Head Start Shoes

Shoe Nazzi Who Charges Sky Price, Poor Products and Treats Customers With No Respect
If you want to pay the Prada price for worn out shoes and get disrespected as a customer, come here.
I’ve been shopping here for shoes for FIVE years — as long as I’ve been transplanted to Philly. I’ve spent THOUSANDS of dollars on their products, many of which at full price. Why? Because I do dig the vintage boutique one-​of-​a-​kind thing, and they USED TO make you feel so special when you come here, that the experience was almost worth the premium price.
That all changed today. I had my eyes on a pair of MOMA boots for a few days, but I wasn’t entirely sure because there seemed to be missing stitches and major scratch marks — which is dubious considering MOMA prides itself on durability. Well, after some research I found out that Headstart seemed to be the only place nearby that still sell them. So I went back to the store and was hoping to meet with the owner and ask for his advice — perhaps it’s just all nothing (in which case I’d be happy to buy at full price), or perhaps even it is a little defect we could work out a small credit like $ 15-​$ 20. I waited for 15 minutes in the store for him to return because he was usually very reasonable, understanding, and I respected his expertise.
Well, as soon as he walked into the store and saw me examining the shoes with the assistant, he immediately took the defensive and said «Is something wrong?» (with an authoritative tone that really meant «Nothing can be wrong here, you are making stuff up and picking on us.») When I pointed out the missing stitches and the scratch marks, he didn’t even bother to address why they were there, but rather went on to become even more defensive: «Well, don’t buy them then, you shouldn’t buy them if you don’t feel like they are good enough for you…» then he went on to LECTURE me about take-​it-​or-​leave-​it for five minutes and even said this: «maybe they are TOO MUCH for you anyways» — I mean, OUCH! The only next thing he could have said to insult me more would’ve be «You are Chinese and you are cheap, stop coming to my store», which was probably what he really meant. That, after I’ve spent THOUSANDS of dollars on their shoes and made them my exclusive shoe stop.
You don’t lose a customer for one pair of bad shoes that she agrees to buy upon acknowledging the defects and still willing to pay for it anyways; you DO LOSE a customer for insulting her. I feel bad for the girls working there that this was the example of customer service training they are getting. Other than that and the brief sadness that I’ll need to find a new shoe heaven (which I’ve already done and very happy with so many options online and new places opening up in Center City), I don’t regret walking out of Headstart Shoes. Forever.
I tried to reflect on myself and think maybe this was just one standalone situation where «You are not you when you are hungry/​grumpy/​stressed», but after reading all the other more recent reviews here I’ve been convinced that it’s not just one scenario with me, it’s become a pattern that keeps driving long term loyal customers away — see there are other clients with longer richer history than I did who shopped here for 18, 30 years who were disappointed and walked out recently. It seems that the owners have started to believe they have all the power in the world and have lost interest in treating their loyal customers with respect — well then, they don’t need to be in business if they no longer want to. Chic ladies, check out the many other places popping up in the neighborhood and seriously even many much better options online! Local small businesses don’t need our support, if they have no interest in treating us with respect.

I have shopped in this store for 18+ years. Sometimes I buy, sometimes I just browse. Today was the FIRST time I have had a bad experience. I was disappointed that the boot I loved wasn’t in stock in my size. After showing me several alternatives that I didn’t care for, the sales woman snatched the shoe out of my hand and said «I guess we’re done here» turned her back to me and packed up the shoes. I am always a proponent of shopping in unique and owner run carefully curated stores. With this disgusting — rude — dismissive service I won’t go back — Just GROSS.

Wifey was looking for shoes on our visit. The staff is awesome. The shoe section is nice. Prices are not bad either. She’s been looking for a new pair. And she found them here. The staff isn’t pushy but very helpful. If you or your girl is looking for a good pair of shoe you have to check out this place.

HEADSTART SHOES BLOWS
I’ve been shopping at this store for 30 years as a lifelong resident of Phila. Recently I purchased a pair of sandals for full price. It was too cold outside at the time to wear sandals, 21 days later I went to wear the shoes and realized they weren’t comfortable. I took them back to the store in the bag they were sold to me in, to exchange them and they would not return them. I did not ask for a credit on my card, I only wanted to exchange them for a comfortable pair of shoes. They had The SAME pair of shoes for sale at the FULL price that I paid yet still would not exchange the shoes for me. So much for supporting local businesses and being a return customer. #BarneyMailOrder #Goodbyecustomer #stupidDecision #localboutiqueNoMore

I have been shopping here for years. The store has been owned and operated by the same gentleman since 1978! That should tell you something. Now that I don’t live in Philly, I make sure I make my pilgrimage to Head Start once (maybe twice!) a year and treat myself. I just came back and the store was packed with beautiful, stylish boots in every color, height and heel. Yes they are pricey but not Louboutin pricey and they are also not the same boots you see in every other store. The styles tend to be more urban chic than trendy. I can be pretty thrifty but I can honestly say every shoe or boot I’ve bought here has lasted and has been worth every penny. The sales staff is friendly, knowledgeable and void of high pressure. Surprisingly, they also tend to have good sales. This trip was one ankle boot and one gorgeous over the knee boot – which was on sale. This store definitely rocks.

This is the place to go for shoes. They definitely specialize in quality footwear, which of course, you’re going to pay more for. They also seem to carry a good amount of shoes that are comfortable. These are not orthopedic shoes, and do not have the look of «comfort» shoes, but I think they buyer definitely knows what they are doing.
Stop in here for a pair of summer heels or wedges that you can actually walk around the city in, and not have to stash your flip flops in your purse for. The sales associates are helpful, friendly and stylish.

I purchased a pair of black boots a few months ago. I wore them twice and they are the most uncomfortable shoes I have ever worn. I brought them back to the store with no receipt. Sale associate explained the return policy which I understand it’s past due. I kindly asked whether they can grant a store credit since I had spent $ 700 on these Italian hand made boots which I no longer can wear them anymore. The sale associate picked the boots up & pressed the leather down and explained I didn’t wear them enough to «break the leather». In addition to above, she recommended me to put them to sell on ebay.

I wish I owned every pair of shoes in this store. But, I just own one pair of Italian, handmade, all leather gorgeous eggshell sandals.
I originally wanted a pair of boots that induced an orgasm, for real. But, they were sold out in my size even though they just were shipped in. If you have the lute (stop in often). If I could, it would be tough for me not to go into serious debt at this store.
The staff is great, from what I remember. I was there in august.

Headstart is one of the top places in Philly to get high quality shoes (the others being Joan Shepp, Bus Stop and Boyd’s). You’ll spend a little more but it’s worth it. The owner George stands by his product. My husband and I have both purchased shoes here and love them. Over the course of time, we’ve had a few minor issues with shoes, George ordered replacement boots for my husband and had my sandals repaired which broke after a few weeks of wear. It’s good to know there are still places out there where one can purchase quality shoes and that the owner stands behind them.

Head Start can be hit of miss for me. They have a fantastic selection of boots, especially cowboys, but their other stock leaves me wanting more. I’m not sure how the same person who buys such chic boots also buys 60-​year-​old orthopedic putty pumps, but alas, I’ll live.
The prices here are in no way wallet friendly, but is that ever the case for a great pair of shoes? I’ve purchased numerous pairs of cowboy boots here and they have all held up beautifully. Last spring I did manage to find a great pair of Italian wedges on sale, so I immediately snapped them up. So while their formal shoe collection isn’t to my tastes, this will always be my number one spot for a chic boot!

I was on the hunt for a specific style of boot and had visited virtually every shoe store in Center City with no luck. I had pretty much given up on finding a store within walking distance and figured I’d chance the internet when I walked by Head Start Shoes. They weren’t open yet, but I could see through the windows that this place carried a good selection of very stylish (and clearly well-​made) boots and shoes for women.
I came back a little later when it opened and was wowed. I’d classify the style they carry as quality urban street chic, but not over the top trendy. Everything they carried was pretty pricey (even on sale, their cheapest boots were probably over $ 100), but I don’t mind paying for quality. I ended up buying a pair of Fiorentini + Baker boots on sale for $ 280, originally $ 475. I double-​checked when I got home and couldn’t find a deal that good anywhere else online for the same boot.
The girls working at the boutique were very friendly, knowledgeable, and PATIENT (it took me a while to decide). They polished and conditioned the boots before boxing them up, and gave me some additional information on their online store and another pair of boots I was considering. Five stars for customer service, quality, selection, and price.

For a couple of months now, I’ve walked by Head Start Shoes and admired a pair of black mary jane pumps in the window. What’s important to note is that I do not wear heels. As in, ever.
I’d been in Head Start once or twice before to browse. I have expensive taste, so it’s no surprise that I swooned over every other pair, but the price tags were just too steep for my budget. But these shoes grabbed me. I literally daydreamed about them. I probably should not admit that publicly, but I’m here to write an honest review.
Fast forward to this week when my tax return hit my bank account. Exciting! I decided what the hell and walked by the window again to sigh and fawn over these pretty shoes, and I was able to peek at the price tag. With tax return in hand, they were in the realm of possibility, and as it turns out I have not one, but two weddings to attend this year and need a dress and… shoes!
I tried them on once and told myself to wait, and two days later went back for them. They fit wonderfully, they’re comfortable, and they’re my style in every way.
I really want to knock a star off of my rating because I can’t afford to shop here regularly and that makes me a bit of a hater, but the truth is this is a five star boutique in every way. The selection is varied, the shoes are obviously fantastic quality, and most importantly the service is outstanding. I was told to sit while my shoes were placed on my feet and buckled, and then the owner told me to walk around in them so he could see the fit. The owner clearly takes pride in his boutique and clearly cares about the happiness of his customers.
On my way out, I had some questions about the boots, and the owner told me to come in when I had some time to spare so I could try on some different styles. «You may hate them all,» he said. «You may love some. But come back and we’ll see.» I definitely plan to start a shoe savings fund so I can return.

The problem with moving from NYC to Philly is that your world of endless possibilities and places shrinks dramatically. I love shoes (it’s a problem. No really. Ask my bf), and I love trying them on. I do not love the lack of selection of stores that carry shoes in CC. Virtually NONE. Worse, those that do exist are, well, not up to the level of quality that I desire.
That’s where Head Start Shoes comes in. All of the shoes they have are expensive, but they are high quality shoes. You will wear them forever because they will last longer than your Steve Madden booties will. These babies are (mostly) imported!
Now, because they’re so expensive I’ve avoided/​talked myself out of buying anything there (although I’ve convinced OTHERS to buy shoes while with them). Until recently. I had tried on this GORGEOUS pair of burnished gold pumps from this Italian brand Stephen that are true works of art. Those heels are sculptural, architectural masterpieces, so cool and unique but the style can work for both day and night. I waited 3 months until they went on sale and quite literally went into that store the moment they opened to buy them. I was chatting up the salesgirl while re-​confirming what size I needed and she was so friendly and personable, getting me two sizes, telling me that I could expect the leather to give a little with use, and comparing notes on CC shoe shopping and our expansive, ridiculous shoe collections. Then as I’m paying the owner pops up to meet the girl who’s buying his favorite pair of shoes! We chatted (also super friendly) about the shoes and the brand, which is AMAZING but cannot be found anywhere else or online — I even asked him if he knew where else they might be sold and he said maybe a boutique in NYC but nowhere else in Philadelphia for sure. But he said that he loves the brand and will continue to buy select styles from the line for the store, which is good news for me! And bad news for my bank account :(

The shoes sold at this establishment will never go out of style. In fact, I still get compliments on shoes I purchased years ago. And i really do mean years. In addition to the style of shoes, the quality is of the highest. Italy, Spain… where else are shoes born? If you got some extra cash flow, and you’re ready to do your feet a favor, go to Head Start and buy buy buy. Don’t wait too long for a sale, they generally only carry 1 pair of each size per style.

Damn, girl. Where’dya get those boots?
More than likely I’ll answer Head Start Shoes.
This place is tiny, but they are packing serious imported inventory (read: very spendy, trendy and limited). I can’t walk in here without developing an unhealthy obsession with at least two pairs.
Styles range wild: over-​the-​knee, loafer, all heel, no heel, fur-​lined, buckled, zippered, booties, riders, suede, calfskin, shearling. Oh yea.
With all those options, a girl can get caught up and indecisive. Don’t fret: the darling staff is there to help, adding that real-​talk girl advice like only they can. They’ve been in your shoes, literally.

Uhhh can I have one of everything please?
Be prepared to spend big bucks at this well-​stocked shoe boutique, but the selection is unmatched in Center City. They have an *incredible* boot collection for winter, and I’m sure a comparable sandal collection for summer.
The girls working on the day I stopped in were very helpful and knowledgeable. The sign says they close at 7, but they still let me in at 7:05 to browse and didn’t rush me at all. When they didn’t have the boot I wanted in my size, one of the girls called the owner to check if more were being ordered. Sadly, they weren’t, but I really appreciated the personal service!
Will definitely be back when I can scrape together some dinero.

I walk by this store just to drool on the windows, especially in the autumn and winter.
This lil shop is one of the first in the city to carry some brands that went on to be carried by Coop/​Barneys and some other very high end retailers.
The sales girls are always freindly, as is the owner an I will definately continue to stop by every few weeks to see what is new

There’s a lady in your life. She’s your fashionable mother. She’s your wife. She’s your secretary. She’s really special. She has amazing taste. Say what? You don’t know what to get her this holiday season?
Get to Head Start Shoes now! They’re having a $ 50 off every pair of sale-​shoes sale! I just bought a pair of Ixos (very imported and sexy) boots at a $ 150 discount. They’re the dreamiest pair of foot protectors I’ve ever owned.
Head Start carries a small inventory of boots, so after a purchase, you can rest assured that your fellow city-​mates won’t be toting your identical footwear… random compliments from strangers are bound to ensue. People will gawk. Just expect it. However, don’t go here expecting Uggs.