Online shopping for footwear

online shopping for footwear

Shop footwear online with confidence. This guide covers the advantages, how to find your perfect fit, top online retailers, and tips for a smooth online shoe shopping experience.

Your Guide to Online Shopping for Footwear

Online shopping for footwear has changed how we buy shoes. Gone are the days when you needed to visit multiple physical stores to find the right pair. Now, with just a few clicks, you can explore endless options from the comfort of your home. This guide will walk you through everything you need to know about buying shoes online, from understanding the benefits to making sure you get the right fit every time.

Why Online Shoe Shopping Works

More people are choosing to buy shoes online, and for good reasons. Here’s what makes it so appealing:

Unmatched Convenience

You can shop for shoes 24/7, from anywhere with an internet connection. This means no more dealing with store hours, traffic, or crowded malls. You can browse thousands of styles while relaxing on your couch, during your commute, or even late at night. This flexibility saves you time and effort, making the shoe buying process simple.

Vast Selection

Physical stores have limited space, which means they can only stock so many styles, sizes, and brands. Online retailers, however, operate with much larger inventories. You can find niche brands, unique designs, and a wider range of sizes, including narrow or wide options that are often hard to find in brick-and-mortar shops. This broad selection increases your chances of finding exactly what you need.

Price Comparison and Deals

Online shopping makes it simple to compare prices across different retailers. You can quickly check if the same shoe is cheaper elsewhere, helping you find the best possible deal. Many online stores also offer exclusive discounts, seasonal sales, and loyalty programs that can further reduce the cost of your purchase. You often save money on transportation and parking too.

Customer Reviews and Information

Before you buy, you can read reviews from other customers. These insights are valuable, as they often provide details about sizing, comfort, durability, and how the shoes look in real life. Product pages also include detailed descriptions, material information, and multiple high-resolution images, giving you a comprehensive view of the item. This helps you make an informed decision.

Potential Challenges of Buying Shoes Online

While online shoe shopping offers many benefits, there are also some drawbacks you should know about:

• Sizing Issues: This is probably the biggest concern. Shoe sizes can vary between brands, and you cannot try on the shoes before buying them. This increases the risk of receiving a pair that does not fit correctly.
• No Physical Examination: You cannot touch the materials, check the stitching, or feel the shoe’s weight and flexibility in person. This can lead to disappointment if the shoes do not meet your expectations for quality or comfort.
• Shipping and Returns: While many retailers offer free shipping and returns, you still need to wait for delivery. If the shoes do not fit, you have to go through the return process, which can take time and effort. Some retailers might also charge for return shipping or have strict return policies.
• Lack of Expert Advice: In a physical store, a sales associate can measure your feet, recommend styles based on your foot type, and provide personalized advice. You do not get this direct assistance when shopping online.

How to Get the Right Fit When Buying Shoes Online

Getting the right fit is key to a positive online shoe shopping experience. Here’s how you can improve your chances:

1. Measure Your Feet Accurately:
   • Measure both your foot length and width. Do this at the end of the day when your feet are slightly swollen.
   • Wear the type of socks you plan to wear with the new shoes.
   • Stand on a piece of paper, trace around your foot, and then measure the longest and widest points. Use the measurements of your larger foot.
2. Consult Size Charts:
   • Every reputable online shoe retailer provides a size chart. Do not assume your usual size will be consistent across all brands.
   • Compare your foot measurements to the brand’s specific size chart. Pay attention to both length and width recommendations.
   • Some brands may suggest sizing up or down, or offer specific advice for certain styles.
3. Read Customer Reviews for Sizing Feedback:
   • Reviews often contain valuable information about how a particular shoe fits. Look for comments like “runs small,” “true to size,” or “wide fit.”
   • Many reviews will tell you if customers had to order a half size up or down.
4. Understand Return Policies:
   • Before buying, always check the retailer’s return policy. Look for free returns, clear instructions, and the return window.
   • Make sure you can return shoes even if you have only tried them on inside your home.
5. Research the Brand:
   • If you are buying from a brand you have never worn before, do some extra research. Look for general reviews about their sizing consistency.
   • If you know a brand, stick to their sizing. For example, if you are always a size 8 in Nike, you likely will be for other Nike shoes.
6. Use Visual Tools and Filters:
   • Many websites offer filters for width, arch support, or specific foot conditions.⁷ Use these to narrow down your options.
   • Some sites offer virtual try-on tools or detailed 3D views of shoes, which can give you a better sense of their appearance and fit.⁸
7. Order Multiple Sizes (If Applicable):
   • If you are unsure between two sizes, consider ordering both and returning the one that does not fit. This is only practical if the retailer offers free returns.

Top Online Footwear Retailers in Kenya

When it comes to online shopping for footwear in Kenya, several platforms offer a good range of options, from local brands to international names. These sites often provide convenient delivery services across the country, including cash-on-delivery options.

• Jumia Kenya: As one of the largest e-commerce platforms in Kenya, Jumia offers a vast selection of shoes for men, women, and children. You can find everything from casual sneakers and sandals to formal shoes and boots, often with competitive prices and frequent discounts. They have a wide network for delivery and various payment options, including M-Pesa and cash on delivery.
• Forstars Footwear: This online store specializes in footwear, aiming to be a leading e-commerce footwear store in Kenya. They stock a wide variety of shoes, including popular sneaker brands and leather casuals. They highlight a focus on timely delivery of quality products.
• Kicks Kenya: If you are primarily interested in sneakers and streetwear, Kicks Kenya is a popular choice. They position themselves as Kenya’s number one sneaker store, offering a range of popular sneaker brands and related apparel. They emphasize efficiency and fast delivery, with positive customer reviews regarding service and product quality.
• Magical Shoe Kenya: This platform focuses on providing a range of shoes, including fashion wear, sneakers, and ladies’ heels. They emphasize comfortable, high-quality, and price-friendly products, often with in-house product photos for better clarity.
• Backyard Shoez: This retailer offers a variety of comfortable and stylish shoes, including heels, sneakers, flats, boots, and sandals. They also have physical stores, providing the option for in-store pickup for online orders and countrywide delivery.
• Shop Zetu: While not exclusively a shoe store, Shop Zetu is a growing online fashion retailer in Kenya that includes a selection of footwear alongside clothing and beauty essentials. They feature products from various local and international brands, providing a trendy option for your shoe needs.
• Umoja Shoe Company: This company offers a wide range of shoes for the entire family, including school shoes, safety shoes, formal wear, casuals, and sandals. They highlight free delivery for orders above a certain amount and offer secure payment options and countrywide shipping.
• Bata Kenya (Official Website): A well-known name in the Kenyan shoe market, Bata also has an official online presence. You can browse their extensive collection of shoes for men, women, and children, covering various styles from formal to casual. They offer countrywide delivery and have physical stores where you might be able to pick up online orders or handle returns.
• Decathlon Kenya: For sports and outdoor footwear, Decathlon is a strong contender. They offer a specific range of walking shoes, running shoes, and other athletic footwear for various sports activities. They provide options for free in-store pickup and easy returns.
• Ikwetta: If you are looking for shoes with a unique, locally handcrafted touch, Ikwetta specializes in genderless sneakers handcrafted in Kenya. They offer distinctive designs with an emphasis on quality.

Tips for a Smooth Online Shoe Shopping Experience

• Set a Budget: With so many options, it is easy to overspend. Decide on a budget before you start Browse.
• Know Your Needs: Are you looking for running shoes, dress shoes, casual sneakers, or something for a specific activity? Knowing your purpose helps narrow your search.
• Filter Your Search: Use the website’s filters for size, color, brand, style, material, and price range. This saves you time and helps you find relevant options.
• Check the Material: Pay attention to what the shoes are made of. Leather, synthetic, mesh, and canvas all have different properties in terms of breathability, durability, and care.
• Consider the Occasion: Think about where and how you will wear the shoes. This influences the style and type you should choose.
• Keep Records: If you find a brand that fits you well online, make a note of the brand, style name, and size. This information helps with future purchases.
• Be Patient: Sometimes, the perfect pair is not immediately available. Check back often, or sign up for email notifications for new arrivals or restocks.

Online shopping for footwear provides a convenient and comprehensive way to find your next favorite pair of shoes. By knowing your measurements, researching brands, and understanding return policies, you can enjoy the many benefits of buying shoes online with confidence. Happy shopping!

online shopping for footwear