I was on the hunt for my next pair of hiking boots after chucking my last, worn out, pair. I had stopped in to a couple of outdoor stores. Their stock was very limited (thanks pandemic) and one of them mentioned Brown's Shoe Fit carries some of the same brands. I had never heard of them (can you tell I'm not an Iowa native) but thought I'd check them out. I had glanced online first to see what brands they carried and was surprised to see many shoe brands I already owned. Definitely had potential.
I stopped in on a Thursday afternoon. There were a few other customers but it wasn't too busy. I stopped first and looked through their large selection of clearance items. Then I spotted an entire wall display dedicated to hiking shoes. The wall had Oboz, KEEN, Merrell, and Danner. I picked up some shoes that I was interested in. I turned around and didn't see an associate to help me so I went back to looking at the wall. After a couple minutes I turned around again and saw a lady nearby. I had no clue she worked there until she asked if I wanted to try something on. I am surprised they do not have name tags or anything to show they work there.
My experience from that moment was excellent! Tracy was the associate who helped me and she was very accommodating. I have a wide foot that can be hard to fit. We tried on everything they had in my size. I found myself apologizing for trying on so many and not finding anything I loved. I walked back over to the wall one, last, time and noticed a table just in front of it with some boots. It was a table full of Teva sandals and boots. I asked about the boots and it was as if a lightbulb went off for us both as they handle width well. She brought out the closest size they had in stock but they just weren't "right." I was so sad! But, she mentioned that she could look up another size within their store network and ship them there for me to try, with no obligation. I said, sure!
At one point during my visit, I noticed Tracy was wearing sandals. I had mentioned how I love and dread sandals season because I have such a difficult time finding sandals that are wide enough and have straps that won't dig into my feet. She said she thought they had a perfect one for me. I was intrigued and asked what it was. She came back with an Aetrex sandal. I'd never heard of that brand but it looked promising. It was PERFECT! I was in love with them. Although I came in for hiking boots, I left a happy sandals customer, with hiking boots on the way to try.
Fast forward to the following Tuesday and I received a phone call saying the boots had arrived. I went in the next morning. I felt very young that morning as the other customers were elderly. I was greeted right away and told them I came to try on a pair of boots that had arrived. The man was also very nice and after I got them on, allowed me space and time to walk around in the boots. The other associate there told me she had the same boots and loves them. I was able to chat with her about the boots and it added to my decision to make the purchase.
Overall, a wonderful, personalized, shoe shopping experience. I will definitely be coming back here in the future! read more