Tony K’s Shoe Store

I have been buying shoes and boots from Alan for 5 years. Yes, Alan has an over the top personality but if you get to know him he really has excellent customer skills. He remembers me and my entire family and I only shop at his store every couple of years. The shoes are top quality and I still wear shoes I bought from Alan 5 years ago.

While the store carries a great selection of shoes and boots, the sales person running the store is very rude, condescending and a bully. I am not sure what kind of sales tactic he’s using but When you tell your local customers that they are your «worst customers», not sure how you expect them to return. I think he’s doing himself a great disservice because his product is great but his attitude leaves you with a very unpleasant feeling. From their response to other low ratings, I don’t feel that he has an objective mindset where he can really look at himself and be willing to improve. Just a few attitude adjustments can help his sales sky rocket. Hope this helps another local to avoid a terrible experience dealing with this bully of salesman.

I give 2 stars because my experience was bizarre. I can’t find the shoes I bought anywhere online but the closest thing I found wasn’t even half what I paid at the store. Yes I like them, yes they feel good, yes I’m pretty positive they’re Italian and not some knock off, but still I didn’t even want to buy shoes. Haha the guy is super rapey and pretty much forces you to buy them. Kinda similar to most reviews I’ve read, but it was aggressive, disrespectful at times and just fucking weird. Nice selection of unique shoes and boots that we’re all fashionable, but the guy has problems. Seems like a sketchy atmosphere. Make your own decision about it, that’s just my two cents.

Entertaining comments!!! hahahahha
i thoroughly enjoyed reading alans replies

The associate I encountered at this store was insulting and didn’t listen to the needs of my friend. Customer service was very pushy and condescending. The quality of shoes is not nearly worth the price for the product in the opinion of anyone with a brain. Sales approach was aggressive and not helpful since they didn’t listen to what my friend requested. We got merchandise physically taken out of our hands, mind you they could’ve made at least one potential sale today (the store doesn’t look like it gets much business anyway. They must be experiencing a rough patch– since the associate was so bitter.) Sales associate told us to leave after we expressed we weren’t interested in the out of style shoe that was pushed onto us which was a leather shoe and we clearly expressed we were interested in SUEDE!!! Not leather. Associate was NOT welcoming or inviting. I would never give this store my business, even if the product was worth the outrageous price. I’ve had better customer service at a Walmart. Customer service this bad should be illegal, especially after reading the associates commentary on other customers reviews– tasteless. They should be embarrassed. I hope they go out of business soon, they’re an insult to the Melrose strip.

Condescending, rude, and offensive. Avoid this store.

VERY RUDE! Can’t believe how horrible this employe was! Store says it opens at 7: am. Went on a Monday at 11:30 he had the mop in front of the door and rudely asked if I was going to purchase anything or what was I looking for, told me come back later. NEVER going to give this place any business!

Alan showed me and my fiancé several pairs of shoes we narrowed it down to about four or five pairs for each of us and he gave us a tremendous deal so we just bought them all. Thanks Alan!!!

I was perfectly content to buy a nice pair of leather boots from a store that seemed like it has an alright collection. I was ready to drop $ 300-​$ 400 this weekend. So I walk in, compliment the man on his nice collection and he basically insults me from the moment I walked in, telling me how because I’m a local I’m his «worst customer» and he went on to inform me of how knowledgable he was about his customers (instead of, you know, helping me out buying a nice pair of boots).
After the first insult, I was prepared to ignore it and move on but then he refused to tell me the brand of shoe I was holding because the shoes I was wearing were sneakers! I just wanted to know!
Ao I asked a few more questions and he thrust a crappy pair of $ 100 boots into my hand (they were awful) and told me these were «the best» I didn’t like them so I put them back and he continued to bully me, so I walked out.
The irony is that this total douchebag acted like I was scum and he was some kind of fashionista but he was wearing an ugly shell suit! It was beyond ridiculous. Never shop here. I will tell everyone what a total tool the man working here was to me.
EDIT: Judging by his responses and insults, I’ll leave it to readers to decide if I and many others are leaving fake reviews or this man and this business is someone you should stay away from.

If you love shoes, …like, really love them to the point where you’re known as a shoe collector by everyone who knows you,
you Should already know Tony K’s on Melrose Ave. If you haven’t stopped by, What Are You Waiting For?
The store is all about QUALITY. Nothing less! So don’t expect cheaply made doodads when you go in.
Alan was our guy, and he was gracious and incredibly passionate about shoes. He respects each customer, and not at all pushy. He matches shoes to customers as Ollivander matches wands to wizards and witches at Hogwarts (Harry Potter reference for those of you who don’t recognize this relation).
Yes, the prices are «steep» if you’re into the fast-​fashion price-​tags,
but the quality and creation of each shoe in the store is impeccable and one-​of-​a-​kind.
If you’re there to browse, you can, but you will regret walking out empty-​handed. You Will get a pair of shoes that speak to you. And yes, you Will pay that price-​tag, but you Will be happily wearing that/​those pair (s) of shoes. Did I mention the shoes you will get will mold to your feet? It’s as if they were made for you!
Stop by and see the beautiful creations! Trust me. It’s worth a look and splurge.
Craftsmanship, Quality, and Style all in Tony K! ;)

The Angry Salesman
The main guy at this store is one sick puppy. Like, the kinda guy that gets his tires slashed on a regular basis because he inspires such hate in those that have the misfortune of coming into contact with him. I’ve encountered this dude a number of times over the years having lived a couple blocks away for nearly a decade. I’ve always found him to be rude, pushy and slimy but that’s not unusual on Melrose. It’s a trashy street with numerous trashy shops/​owners — you put up with that to get deals on trendy, throw-​away clothes. That’s what’s kinda ironic about this guy (I gather from the other reviews his name is Alan) Alan gets himself so worked up trying to convince you he and his daddy’s crap store are SO much better than the other Melrose stores, when in reality, he represents the epitome Melrose trashiness — pushy sales, cheap ripoffs being offered at «huge discounts» from absurdly inflated sticker prices, slimy old guidos that dress like they think they’re still hot, and questionably out-​of-​touch inventory — that last one only applies to some of the Melrose shops, but Tony K. Shoes is the poster child for super tacky men’s shoes that woulda been «edgy» in the 90’s — think long pointed square toes and alligator stamped leather — yikes! Some of the women’s stuff is cute but SO overpriced, you’d have to be a fool not to look it up online and get it for its ACTUAL retail price, a third of his price. Undoubtedly this guy’s inventory is left over stock from decades gone by, that he got at a huge discount, then comes up with some over the top price to make the buyer think they’re getting a deal. Same crap as the other Melrose stores just more evil. … If you look at the other reviews here it’s pretty obvious that the good ones are fake. I can see how people might think this store is a front for some illegal operation. He insults and kicks out like HALF of all his customers — as if he WANTS the store to be empty, but that theory is contradicted by the tacky sales tactics they employ such as dragging you in from the street, stalling on getting your size from the back so they can talk you into trying more pairs, etc. It’s all quite pitiful. ALAN is quite pitiful. A man in his 40’s working for his daddy — so bitter about the sad state of his life that he needs to tear down others to make himself feel superior. News flash Alan: there is NOTHING high end about your store. You won’t see any of this crap inventory at Barney’s because it’s out of style, 90’s dead stock and the sales people at Barney’s treat customers with respect and don’t haggle like its the damn swap meet. Oh and, I should add, anyone can stamp «Made in Italy» on a pair of shoes. Moreover, being made in Italy in no way guarantees it’s high quality. Italians don’t have some god given gift for leatherwork. There m’s plenty of crap leather work in Italy too. Alan repeats his mantra of being Italian made like a person with special needs. All in all this place and the people that run it are a joke. Don’t let them sucker you with fake pricing and pushy sales tactics. If you want quality high end shoes, Melrose is not the place to get them.

Don’t come to Tony K’s unless you are prepared to buy some shoes or boots. You think you’re just going to browse and admire, but you’re wrong. One or more pairs of Italian footwear are going make you fall madly, deeply in love. You won’t be able to leave without taking them with you.
First visit, it was one pair. Patent leather sneakers. Second visit, two pair. More amazing leather sneakers. Third visit, brought a friend and between us we left with four pairs. I finally got boots. And every time I came back, Alan K, the always cheerful and gabby salesman on the floor, recognized me and asked me how I was enjoying my previous purchase, the details of which he remembered exactly, including the clothes I was wearing.
If you’re a new customer, he’ll size you up in about 2 seconds and before you know it, you’re looking at a pair of shoes he’s suggesting you try on, that you didn’t notice before. Alan’s got a great eye, and if you aren’t sure what shoes to choose, take his advice.
There’s some sticker shock if you try to look at the price tags, but don’t be put off. Generally the more expensive shoes are towards the front of the store, natch, and the relative bargains are towards the back. Alan will tell you to pay no attention to the price, and you might think that’s a obvious sales gimmick, but the prices are always negotiable. Prepare for a little back and forth, and also for Alan to sweeten the deal with that other pair you were looking at, but at a steeper discount than just the one pair. Decisions, decisions…

The service is terrible. They are very pushy & nasty .if u don’t buy they get offended maybe if they will let people choose what they want they will do more business. I lived in Italy before they buy the ovetstook & off season shoes in Italy & they rob people
doesn’t matter if they have nice shoes but if they have a nasty attitude they will not survive .I will never buy anything from this store. Nasty, Nasty people & extremely Arrogant

Out of all the Shoe Stores that I have been to and I have been to quite a few. Tony K Melrose shoes has by far the greatest shoes that I have ever purchased. Does designed with the sense of fashion and and durability to last. And there brand stands for its self and many celebrities know where to find quality shoes.
ALAN K. Thank you for making every visit to the store a memorable experience. My last pair of boots i bought are just amazing and were featured in my spring model photo shoot. I felt like family coming into your place and prices are perfect. Anyone who goes into Tony K’s you will be cared for and matched with shoes that will compliment your personality and embrace your own style.
Thanks ALAN K.
Me and the group will see you soon.

Great Selection of shoes High priced but it’s nice quality leather it seems.
Great for unique european shoes :)

Quite possibly the worst shop I’ve ever been to. The funniest rude people you’ll ever meet with the worst attitude possible. It’s so absurd that it’s hilarious. Don’t believe me? Just go read the response to some of these reviews, like calling their customer a «little b*tch.»
When I was there, they try to sell women’s shoes to men and vice versa. If this doesn’t tell you how devious and manipulative they try to be, I don’t know what will.
Oh, they also don’t take returns – EVER.
If you buy something and want to get your money back, you’re completely out of luck.
Of course, they don’t tell this to their customers. Sure, there are signs placed around, but what if someone misses them? Scam artists of the highest order here.

My experience was very much like the other one-​star reviews below. He claimed that he does the soles himself, in-​store. Well after 30 days of wearing the $ 200 boots, the soles are coming apart. He hit on me, made inappropriate advances, and was pushy, which I ignored because frankly, I’m used to it, and I really wanted boots. I feel bad for the people who wander in without reading Unilocal first, like I did.
Very trashy.

My worst shopping experience ever!
The owner was so rude, so pretentious and extremely aggressive. Please walk away and I’m sure you will find a better service anywhere else on earth!
If you read my review Mr. Mean Owner: my husband and I were potential customers, you should treat your customers like the celebrities on your wall, not like garbage.
My creepiest experience!!! Run from that store!!!

Okay, this place has incredible shoes for both men and women. If you are looking for something unique, this is your place!
And ask for Alan, he’s a New Yorker through and through! Love it.
Left with the perfect pair of boots at a fair price. Couldn’t be happier.

First off, the map that is currently shown on the Unilocal page is incorrect. The store is NOT located at Melrose & Santa Monica Blvd, it’s closer to Melrose & N. Stanley Ave.
Tony K’s has some really nice shoes. They will tell you right away that their shoes are all leather and made in Italy. I bought a pair of quality dress shoes here a couple years ago which I love and still have. Prices range from $ 150 — $ 400+ so be prepared to spend a little cheese.
As many other Unilocalers have mentioned, they do use some very heavy sales pressure! The onslaught begins pretty much the moment you step in so put your game face on before walking in!

AVOID THIS PLACE!
Avoid this place just to honor good shopkeepers. This shop is run by liars and swindlers. Period.
This review is based on customer service and honoring the product.
The guy who owns the place and sells the shoes has this sales pitch; «these are the best shoes and boots! They’ll last forever. Top quality and we stand behind our product!» which may be true until you walk out the door. You see, he sold me some boots that were a bit tight but said «they’re top quality leather and they’ll stretch! Just give them a good walk to loosen them up. They’re fine to be a little tight.» After deliberating, I took his word. Mistake. Not only do the boots kill my feet, even after hours and hours or walking, the heel pull ripped off just trying to get them on.
Being from Colorado, there was not much I could do — until I planned a trip back to LA a few months later. I took the boots, which I never wear, back to the store to ask for a larger size, even being willing to throw in $ 100 or so for the «damage» I caused to the boots by «breaking them in» as he said I would need to do to get the fit right. He said «I can’t help you. These have been warn. Sorry.» Of course they were worn, you moron. YOU told me to wear them to break them in — you sheep-​bitten twat.
He would do NOTHING to help me, except sell me another pair. Thanks. What an A*hole.
AVOID THIS PLACE!