The 26 Best Places to Buy Shoes Online, Tested & Reviewed
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Find a pick that speaks to your sole.
InStyle / Marcus Millan
Carrie Bradshaw never mentioned the unglamorous sides of shoe shopping, like cramming your feet into thin disposable foot socks and teetering around crowded areas trying to look in the mirror. Buying online alleviates anxiety from asking the sales assistant for yet another size. And, it allows you to see how the shoes will mesh with niche wardrobe items like pleated skirts and cargo pants. Here’s the catch: To avoid scrolling fatigue, you need to know where and how to look.
Marina Chen, co-founder and director of operations at Viviaia, explains that while trends can inspire, “they are not meant to completely change our style.” Instead, she suggests considering versatility, comfort, and lifestyle before clicking “add to cart.” Reviewing each brand’s fit and size guides, considering special features such as arch support, anti-slip outsoles, and material quality, and reading reviews can also help you find your Cinderella fit.
Tecovas
Western wear defies the cyclical trends, and Austin-based brand Tecovas understands this better than anyone. The brand offers classic boot silhouettes alongside modern iterations which include two-toned colorways, pointed toes, intricate designs, and buzzy collaborations with Thomas Rhett and Stagecoach Festival.
From the expert stitching to the thick bovine leather, the quality of the brand’s styles will never disappoint. We wear The Annie boot at least three times a week (more if we can swing it), and our feet always feel comfortable, the leather doesn’t scuff, and the bright slate blue hue never fades or fails to receive compliments. It’s even held up in stormy weather. If you’re not into the boots and spurs lifestyle, the brand also offers contemporary leather slides, mules, and tall riding boots, which all feature the same durable leather construction as its iconic cowboy boots.
Shipping Policy: Free shipping on orders over $100 | Best for: Quality footwear, classic investment pieces | Size: 5–12
Nike
Nike isn’t a fresh face where footwear is involved but one scroll through its site and you’ll discover that its designs are anything but stale. You can step into the future with a chunky monochromatic sneaker or kick it old school with the thick swoops and round toes that define its retro kicks. And, of course, no one designs a classic white tennis shoe quite like the celebrity-worn Nike Air Force 1.
Since there’s so much to choose from (we barely skimmed the athletic slides, luxurious fluffy slippers, and running sneakers available), we often shop by the brand’s curated edits. These sections of the site display seasonal trends or popular colorways and sort them into one or two pages for outfit inspiration and to save us scroll time.
Shipping Policy: $8 standard shipping | Best for: Sneakers, casual footwear | Size: 5–17
Steve Madden
Known among shopping experts as the site to score a fabulous deal, we caution you to tread lightly on ShopBop’s site as you might end up not only with multiple shoes in your cart but also a stuffed schedule of social plans to wear them.
The retailer currently offers almost 3,000 shoes from over 50 designers which you can filter by size, brand, shoe type, and color to streamline your search. While you can shop from familiar brands like Madewell, Superga, and Veja, we recommend having fun discovering a one-of-a-kind style like these dreamy disco Cult Gaia kitten heels or spunky Schutz cowgirl boots that are begging to be worn out.
Shipping Policy: Free ground shipping | Best for: Variety, trendy | Size Range: 3-14 | Price Range: $$-$$$$
Anthropologie
Any time we need a lift we take a whirl through the online Anthropologie shoe section and are met with whimsical styles in all silhouettes, from sneakers and flats to tall boots and sandals. Our favorite part of shopping here is we find unexpected styles from brands we already know and trust, like Jeffrey Campbell’s floral embroidered mesh flats. You’ll also find elevated options for your workwear wardrobe, such as Bibi Lou’s Suzy Slingback Heels, which we wear on repeat with our trousers and midi skirts. And, where our creativity fails us, Anthropologies saves the day by sorting footwear into thoughtful selections, such as party shoes and trending materials and colors.
Shipping Policy: Free shipping over $50 | Best for: Unique styles, elevated classics | Size: 3.5–12
Aeyde
Aeyde offers a range of minimalist styles meant to last forever and transition seamlessly into any area of your wardrobe. Its versatile footwear fits in everywhere, whether you wear the sleek Melia Leather Kitten-Heel Pumps to business meetings and divine dinner parties or take the Thekla Leather Slingback Sandals and their chunky buckles from park rendezvous to dance parties.
Its velvety leather materials, rich colors, and impeccable craftsmanship keep them at the top of the footwear food chain — really, we can’t envision a moment when one of the brand’s mules or kitten heels would be off-trend. Not sure where to start? The Uma Leather Mary-Janes are a fail-safe option to add to your wardrobe, especially with an unofficial endorsement from Gigi Hadid, who we’ve spotted in the elegant eggshell colorway.
Shipping Policy: Free standard shipping over $100 | Best for: Workwear, classic styles | Size: EU36–EU42
SSENSE
Our imaginations have a hard time coming up with the one-of-a-kind styles Ssense offers. The sculptural Yume Yume Pink & Red Love Mules, for one, is our latest obsession and we could talk endlessly about the foldover boots and mixed materials we’ve uncovered across the site. We also appreciate how the multi-retailer has everyday options from brands such as Dr. Martens and Teva, plus more luxury, forever-wardrobe options we can count on for high-quality shoes (hi, Rag & Bone Carter Loafers).
Shipping Policy: Free standard shipping over $100 | Best for: Unique styles, luxury basics | Size: IT35–IT42
Net-a-Porter
This luxury multi-retailer carries all the heavy hitters — Loewe, Ferragamo, Gucci — plus a few brands with more palatable price tags such as Veja, Adidas, and ON. For us, shopping blindly from the wide range of stunning sandals, heels, and boots, is a futile exercise (We end up wanting everything and leaving with empty carts), so we appreciate how the retailer organizes hand-picked selections of specialty designer footwear into practical edits. For instance, our capsule wardrobe got a major upgrade when we discovered a divine pair of mesh Jimmy Choo Mary Jane Pumps in the “Wardrobe Essentials” section. Similarly, had it not been for the “Trending” edit, we may have missed these sparkling Loewe party mules. which are sure to become the centerpiece of our future black-tie outfits.
Shipping Policy: Free shipping over $200 | Best for: Designer shoes | Size: 3.5–13
Bells & Becks
Add to your list something else you can find under the Tuscan sun: Bells & Becks. The Italian-designed brand carries elegant tea party-type shoes in a delightful combination of colors from bright canary yellow to colored blocked prints. Many also feature an eye-catching focal point to distinguish them from any others on the market, such as a leather accent expertly folded to resemble a flower. While we gravitate toward the casual elegance of each style, we’re most impressed by their construction. Every pair features detailed, sturdy stitching and the promised quality and durability we can expect from Italian leather.
Shipping Policy: Free standard shipping | Best for: Wedding guests, elevated workwear | Size: 6–12
INEZ
Spain and New York City are easily home to some of the best-dressed residents, and we’re lucky Inez carried some of the fashionable flares over the Atlantic Ocean. While the brand designs its shoes in New York City, it constructs its party pumps and sophisticated strappy heels in Elba, Spain. Despite intimidating heel heights and sleek pointy toes, each one feels like a dream to wear. We spun around in the adorably tiny, Bea kitten heel all evening and by the end of the night were ready for more walking. Surprisingly, for such chic styles, the shoes address some pretty unsexy foot issues, like utilizing kidskin leather that stretches to accommodate bunions and wide feet and incorporating cushioned insoles to support tired arches.
Shipping Policy: Free standard shipping | Best for: Comfortable luxury footwear, office attire, party heels | Size: 5–11.5
DSW
We know DSW as an extremely reliable option when you need sensible slip-on shoes or a new pair of runners, but don’t dismiss it as a place only suitable for you to replace your beat-down white sneakers every year. Call it the fairy godmother of shoes, because the multi-retailer carries hundreds of brands to present you with whatever style you wish to purchase. We particularly look to DSW when we want to jump on a new trend as it has choices for nearly every price point. For example, we’re sweet on these pink patent leather Journee Mary Jane Pumps for a revamped prep school look. Plus, it’s hard to find another retailer that offers savings on high-end brands, like Salvatore Ferragamo and Off-White. Between free shipping and a free VIP club that gains you access to bonus deals, we’re tempted to make it our one-stop shop for anything south of our ankles.
Shipping Policy: Free standard shipping | Best for: Deals on your favorite brands | Size: Women’s 4–12
Zappos
Zappos offers impressive discounts on brands like Doc Martens, Birkenstock, Free People, or any footwear TikTok deems is the “It Shoe” of the upcoming season. Leaning into the Western aesthetic? There’s a pair of Steve Madden Lasso Boots waiting for you.
Its variety of styles and impressive size range ensures a shoe for everyone, including kids, says board-certified podiatrist Dr. Priya Parthasarathy, who adds that “it is so difficult to find brick-and-mortar stores for children’s footwear anymore.” However, we think its generous 356-day return policy is most applaudable. Take the tension out of shoe shopping by ordering multiple sizes and widths to determine what works best for your feet, then easily return what doesn’t work for you.
Shipping Policy: Free standard shipping | Best for: Size and width variety | Size: 4–20
Chinese Laundry
Flashy strappy sandals, bejeweled statement wedges, sexy stilettos — Chinese Laundry mixes fabrics and merges styles to create funky looks guaranteed to draw compliments. And, with a section dedicated to wedding wear on the site, it’s our starting point for an understated nude heel that won’t clash with a bridesmaid dress, or when we want a punchy-colored platform to spice up an outfit. There are also curated sections for vacation essentials, festival looks, and different aesthetics to help us find what we want faster.
Shipping Policy: Free standard shipping on orders over $49 | Best for: Statement shoes | Size: 5–11
Vivaia
From its elegant and playful designs to the use of sustainable materials, we have a lot of nice things to say about Vivaia. Currently, we trained our eyes on the Margot Mary Janes that stay comfortably strapped to our feet all day.
Yet, perhaps our favorite aspect is how each shoe provides all-day support so these adorable designs never have to leave your feet. The key behind the comfort is the soft and strictly knit upper materials, which allow your feet to breathe and accommodate swelling throughout the day. The brand made its beloved material to accommodate people who don’t fit into standard sizing, like those with wide feet, hammer toes, and bunions.
Shipping Policy: Free standard shipping on orders over $99 | Best for: Comfortable heels, unique styles | Size: 5–11
Allbirds
You don’t need a personal stylist on your payroll to wear the same shoes as celebrities. We’ve spotted Blake Lively, Mila Kunis, Hilary Duff, Jennifer Garner, and more in comfy pairs of sneakers from AllBirds for everything from running errands to coming back from workout classes. While the eco-friendly brand dedicates its mission to reducing carbon emissions, it doesn’t skimp on foot support and style. The lightweight tennis shoes, slides, and flats feel like your favorite house slippers as you wear them all day, from farmers’ market runs to actual sprints.
Shipping Policy: $5 standard shipping | Best for: Comfort, sustainable options | Size: 5–11
Vionic
We’d never knock an Oprah-touted brand, especially once we realized it’s also podiatrist-approved. Dr. Parthasarathy adores that Vionic Shoes carry the APMA Seal of Acceptance, which certifies that they are beneficial in promoting foot health, and she appreciates that you can search the site by width.
But don’t think support equates to outdated orthopedics. Dr. Parthasarathy tells us she commends the brand for having “a variety of styles, widths, and sizes that all have a supportive footbed from a casual shoe to a dressier one.” No one will think you chose practicality over fashion when you’re strutting to dinner in a pair of animal print kitten heels or running a meeting in a sleek pair of loafers; even the Gemma Mule house slippers will catch your neighbor’s eye as you’re checking the mail.
Shipping Policy: $5 flat rate shipping | Best for: Style variety, comfort | Size: 4–13
Brother Vellies
You know those shoes that make you stop on the street to ask a passerby what they’re wearing? The luxury brand Brother Vellies has those shoes. Aurora James is no stranger to making statements with her designs from the Met Gala down to the shoes you wear at your feet. We wouldn’t be surprised to see its feathered Holly Pumps clacking into an exclusive club. Minimalists aren’t left out of the mix either. The Tuesday Mule, for instance, is one of the brand’s more simplistic silhouettes that still hits points for creativity by incorporating materials such as raffia and wood.
Shipping Policy: Free standard shipping over $200 | Best for: Unique styles, luxury shoes | Size: 5–14
Dansko
If all Dansko carried were clogs, the retailer would still earn a top spot on our list — they are an integral piece in Sarah Jessica Parker’s most memorable looks, after all. Yet, the brand offers much more than the celebrity-favored style.
Dr. Parthasarathy says she has yet “to find a brick-and-mortar store that does justice to all of the different styles of shoes that you can find on the Dankso website,” and she adds that many of the booties, wedges, flats, and mules also carry the APMA Seal of Acceptance. We know — we’re sweating trying to make a decision, too. However, free standard shipping and online exchanges make clicking “add to cart” less stressful, because returns are easy if something doesn’t fit or you (unlikely) experience buyer’s remorse.
Shipping Policy: Free standard shipping | Best for: Style variety, comfort | Size: EU35–EU43
Altra
If you ask us, one of the best fashion advances in recent years is that exercise shoes are now suitable to wear casually on and off the running track — even in the office. In addition to functional footwear for activities like hiking and weight lifting, Altra Running carries trendy picks, too, like the Via Olympus, a quintessential chunky Dad shoe, to complete your Princess Diana fit, as well as sleek low-top sneakers that will look terrific with long trousers or similar work pants.
With aesthetics checked off the list, Dr. Parthasarathy admires how supportive every sneaker is, and she says the website’s shoe finder function is a pivotal tool in helping you find the right shoe for your foot type.
Shipping Policy: Free standard shipping | Best for: Exercise shoes, sneakers | Size: 5.5–12
Stuart Weitzman
Each love letter we write to Stuart Weitzman always includes a paragraph praising the luxury brand for its versatility, which is why we think there is no better pair of shoes to splurge on. Beverly Osemwenkhae, an NYC- and London-based stylist, echoes this sentiment, sharing she’s particularly fond of its heels that she “can literally run in,” noting their great support and cushioned soft soles.
This accolade only certifies our case that Stuart Weitzman’s sleek staple booties or the beloved platform Soho Loafer should be a recurring character in all your outfits. Even if you choose one of the brand’s more avant-garde designs we think the top-notch designs and durability will have you reaching for them often.
Shipping Policy: Free standard shipping | Best for: Comfortable heels, fun styles | Size: 3.5–13
ASOS
Between its fast shipping and a diverse stockpile of brands and shoe styles, ASOS is our desert island pick for shoe retailers. Scouring the site, you can uncover unique designs not offered in-store from popular brands, like a color-blocked Nike Air Force 1 and a sweetly embroidered Converse Chuck Taylors. Although having so many options at your fingertips might feel overwhelming, the multi-brand retailer allows you to filter your search by style, material, color, and size to help narrow down your selection.
And if you’re a last-minute wedding guest or need to restock your sandal collection before an impulse trip, its speedy two-day shipping has you covered. Bonus: If you pay a flat fee of $19 per year you can receive unlimited two-day shipping, so you’re never left unprepared.
Shipping Policy: Free standard shipping above $49.99 | Best for: Trendy, fast shipping and return, variety, size range | Size: 3–15
Nordstrom
At this point, we’ll need to design a “Thanks, they’re from Nordstrom,” bumper sticker to efficiently answer where we get my most complimented shoes. Its sale section is the secret to finding deals on a spunky platform or celebrity-approved pair of Hokas. The retailer also carries the same designers we see showing up at award shows and snapped in paparazzi photos, such as Vagabond, Totême, Sam Edelman, and Dolce Vita.
But the benefits of shopping online at Nordstrom go beyond getting mistaken for an off-duty supermodel. One of our favorite aspects of the site is how it curates several looks for how to style the shoes below each product — the only downside is you may end up with an overly stacked online cart.
Shipping Policy: Free standard shipping | Best for: All styles, free shipping, deals, size range | Size: 4–18
Sabah
We envision slipping into Sabah slides as we pad down the hallways of our coastal Italian villa — a café au lait in hand. Pushing our daydreaming aside, what sets the New York-based brand apart is its impeccably crafted unisex-style shoe. The designs toe the line between a slipper and a slide for an effortless look that rounds out your capsule wardrobe.
Speaking of which, the craftsmanship truly makes these shoes timeless. Where most footwear breaks down over time, Sabah leather ages beautifully for a shoe that only improves with each wear. With that in mind, know the brand makes every pair last using leather that stretches as you wear them, so while they may feel snug at first, you’ll find they mold to your feet with increased wear.
Shipping Policy: Free shipping on orders above $220 | Best for: Leather, unique styles | Size: 4–12.5
Hush Puppies
Our history with Hush Puppies might harken back to elementary school when we'd pick out a pair of Mary Janes for each upcoming school year, but decades later, we’re still wearing the brand’s classic styles. Currently, it’s the Daisey Ballet Flat whose intricate latticework design and super soft sole offer us a universal footwear staple.
While the retailer is always right in step with style forecasters, should you need something less trendy and more practical, shop from the retailer’s equally stylish selection of sneakers and rain boots. With so many potential choices, we know you’ll want one of everything, and luckily Hush Puppies makes ordering multiple products easy by offering free shipping over $49 and free in-store returns at DSW.
Shipping Policy: Free shipping on orders above $49 | Best for: Sandals, comfort | Size: 5.5–12
Shopbop
Known among shopping experts as the site to score a fabulous deal, we caution you to tread lightly on ShopBop’s site as you might end up not only with multiple shoes in your cart but also a stuffed schedule of social plans to wear them. The retailer currently offers almost 3,000 shoes from over 50 designers which you can filter by size, brand, shoe type, and color to streamline your search. While you can shop from familiar brands like Madewell, Superga, and Veja, we recommend having fun discovering a one-of-a-kind style like these futuristic Cult Gaia Yara Sandals or the tall, croc-embossed Schutz Maryana boots.
Shipping Policy: Free ground shipping | Best for: Variety, trendy styles | Size: 3–14
Ganni
Have you ever wanted to wear the same boots as Bella Hadid? Well, you can find them at Ganni, the Scandinavian brand’s styles continue to pop up on every major celebrity. And with such a forward-thinking approach to design, we can see why.
Its designs take something expected, like a flat, and add thick metal buckles and a block heel to create edgy footwear far from anything you’d see at the ballet bar. That’s not to say you can’t find everyday styles too; Osemwenkhae loves the Cleated Mid Chelsea Boots, which she praises for the versatility that permits her to wear with everything from loose trousers to linen dresses.
And, we can appreciate that its transparent business practices and annual responsibility reports earn it a B-corp certification, so you can feel better shopping there.
Shipping Policy: Free ground shipping | Best for: Investment pieces | Size: 4–14
Reformation
We’ve long flocked to Reformation pieces for eco-conscious clothing that turn heads in the office and earn us best-dressed party guests, but the brand’s recent foray into footwear proves it masters sustainable shoes, too (even Katie Holmes and Gigi Hadid are fans).
Its range of sexy knee-high boots and strappy heels perfectly marry timeless silhouettes with trendy elements. The Millie Lattice Flat Sandal, for instance, will long outlast the metallics craze thanks to classic details like a thin ankle strap and low heel. While you’re there, be sure to partake in Reformation’s recently launched recycling program, where you can receive store credit for dropping off or shipping back pre-loved items from the brand.
Shipping Policy: Free standard shipping | Best for: Sustainable options, heels | Size: 5–11
What to Keep in Mind
Support: It’s hard to turn away a trend, however, prioritizing support over the Best Sellers section can help you avoid a shoe graveyard. “Too often we purchase shoes because we like the aesthetic versus the functionality and comfortability — it just ends with one wear behind our closet,” says Osemwenkhae. Some brands, such as Vivaia and Dansko, do a wonderful job of marrying fashion and function, but the best place to start is at your podiatrist’s office. “It is important to know your foot type, pronated, neutral, or supinated so you can pick the right shoe for you,” says Dr. Parthasarathy, who adds that even a “safe” choice like a slide or slipper can still hurt your feet in the long run. “If you have a supinated foot, but buy a stability shoe, you could be more prone to injury because it’s the wrong shoe for your foot type,” she explains.
Trends: “The great thing about trends is that you have the personal freedom to incorporate them into your style or not,” says Chen, adding that quality, comfort, and versatility are the main drivers behind purchasing her footwear. She suggests choosing shoes that match your style and lifestyle, and that, “you should focus on wearing pieces that make you feel happy and confident” while also being open to options that push you out of your comfort zone. For example, want to rock sky-high platforms but can barely balance in sneakers? Try opting for wedges instead. “Wedges are a unique take on heels that never go out of style and are my go-to because they are much more practical and versatile,” says Chen. Do you work in an office every day? A loafer is a business casual that looks great with dresses, skirts, and trousers.
Your Questions, Answered
Can you return shoes you've worn?
While many retailers have a generous window of time you can return your shoes, most still have a strict you break it you buy it policy. It’s best to try your shoes out around the house because if they show any sign of wear and tear it’s unlikely a retailer will grant a refund. And, remember, if a shoe doesn’t feel comfortable out of the box it’s a good idea to swap for a different style before you wear it out and about.
“Shoes should feel comfortable right away — some people wait for the shoes to ‘give’ or ’work in’ to be more comfortable,” Dr. Parthasarathy says. She adds that it’s not likely the shoes will feel any better as you wear them — especially, as your feet swell throughout the day.
How do you know if a shoe will be comfortable?
Reading reviews, noting special features like arch support, and checking for certifications such as the APMA Seal of Acceptance can give you an indication as to whether the shoe will be comfortable, but you won’t truly know until you wear it.
Before peeling the price tag off, she tells us there are a couple of things to look for: The shoe should not be able to fold completely in half, and it should have a removable insole and a firm, supportive heel counter. And, maybe this point is intuitive, you should always consider the type of activity you’ll be doing while wearing the shoe. For example, if you are choosing footwear for a wedding, consider: Will it be outside? What type of ground are you standing on? How high are the heels?
How do you measure your shoe size?
“Brands may differ in sizing, so people must keep in mind their measurements and compare them to size guides when shopping,” Chen says, who adds that there are times when you may have to go up half a size or down, depending on the style and overall fit.
Thankfully, many websites have a size guide that provides customers with a tutorial on measuring their feet at home — all you need is a piece of paper, a pencil to trace your foot, and a ruler to measure the length and the width.
Why Shop With Us
Irene Richardson is a fashion and beauty writer for InStyle. For this story, she spoke with fashion experts Beverly Osemwenkhae and Marina Chen; and board-certified podiatrist Dr. Priya Parthasarathy, DPM, to get their recommendations and learn more about what it takes to find the right pair of shoes.
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Read the original article on InStyle.
