Mario and his wife Roseann have taken care of me and my feet since his store opened. I don't buy my shoes anywhere else now. What many people don't understand is that his business, his passion, is to set people up with the right shoes for their feet. It's his reputation on your feet. I have never found him rude or arrogant; he is direct and knowledgeable. If you treat him like a shoe servant, if you expect him to sell you anything you want on a whim, you are giving up his expertise and making a mistake. If you want to get in and out with a quick pair of flip-flops or ballet shoes in the same color as your new sundress, go to Payless. (And by the way, he has very comfortable flip-flops too.) But if you want your feet to be comfortable and happy in your shoes, make the initial appointment and spend a little time with Mario. He will focus on you only, and explain why he won't sell you that walking shoe you spotted when you came in. He'll find the right ones and fit them properly, with orthotics if necessary. It's a shame customers who recommend Comfort Shoe Loft to friends do so without telling them to make an appointment. They have already done that, and they know how it works. For new folks to show up expecting immediate gang service like REI or even self-service like Payless, it can be a shock - especially if they aren't expecting to spend some time. Please folks, I'm not equating the value or education of the specialties, but it would be like walking cold into a doctor's office and demanding to see the doctor immediately to take out your self-diagnosed gall bladder. Hold on a minute, let's give you an exam first, let me get to know your case. Please make an appointment. After your initial appointment visit, your fitting details are saved so that when you return you're "in the computer." That saves him - and you - a boatload of time and enables you as a returning customer to just drop in and wait your turn. With that information available to her, Roseann is excellent at serving you when Mario is busy with someone else, and Mario will advise when appropriate. My first visit was to find a nice-looking pair of shoes I could count on for a lot of walking on a trip to Ireland, and a pair of sandals for the same reason. I have high arches and pronated ankles. I was surprised at the time he spent with me. As someone else has mentioned, there were shoes he wouldn't let me buy, and he told me exactly why. I was very happy with both pairs I got. I still have them and I still love them. Since then I have been in to see Mario many times. He has fit me with work shoes, sandals, walking shoes, sneakers (athletic shoes), and even slippers. I have recommended him to co-workers, friends, my husband, and even my doctor. Don't listen to the complainers, the impatient, the arrogant customers who fly to Yelp to whine about mistreatment and dashed expectations. I work in customer service; I get it. Just make the appointment and make up your own mind. read more

This would be a great service if the owner would accept business. He only takes existing clients. I need to custom order business shoes & was a former satisfied client. He said "I don't know you & you can buy "athletic shoes elsewhere". Big language & understanding barrier. Even my podiatrist strongly discouraged this business. Best of luck finding what you need. read more

What a joke. Stopped by to get a xmas gift and couldn't even go inside. Doors were locked. Called the number said they wont have availability for three weeks! Somethings fishy. read more

Comfort Shoe Loft - Shoe Stores Near Me - Lake Forest, California

I'm looking for some shoes for a trip to the northeast. I pulled into his store and it says by appointment only. I called and he said he doesn't have an appointment for several WEEKS because he has so many loyal existing customers he doesn't have time for anyone else right now. Wild! I guess I won't be purchasing my shoes from here. It shouldn't have a storefront if the owner is never available to have NEW customers look at shoes. Those who are his long time customers get first availability, the rest of us get a wait time of several weeks. No thanks! read more

Great personal service. Mario is funny. Selection no problem he can order it for you.

Mario spent 2+ hours doing his best to help my wife to walk with a leg brace following surgery. His attention to detail, knowledge and carefully listening to her issues was critical in addressing her issues. He serves customers by appointment to ensure he can give them appropriate attention. His service is unique In today's poor customer care world. If you have foot issues go see Mario read more

Wasn't even allowed in the store. Door was locked and I saw a customer in there so I knocked. No one acknowledged me. I called them in the car and was told it is by appointment only and I being a new customer it would be 3 weeks! I wish I had know ahead of them before driving there. Apparently they do good business to only allow 1 customer in store I think he told me it takes 3 hours to be "Fitted" read more

Since November 2019, Mario and Comfort Shoe Loft is the only one I see and the only place to go for my shoes. I'm a Pastry Chef on my feet 8 hours a day. Our first appointment took about an hour. Mario assessed my needs and recommended shoes that would address them. I followed his advice and was very happy with the results. I will be a lifelong customer. (Please note that you need to call to make an appointment) For Mario's expertise and care it's a GREAT value! read more

The shoes I buy from this store exceeds all other comfort stores I've tried especially under Mario's expertise. I can't thank him and his wife for helping through my painful planter fasciitis phase . read more

This place is only open 1-5 and by appt only. All I wanted was a gift card but couldn't get that at 3pm bc I didn't have an appt. Off to a shoe store that is accommodating. read more

Should not be in business. Keeps door locked & won't let anyone in unless an appointment, even if you are standing outside talking with them on the phone to get an appointment. Used to be a good store but not now. Horrible way to do business. I can understand a jewelry store with locked doors but not a shoe store! Can't rate a business if not allowed in! read more

I am so happy I found Mario at Comfort Shoe Loft. I have trouble finding shoes that fit my feet and have suffered from bad fittings in the past. As his website clearly states - he is appointment only, but it is well worth the wait! He is friendly, professional, and knows feet & shoes. For each visit, he will take the time (one on one) to find a fit that meets my needs. I will always buy my shoes from Mario. read more

I don't live close to this shop, but it is definitely worth the drive! The owner is super knowledgeable about feet and shoes, and won't sell you something that isn't right fit your feet. He's very concerned about your comfort and the health of your feet. They're not the cheapest, but the quality and customer service is worth it. It's refreshing to have customer service like the "old" days. read more

Great little shopping center. Plenty of shaded parking spots. The sweet, kind lady working there was a pleasure to interact with and she took her time with my shoe needs. Nice store Nice Staff. read more

LOVE, LOVE, LOVE this place. The shoes are worth the price. I have their slippers, 3 pairs of oofos and a pair of tennis shoes. My husband and I first went there a year ago and we just had the best experience. The husband/wife owners are the nicest people. They fit is perfect and we haven't had any foot problems since. I saw some of the negative remarks but when I first came to the store I started to try on the shoes and he told me to wait until he could fit me first. I was patient and waited and glad I did. He checks to make sure your trying on the right size for your feet and to be honest I am glad he checks your feet. How would you like to try on a shoe that someone with maybe some foot disease that you could catch. I am glad he checks people's feet so that you don't have to worry about catching anything. I appreciate that. So if you can be patient they will give you GREAT service and fit your feet with shoes that will make your feet feel amazing. read more

Comfort Shoe Loft - The oofos sandal. The most comfortable sandal ever. Love then. Have them in black and brown now. These are patent leather black. - Shoe Stores Near Me - Lake Forest, California

Well, they just lost the business of a lot of nurses. Myself, and many of the nurses I work with live in our Dansko clogs and have worn the same product for many, many years. I'm looking to replace the shoe I've been wearing the last few years with the same exact shoe (I do this every few years as they get wear and tear). I called to see if they had the shoe I needed in stock and was told he doesn't sell shoes, he must have you make an appointment to be fitted for your perfect shoe and he is booked out for "weeks". He refused to even check if he had the shoe THAT I KNOW FITS AND I WANT TO BUY because he won't sell it anyways. What itf is that? So much for shopping locally and getting my shoes same day, guess I'll keep looking for a place that carries them (walking co is out of business) or I'll order online. Failed marketing scheme for this guy. read more

The store is no longer open! If you are an old customer, the gentleman will schedule an individual mtg with you. I am an old customer, but he isn't available!!! Too bad because this was an amazing store for finding special shoes. So... off I go to San Clemente where the shoe speciality store is open to all customers!!!! read more

I don't know who owns this shoe store, but they do not want people to buy it. There is people inside and they were ignoring me it was at 3 o'clock in the afternoon. this is the second time I've tried to get into that store first time I went in the yelled at me. Just beware if you're the owner you need to change your Ways if you're not, I would change my help. read more

I drove out of my way to visit this store. The door was locked and said appointments only. There was an employee/owner in the store. He would let me in if I was a past client otherwise I had to make appointment for two weeks from now. I was planning to spend several hundred dollars on shoes. I will take my business somewhere else. read more

Call to make an appointment and you won't be sorry! The owner squeezed us in for our first appointment and was so attentive, very professional and so helpful. He and his wife are lovely. I want to buy all my shoes here since he quickly saw my issues and found the perfect shoe, etc for me and my 84 yr old mother. read more

This shoe store deserves a 0 rating. Their sign said they're open until 5PM on a Saturday so I walked up to locked doors. The employee man probably manager stares and then ignored me and didn't even bother to walk over to me to say anything! How rude. I need shoes for work now and he lost good business. What a fool he is. Who in the he!! wants to schedule an appt to buy shoes?! That's what the sign says on door! It's not a doctor appointment. Don't waste your time here. read more

I feel very fortunate to have found Mario. I have problem feet and he always finds me just the right shoes for any occasion. I love his business model where he sees customers by appointment and referral only. This enables him to spend time with his customers. You will never feel rushed or not paid attention to. Mario even helped me analyze a type of shoes that he does not carry. His service is impeccable and is very passionate about what he does. Highly recommend him! read more

I have trouble with foot pain and am usually unsuccessful with what shoes to get. My mother in law recommended that I go here. My first visit was three years ago. I was just a walk in and didn't have an appointment, but he was glad to help me out once he was finished with the customers that did. The store owner asked me some questions about my feet to get a good idea about what I need. I told him I have really high arches and often feel severe pain in my feet and lower back after standing on my feet for 2 hours. He measured my feet and said it's good to go with a half size up to give your toes room. He recommended to go with Brooks shoes because of their good ankle and arch support. He also picked out some insoles that I absolutely love. Just the insoles alone were worth it. I put them in every shoe and went back just for those. The Brooks shoes I got, insoles included, were the most comfortable shoes I've ever owned. I use them for all day Disneyland trips, and outdoor activities. As a result of these shoes, the time I could tolerate on my feet tripled! I've since then bought an additional pair of shoes each year, this year being my third pair. This year I bought some to wear at work, and am excited to try them out. He recommends to buy the "old" model of shoe, which I like because I don't have to pay the new style price. I highly recommend this place. The owner is extremely knowledgeable on foot and shoe care and what kinds of shoes are best to help with what you need. They keep a file for every customer so they know what each person needs for the healthiest foot care. I think the customer service is excellent. I don't know what the other reviewers who gave one star are talking about. Perhaps they couldn't understand him because of his accent. read more

Mario is a superhero, he may not wear a cape but he deserves the title. I have gone through all different types of shoes In my life, even custom inserts. Nothing compares to the comfort these shoes provide your feet. Mario, if I could give you 12 stars I would. You have saved my life from misery and pain. He takes the time out of his day to show you everything he thinks is the best option for your feet, and he nails It completely. I am so relieved. I bought two pairs of shoes today, I can't wait to buy more in the future. I recommend one person and one person only; MARIO! read more

Hubby has gone here for 8 years for his footwear. He's constantly on his feet for work and swears by this place!

I walk in to the store and look at the shoes and ask for try one shoes. The guys told me if you are a new customer we make an appointment and we can see what kind of shoes work for you. At the first I was very happy that I can find this kind of store because my feet is flat and always have problems whit my shoes. But when we set an appointment and I asked some questions about the shoes and if I can order some kind of dressy shoes, he got angry and rejected me I try to explain to him but he doesn't accept. I think this is the worst customer service and store that I have ever Seen!!!!!!!! read more

I just tried to enter The Comfort Shoe Loft - the owner was there with the door locked. He advised me he only sells to his frequent clients - and only takes appointments. He was looking at me through the glass door - and also said he was busy doing his taxes . I told him I would be buying a pair of shoes - he replied he may be able to see me in 3 weeks. What ? read more

Probably the weirdest experience I've ever had in a store. I walk in with my mom and son looking for some new flip flops with some support as my havaiana's finally wore a hole through them after 3 years of everyday wear. They didn't have a huge variety of cute flip flops so I selected one and inquired about it. I was told that they have over 200 pairs of new model shoes in the back and the pair i was holding were discontinued and all the models of shoes in the store were old. I would have to make an appointment and come back . He said they have two appointments on the books for the day and they only take appointments . The store was completely empty. It was the weirdest thing. I told him I have a baby ( who was with me) and appointments aren't easy for me to make with a little one . He was like " oh well " basically and we walked out . Apparently they only make two sales a day and like to entice new customers with old crappy shoes that they don't even seem to like . ( I'm pretty sure the " new models" in the back are his old stock he wants to try to sell you on because his " old discontinued" stuff in the front I've seen on Kohl's website... it's current . He's an idiot... don't bother . They don't care about customers , but he's all about flashing his framed podiatry certificate . Well these feet are going to be walking into the same exact shoes you sell at kohls . Had you let me try on two pairs of sandals I'd be in and out and you'd be 70.00 richer. read more

I have never had to make an appointment to see Mario. I've been in there many times. The first time wasn't with an appointment. There were a few times I had to wait because he was with another customer. Roseann helps me when/if she can. I recently found out that companies pay people to write good and bad reviews. Competitors will have bad reviews done to cause stars to drop. Now I feel like I can't trust reviews!!! Best to go into a business and decide for yourself. read more

Mario is the best!!!! Appt only and he will spend as much time as needed with you. The signs on the front door say to call for an appt so please do so-it is not a stop in anytime store. I am an RN and on my feet 14 hrs a day and he has kept me healthy and going strong. My husband and son are also well taken care of. You cannot lose with Mario!! read more

My favorite shoe store ever. I originally went in because I had a toe injury and was going on an active vacation. Mario put me in a pair of hiking sandals, and I've bought all my shoes there ever since. Mario is an expert at knowing exactly what kind of shoe is right for you. And he will tell you if you're picking the wrong shoes, but only because he is so passionate about what he does. The shoes are a little on the expensive side, but they'll last you for years and your feet and your whole body will thank you. read more

I am having trouble with Plantar Fasciitis and couldn't walk on my right heel. Mario spent 1 1/2 hours fitting me with new inserts, sport shoes, and a pair of sandals. I am mobile again!! I will only be purchasing shoes from the Comfort Shoe Loft. I am still recovering from this condition but at least I am mobile and the shooting pain is gone with the new shoes and inserts. Mario is very knowledgeable and friendly. I would recommend his store and his expertise. read more

Too bad zero stars is not an option. Took my mother here today to buy her some nice, comfortable and safe shoes for her birthday. 230pm on Saturday afternoon. One customer was checking out as we browsed, otherwise the store was EMPTY. My mom excitedly told the man I was buying her shoes. He asked if she was a new customer. Well she was going to be until this fool told us that he sees new customers by APPOINTMENT ONLY but would TRY to help us. Again the store was EMPTY. I told him no thank you! We would go elsewhere. We went to Nordstrom and guess what? They rolled out the welcome mat and we left with beautiful shoes! Save your time ladies and shop at stores that welcome your business. read more

Mario will find you shoes that make your feet happy. He spends his time with you, getting to know your personal foot problems and tries to find solutions. His customer service is amazing! read more

Not worth even one star. The owner is rude and is interested in telling you what he thinks, and pushes what he has in stock. He would not give me the names and styles of the Brooks shoes I tried on, and was reluctant to special order me another size to compare the fit, in the style I liked. He said he would rather walk away from the sale. So I walked away and am writing this review. Don't waste your time if you have any kind of foot problem. read more

The owner is RUDE and unaccommodating to customers. Do not spend your money here. The owner is so rude and too busy for walk in customers who are looking for therapeutic shoes. He can only provide service to those that set up an appointment with him for fitting as a new customer. I had no idea when I walked into this store after being referred to this place by Hanger Clinic. I did not see a sign on the door or the cash register that appointments were required. When I walked in, another woman ahead of me had an appointment she was late for, so the owner was not as available to me with questions I had. I asked his helper, an Indian woman who apparently is useless in helping to answer questions, if I could set up an appointment at the owner's convenience, she said I would need to ask him since she had no clue of his Friday 9/27 availability for new client. He said he was busy for the next three weeks. I was confused as to why the orthotist at Hanger Clinic would even recommend this establishment with an owner who could not accommodate new clients. I told him I was going to get back to Hanger Clinic and share my negative experience and perhaps warn them that the owner has poor customer service skills and unwarranted display of unprofessional Behavior. His response to me was 'go ahead then' in a rude tone. I will call Hanger Clinic irvine and Laguna Hills and notify them of the rudeness this business owner, so as to save another one of their patients grief when it comes to finding therapeutic/comfort shoes. I will definitely look elsewhere and I do not recommend this unprofessional establishment to help people who need to wear therapeutic braces or orthotics with special shoes. THIS GUY IS A NASTY RUDE ASSHOLE! read more

I read the reviews and was very reluctant to even stop by. I stopped by yesterday with no appointment and was very pleased with Mario and the service he provided. This is not your typical big box service, he spent time trying on all different sizes and models without trying to influence my choice. It's a cross between a doctors visit and a retail store he did not leave me and gave me his full attention something hard to find with customer coming and going. Bought a pair of sneakers and he told to try them for a week before trying to upsell me inserts. I'm sold!!! read more

The owner, Mario, is a foot doctor and ever since he fitted me with the perfect shoes to hike the Camino de Santiago Compostela in Spain 5 years ago, I've been returning to him for good -fitting shoes. read more

I arrived at 12:15 and found the doors locked with a note that said an appointment was needed so I called. I was asked if I had purchased there previously. I honestly couldn't recall. I've been there before, pre-pandemic. When he determined I was not in their system, he refused let me make a future appointment. He is "booked out several months" and if he did set an appointment for me and a previous customer wanted it he would cancel my appointment! What kind of a BS business model is that?! I was polite and respectful, despite these totally weird rules because I am desperate for help with shoes. He has lost lifetime customers in myself and my husband. How does he stay in business? Is there something else going on here? read more

TIPS: If you're a first-timer, be sure to call them and schedule an appt- 949-454-1532 Bring any shoes that you wear that you're looking to replace- this will better help Mario find shoes for you Wow! Such great customer service. I made an appointment with Mario Monday (26 August) and he was able to fit me in on Friday (30 August) at 3pm. Mario told me over the phone to also bring whatever shoes I would wear to see the pressure points. I showed up for the appointment with my boyfriend and both Mario and Roseanne were very friendly! Mario asked what kind of shoes I was looking for (dressy) and what kind of problems do I have with my feet (arch and soles). Then he asked if I have any dressy shoes I am currently wearing...I don't so I didn't bring any. He was very honest and said that it may be tricky to find the best pair of dress shoes for me since I have never worn any but he'll try his best. I told him that I'd prefer a little heel vs high heels and he went into the back and grabbed a pair. The first pair of shoes he showed me were so comfy and cushiony! He showed me how best to wear the shoes and to be careful of the straps. Then he said he'd show me more pairs but it might not be the best for me and he was right, I tried on 2 other pairs but the 1st was the best! While we were in there, two of his repeating customers came in, Roseanne and Mario greeted both of them by names (a huge plus for great customer service!). Then my boyfriend mentioned that he loves the shoes he's currently wearing but maybe when they wear out, he'll come to Mario. However, Mario and Roseanne both told him that if he loves the shoes and are comfy for him, he should just order them online from the same brand because M&R don't carry them. WOW!!! A shoe store that would rather turn away potential business for your health and comfort? Not many of those around anymore! Before sending us on our way, he trimmed the velcro patches since they were sticking out a bit (what?!). Amazing! I'm not sure why there are these other low starred reviews but for me, 5 stars all the way! Next time I'm in search of daily shoes, sandals...etc, I'm definitely coming back to see them. read more