiting for the inventory to go on sale consumers can find what they are looking for on StockX. 13.

What is the oldest shoe company in USA? ›

The Frye Company is an American manufacturer of shoes, boots and leather accessories. Founded in 1863, it claims to be the oldest continuously operated American shoe company.

What is the most popular shoe brand 2023? ›

Here is a list of the top 10 shoe brands in the USA in 2023:
  • Nike. ...
  • Adidas. ...
  • New Balance. ...
  • Under Armour. ...
  • Skechers. ...
  • Asics. ...
  • Puma. ...
  • Reebok.

Where do most people buy shoes online? ›

  • Best Overall: Zappos. Buy on Zappos. ...
  • Best Runner-Up: DSW. Buy on Dsw.com. ...
  • Best for Designer: Nordstrom. Buy on Nordstrom. ...
  • Best for Vintage: The RealReal. Buy on Therealreal.com. ...
  • Best Variety: Amazon. Buy on Amazon. ...
  • Best Trendy: Asos. Buy on Asos. ...
  • Best Sporty: Foot Locker. Buy on Footlocker.com. ...
  • Best for Running: Road Runner Sports.
Jul 28, 2022

What is the biggest shoe store? ›

With selections from over 300 famous designer and name brands, Reyers carries over 150,000 pairs of shoes in stock, in every size, style and color imaginable.

What is Nike's #1 selling shoe? ›

The all-time classic Air Force 1 is the most consistently popular Nike of all time and debatably one of the best sneakers ever made for collectors.

Is StockX a legit website for shoes? ›

StockX is a reliable platform and uses its own rigorous authentication to make transactions safe. StockX was founded in 2015 by Dan Gilbert, Josh Luber, Greg Schwartz, and Chris Kaufman. The group aimed to disrupt the e-commerce industry, especially around sneakers.

Can you return to StockX? ›

StockX is a live marketplace and prices fluctuate based on supply and demand in real-time. As such, once a Bid and an Ask are matched, an order is created and we are unable to offer returns, exchanges, or swaps. You can always resell the item on our platform if you no longer wish to keep it.

Is StockX fast? ›

StockX strives to deliver your item to you within 7-12 business days. Although this may be slightly longer than you are used to, since the StockX marketplace deals with high value and rare products, we want to ensure that the items you purchase on our site meet our internal quality standards.

Should I buy shoes from eBay? ›

It's always been a trusted source for shoes, but eBay's “Authenticity Guarantee” adds some extra peace of mind. If you want to make a return (each individual seller has the option to offer this or not), your shoes will be sent back through eBay's authentication process to verify their condition.

Why is StockX lowest ask different? ›

Placing an "Ask" allows you to set how much you think your particular item is worth. Buyers can only purchase from the lowest Ask available, so if that's yours, a Buyer will buy from you as soon as they're interested in meeting your Ask price.

Is StockX second hand? ›

Electronics sold on StockX are in brand new condition, with the packaging still sealed and all retail accessories included. There cannot be any sign of damage, use or tampering. StockX also carries a selection of refurbished electronics from manufacturer-licensed partners.

Can you buy from StockX? ›

StockX is a marketplace where Buyers and Sellers can make anonymous offers on a wide variety of shoes, streetwear, electronics and collectibles, based both on the item's current valuation on the site, but also how much you're willing to pay for it or sell it for.

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