Payless ShoeSource

WOW! Kudos to Payless Shoe Store for the unexpected surprise!
I spent my day yesterday with a goal to find some reasonable flat shoes and some winter boots. Honestly, I went into Payless because I thought they’d have some cheap shoes I could get by with until I found something better. I haven’t been to Payless in years, because I remember the shoes being cheap and crappy. I used to go there because I simply didn’t have the money to afford better shoes.
My experience at this store yesterday totally reversed my thinking about Payless. I ended up buying great waterproof warm winter boots there and tried on a great variety of boots and shoes. The staff was very friendly. As soon as I walked in the door, a salesperson escorted me to my shoe size, told me about the deals going on, and then left me to do my shopping, instead of hovering over me. A couple other employees exchanged friendly banter with me while I tried on my shoes and were very helpful without being annoying.
In the end, they held a pair of boots for me while I continued shopping down state street and when I returned they had them behind the counter. The only negative I have to say is the oversell at the counter for socks, lip gloss and shoe protection. One guy in particular was over zealous and wanted attention on himself more than really caring about what he was upselling.
But overall, a FANTASTIC experience. Thumbs up to Payless for the turnaround. Great staff, great shoes, great prices. I’ll definitely be back!

For years and years, I would avoid Payless shoes because of the cheesy commercials (Star Jones, really?), ugly selection, and wonky sizing. All that’s changed! Payless is hip again and brimming with wide and larger sizes. Their shoes specifically designed by American Eagle Outfitters and Montengo Bay are cute and affordable. Payless stocks the cutest flats in my mondo 10 – 11’s. I enjoy the fact that sometimes the shoes are too big for me. It’s nearly impossible to find flats too big for me because other places stock all of the smaller sizes and forget about us girls with big feet. I’ve tried other big box and high end retailers for flats and have never found any that fit. In the past month or two, I’ve found at least 3 – 4 pairs of flats and sandals that are trendy and in my size.
Today, I couldn’t resist a pair of cute, black suede ruffled flats in 10’s. These shoes are seriously cute and amazing. This store is bigger than the Thompson Center one. I basically come here if I can’t find it at the other location. I can’t say enough good things about Payless since they got hip and cool again. I learned the ballet flat secret from a Unilocaler, so I knew I was in good hands doing my shoe shopping here as she always looks so awesome in her cute footwear. Take two Unilocalers advice, Payless is cool and has big sizes!!!

Again, Payless fulfills my shoe fetish and retail therapy on a budget. This is my second favorite location for small footed gals. (The one on Michigan across from the Tribune being my first.) They have a decent selection of 5 – 5.5s and the staff is always friendly. I bought the cutest black t-​strap sandal pumps and wore them all day Saturday, they’re super comfy!
Scarily, they ask for your phone number and then can address you by name. I don’t think I want to know how many shoes I purchased in all of the Payless land…