Anyone else fed up with Shoe Train?

[Anonymous]

We go there for sizing and my kids do not have special needs. I think they spend more time making sure DC are fit right. DS is a wide in some shoes and not in others. Shoe Train has experienced sales people who know the product lines and can get the right fit for the shoe we want. Also I don't think their prices are higher than Stride Rite. My kids generally only have 2-3 pairs of shoes at any given time--1-2 pairs of sneakers and either a sandal or a boot, depending on the season. I then fill in only as needed (ie. dress shoes, flip flops, water shoes, etc.). I think it's worth the time and money for a good fitting shoe.

[Anonymous]

Yes, but luckily my DD is moving into adult sizes.

I used to go there from central DC because it was one of the few bricks and mortar stores around where you could get a few European brands. Nordstrom keeps little stock on hand, although I often combined trips to Shoe Train with a quick Nordstrom check since I was already up there. Remers has no cute shoes for girls. Ok- rarely. I think Stride Rite got a bit cuter in the last few years, but the leather is stiff compared to the brands I favored. Thing is, Shoe Train started carrying fewer and fewer cute European options and more of the same athletic/ around-the-house-ish stock all the other area shoe stores carry. I haven't been there in a while.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:They always fit my childs shoes way too big. I am done with them.

This happened to us, too. WAAY too big. And my child's PT said that she had another family who had to go back b/c the shoes were way too big. And we did see Ed. I was very disappointed. Wonder what's up with Shoe Train?

[Anonymous]

We were really annoyed when we called and asked if they had the orthotic we need and basically they could not look and then reserve the size for us. We had to drive out there (not close) wait for probably and hour and hope for the best.

I reeaalllly hope some other stores like this prop up so we never have to drive to that one again. I think part of the problem is there is no competition and the staff are overwhelmed by all the people who come from all over the DC area.

[Anonymous]

I went there once when my now 6 year-old DD was first starting to walk because my friends told me that they were the best place to get shoes fitted really well. I still remember, 5 years later, how frustrated I was at the wait there, and how unimpressed I was with the staff after all that. Now we don't really have issues with sizing or fit, but I tend to go to Nordstrom at Montgomery Mall for shoes b/c the staff there are really helpful and knowledgeable, and the prices are decent for basics like sneakers. Fancy shoes that will only get worn once or twice are a fortune there, and so we buy those at Target. But I've bought shoes there on sale for prices that were really great. Nordstrom wins over Shoe Train in my book.

[Anonymous]

We used to go (and see Ed) because my daughter had special needs. She didn't need orthotics, but needed particular shoe styles/fit to minimize the her walking issues. Now that she is much better, I go to Nordstrom for same reasons the PPs have cited- long waits, increasingly poor selection, etc.

[Anonymous]

If you have a child with special needs, or a child who is really difficult to fit I can see that seeing someone who is good at fitting shoes would be a good thing. Otherwise, I think it's an overrated unnecessary waste of time.

I know my children's shoe size and width and what I'm looking for, so I can shop for it on my own.

[Anonymous]

We love Shoe Train-- and we were just there this past Saturday at 2pm and only had to wait 5-10 minutes. First time that ever happened, but still...

[Anonymous]

i was also told to go to shoe train b/c it was so amazing. but i found the fitting to be no better than anywhere else and the prices to be the same. selection was also not that great. i also prefer nordstroms a million fold. great selection, good sales, good staff, and they have balloons. and a fish tank.

[Anonymous]

Which Nordstroms in the area do people go to for kids' shoes? DD is 11 months old and almost walking - I want to get a good fitting for her and talk to a salesperson who is knowledgeable about the different brands, etc. I'm in Arlington - any feedback on the Nordstroms in Pentagon City?

[Anonymous]

I'm still a fan of shoe train and a customer for many years. The reason the wait is so long is because once they are with you they will spend a long time to get just the right fit for your kids.

Also think they are very honest. They have outright told me that, for example, your child really needs such and such type of a sandal and we don't carry that so go on line and look for these 3 brands which make a shoe like that.

Also have told me that for something like snow boots or dress shoes that my child would wear only one in a blue moon that getting the fit perfect was not as a big deal and I could save money by buying at Target versus more expensive brands they carried.

I also am impressed at coming back year after year and seeing the same sales screw. In this day and age those kinds of businesses are few and far between.