Buying Shoes Online
Whether you need a pair of heels for a wedding or an event, shoes for the office, or brand new sneakers to hit the gym, the ability to buy the best shoe brands online has never been easier. It’s convenient, and the range of options is huge and more comfortable than buying other pieces.
Thankfully, shoe sizes are fairly consistent and it’s hard to get them wrong. But where should you buy them? Read on to find out.
Where to Purchase Shoes Online
If you’re not sure where to look, don’t fret. We’ve done the research for you and gathered our favorite places to shop for shoes online based on occasion, need, and price points. Here are our five favorite online shops:
1. Nordstrom
The perfect place to get designer and high-end shoes, Nordstrom has a wide variety of styles with over 20,000 shoe options for men, women, and children. Their range of brands goes from Havaianas to Balenciaga to Manolo Blahnik. You can browse their selection of shoes but also order clothes, jewelry, and all kinds of accessories and homeware at the same time.
Most orders offer free shipping and delivery between three to eight business days, and you can return the items that haven’t convinced you in-store or by mail.
Their sizes range from 4-14 in women’s and 5-20 in men’s, and they also offer wider and narrower fits.
Our picks: Birkenstock Arizona Big Buckle Slide Sandal, UGG Ultra Mini Classic Boot, Sam Edelman Daffy Sandal.
2. ASOS
It’s impossible to curate a list of the best online footwear stores without including ASOS. They’re the champion in trendy and affordable styles, and they always have the latest and most popular shoes out there. They offer 10% off for students and they’re always giving away discounts and sales.
Their return policy is great if you’re not happy with your choice: a full refund within 28 days or a voucher if you return them late (29 to 45 days).
Their sizes range usually from 4-15 in women’s and 10-14 in men’s, with wide and narrow options.
Our picks: Nike Nike Blazer Mid '77 VNTG sneakers in white and black, Public Desire Midnight heeled shoes with crystal bow detail in silver, ASOS DESIGN Pluto platform heeled shoes in magenta.
3. Zappos
For an amazing variety of footwear and easy returns, Zappos is the best online retailer. They feature many well-known brands mixed with lesser-known ones for a variety of budgets, starting from $30 to around $200. They also offer free standard shipping site-wide.
If you enroll in their Zappos VIP program, which works as a point-earning system, you also get free expedited shipping and free UPS pick-ups.
Their sizes range from 1-20 in women’s and 1-20 in men’s, with narrower and wider options in certain styles.
Our picks: Vans Classic Slip-on Core Classics, TOMS Majorca Cutout Sandal, Clarks Leisa Faye.
4. DSW
Known for their pretty affordable price points, DSW offers a wide range of very popular shoe styles, often at a discounted price. If you’re looking for a Steve Madden sandal or for that pair of Dr. Martens, take a look here. If you join their VIP program you can earn rewards for every order and redeem them for gift cards later.
They also offer free shipping, and more! It’s free to return orders in-store but they charge $8.50 as a shipping fee for online returns.
Their sizes range from 4-13 in women’s and 6-16 in men’s, with wider and narrower fits.
Our picks: Steve Madden Hattie Sandal, Dr.Martens Arbor Steel Toe Work Boot, New Balance Fresh Foam X70 Sneakers.
5. Lisa Says Gah
The place to find funky and unique shoes is Lisa Says Gah. Their footwear range is a selection of very special shoes with fun shapes and prints that everyone else won’t have. They’re focused on featuring emerging and female-led brands that you likely haven’t heard of yet but will be filling your Instagram feed with very soon.
Their US orders get to their destination usually between 3-5 business days, and in 5-10 when they ship internationally. Prices range from $60 to $650, so you’re certain to find something that fits your shoe budget.
Regarding shoe size, their usual offer goes from sizes 6-10 and they sell out fast. If you see something you like, definitely go for it before it’s gone!
Our picks: Dakota Flatform in Green Daisy, Dakota Clog (brown), Vagabond Shoemakers Edwina Heel in black.