Footwear etc.

Fantastic customer service and return policy. They helped me source the correct shoe for my trip to Europe and their suggestions were on-​point. I would absolutely go back!

After a failed attempt in finding Birks (what’re thooooooseeee?!) in my size during a day trip to SJ, I decided to do a quick Unilocal search for a place on my way back to the city. Footwear Etc. was one of the first on the list & I decided to check it out. The overall location of the store is great. Its located on University Ave, surrounded by a CREAM, Paris Baguette, and countless other eateries/​retail stores. Walking in, I was immediately greeted by Connor. He answered some of the questions I had about the footbeds & seemed knowledgable about them. I was a little bummed because they didn’t have a size 35 in the color I wanted, but I ended up going with a different color in the same style. Overall, I liked that Connor wasn’t pushy and let me take my time in choosing a pair, but chimed in whenever I had a question. He even gave me some tips about how the footbeds mold to my foot. Keep in mind though, that Footwear Etc. carries good/​solid brands that are known for being comfortable & light on the feet so it will be a little pricey compared to the everyday shoe store, but its the quality of the shoe that you’re paying for. I’m already obsessed with my current pair, so I’ll probably be back for more!

Went for orthotic insoles. Had exactly what I needed, had no problems with me trying them on. Price seemed reasonable. Out in 10 minutes. How could I complain?

They just lost a customer of many years. Plus a host of my friends. Ordered a pair of shoes from another store, got a call from a woman in Palo Alto a few days later saying «Your shoes have come in.» Day before a big European trip, rushed in to pick them up, and guess what? Had odered them in black, and the pair that came in was red. Sheepishly, the sales guy came out with them and told me they were red not black. Just got a lame «Sorry…» from him. So I made a frantic trip for nothing. D’ya think they might have told me on the phone that the shoes that came in were red? If I wanted a black pair, what are the chances that I want red? Honestly, I just don’t think the folks at this store are very competent. Plus, there seems to be a new set of sales folks every time I come in. Doesn’t bode well. I won’t be going back.

Excellent, friendly service in helping me get some great insoles.

I’m sure I’m spoiled from growing up in Boulder, Colorado, but this store just doesn’t cut it for walking shoe selection.
It sounds like most people applaud the service of the store, and I can’t speak to that so much because I came in knowing what I wanted to see. Birkenstocks. Yes. I’m going there. After a year waiting for ankle surgery, my body feels jacked, and I need some serious comfort shoes without a serious grandma vibe. But enough about me.
This may be the only place in town that carries Birkenstocks (I couldn’t find any other), but their selection was teensy, taking up a one foot section of wall towards the back. About four styles, one or two colors each, and the ones you’d expect — Granola Original, Covered Slip-​On Clog Granola Original, «Girly”-Grandmothery Sandal (those may not be the actual Birkenstock style names: o) and the style I was looking for — the flip-​flopy one (the Gizeh), but only in the plasticy Birko-​flor material. I mean, I was hoping for the plain black leather — it doesn’t get any more classic than that, right? Stocking plastic Birkenstocks over the leather version? No way, not cool.
I was disappointed being this was the second store I tried in town, with no other options left. I also just didn’t find the store very inviting. It felt run down, cluttered and not enticing to browse. Ah I miss you Boulder walking shoe stores!
So I’d say, if you’re looking for a walking shoe, this is probably the best selection in town. There really isn’t much competition. But, if you don’t find what you’re looking for here, be reassured that there is a whole world of awesome, hip walking shoes — you just might have to drive a ways or shop online.

Fantastic service and great selection of stylish and comfortable shoes. I especially was impressed with Karlye Adair– she is wonderful!

I have found every single person who works in this store helpful!!! Especially, Sam, Karlye, Ribka, Matt, Jason, Rick, Maria and Dangelle! They are all wonderful, I love the shoes and will be back soon.
Warmly,
Cindy Stack-​Keer

I’ve visited this store many times before but within a couple of weeks, because I had to exchange a pair of shoes within the time limit; I met with two separate sales people who were not truthful about the products they were selling. And one of the sales people was very pushy about trying to get me to exchange for a pair of shoes which looked worn and scuffed by a previous owner.
I’ll not go back any time soon.
FYI, I purchased the pair of shoes I wanted, brand new from Zappos. I’ll get them in 4 to 5 days instead of 4 to 5 weeks! Really Footwear Etc on University Avenue, Palo Alto. You must be honest, truthful and not try to push products; very unnerving.

HANDS-​DOWN!!! Best shoe store in town :-) KUDOS, Matt for sending me on my way back to recovery from a bunion across top of foot and for alleviating pain under my toe on same foot. This has been on-​going for two years and no custom-​fit Orthotic nor podiatrist found a solution. Let’s face it (at least in my situation) a simple solution to our feet problems lay in an ill-​fitting shoe. I bought a pair of Pro XP Pull Up Dansko & a pair of New Balance Running Course (2E). I swear by Dansko’s XP cushioning, oh so soft! My bunion pain disappeared instantly. I can’t wait to hike up Windy Hill in my new NB sneakers today with hubby and my dog Trinity. Matt you are an angel. NAMASTE

Great service great shoes!!! Not only do they look good but they feel good too.
This store specializes in shoes that are comfortable, but don’t shy away they also specialize in some really cute comfortable shoes.
The prices are competitive with the internet sites, but the styles of Naots, Borns and other brands are ones you can not find online. Moreover they carry many imported brands such as Beautifeel you will never see on Zappos or Piperline (believe me I have tried.)
The service is so so to fantastic, If you can look for Daniel P, who makes shoe fitting an art. I would look for him on the weekends.
Bottom line this is one of my few go to spots for fabulous looking comfortable shoes.

I haven’t been here for a while because the previous manager was getting pretty bad. I heard he was ill, and that new management took over recently. What a pleasure! Carlos spent 30 minutes with me, and helped me make smart choices for my feet since recent toe surgery caused hip back and knee problems on my other side. My PT told me I had to get good support shoes with shock absorbers and arch support. Carlos showed me several shoes and I chose 2 models of a Finn Comfort line, and slippers with arch support. I felt well taken care of.

My feet are old and tired ;-) and I wear an 11 M. If it weren’t for this store, I would have to wear shoe boxes. Seriously, they have extremely comfortable, supportive shoes and are really attractive as well. Love this store. Staff are always friendly and helpful too.

I recommend this store very highly. The sales person Carlos was extremely kind, helpful, knowledgeable and went out of his way to make sure I was absolutely satisfied. The service was exceptional.
I had a great experience. Carlos is an asset to the store.

I would like to thank the salesman, Rick Meza for his exceptional service. I bought two pairs of stylishly designed comfortable shoes. I am most appreciative of his knowledge and ability to fit my feet. I need good support for these well-​worn feet. I would like Footwear to recognize Rick for his talents!

I was impressed with how knowledgeable and helpful the salesperson was when I recently came in to look for New Balance hiking boots and other types of shoes. The dressy shoes I bought had to be special ordered and the salesperson called me promptly as soon as they came in. I even found sandals that fit perfectly and were the most comfortable pair I’ve ever tried. The thing that’s different about this store is that it’s not just about making a sale, it’s about caring for the quality of your feet.

I loved this place. The service across the board was excellent. Service is more important than sales – which makes me want to buy my shoes there even more.
I went in there to just try on some shoes in a brand I like, secretly thinking I’d get a better selection on the web and just buy there – but they were so attentive and had a great selection that I walked out of there with 2 pairs of shoes. This was 2 days ago-​and both pairs have been worn and feel great.
They have a great selection too.

I’m always happy when I need new shoes because it means a trip to Footwear Etc. I love to consider every pair, knowing I’ll find some well made, good looking, comfortable shoes that I’ll enjoy for a long time to come.
From dressy heels to business casuals to beachy sandals, Footwear Etc. sells high quality brands in a huge range of styles that manage to make even «comfort shoes» look great. The salespeople encourage customers to make sure the shoes don’t just look good but also feel good. They’ve always given me sound advice about size and fit.
And incidentally, this shop’s prices are lower than any I’ve found online for the same shoes – even before shipping!

This store has a wide range of shoes on offer, the staff are knowledgeable and courteous. I was looking at the orthoheel range and found some beautiful sandals which don’t look ugly.
Ortho footwear though comfortable, do not look good. So I was pleasatly surprised by the range of designs on offer. I ended up trying around 8 different pairs and finally settled on one pair. My size is around 6 – 6.5 and the one I finally bought was a size 5, depending on the design and the width of the sandal, your size may vary. Try as many as you have to before you pick up a good shoe and the staff was very patient with me.
I also bought a cute pair of hot socks.
Will go back here anytime I want to make a good investment on my feet. Their range of boots looked good.

Yay! Just found a cute pair of Privos on sale, after trying on countless pairs of shoes at countless other shoe stores. (Needed something very comfy and still somewhat cute for an upcoming trip.)
The exact same shoes currently cost more at other online retailers, but it might not matter anyway — according to Footwear Etc’s website, they will match the price of any other online store within 30 days (not sure if the exact same rules apply to in-​store purchases, but the return policy is great regardless). Yay for smaller businesses keeping up with bigger retailers.