I am compelled to write this review in response to Jeff's review as i was in the store and saw his complaint. This guy was clearly trying to pull a fast one by returning worn shoes. His shoe was on the clearance rack ans not tagged "waterproof". I have been coming to David's for 20 years. These guys are honest and great. Can't stay in business for over 50 years if your not! read more

HOW DID I MISS THIS PLACE FOR SO LONG?! This is a hidden gem. The sales people are friendly, knowledgeable and helpful. They will say, "This might work for you. " and equally importantly, "That probably won't work for you." They specialize in comfortable, quality shoes, for men and women. I went with a friend who hates shopping and is hard to fit. He walked out with 3 pair. And they are not fugly grandpa shoes, as some comfortable shoes can be. When I want good shoes to walk around the city all day, or go hiking this will be my first stop, for sure. (They are LIGHT YEARS ahead of "The Walking Company", in selection, knowledge of products and service.) When you want shoes or boots that you can walk or hike all day in, forget the Galleria: cross the street and come here. They will treat you like a real human and will get you some great shoes. (and if you want a different color...omg, no attitude or excuses...they do special orders! Wow!) read more

I used to like this store and the quality shoes they sell until today. Today I brought the shoes back that I bought a few days ago and wore once for my shift at the restaurant, where I discovered how slippery these non slip shoes are. The whole point of me buying such expensive shoes is that I can use them for work and not kill myself walking on the slippery wet tile floor in the kitchen every time single time. So when I brought them back and explained the situation to the man at the counter he offered me the following: to go and clean them up a bit, because he wouldn't take them back otherwise. Although when I mentioned that they should send it back to the manufacturer, he told me that these shoes are non slip and that the manufacturer pays a lot of money to be "approved" as non slip. And yet, I couldn't walk in them on the plain wet kitchen floor. After bringing the cleaned up shoes back i was pointed out that no refunds get issued there. It's their policy (very convenient for them, not for the customer that pays so much money for the shoes though). I was offered a store credit or to keep the shoes. So tell me please, would you want to buy another pair of shoes in the store that resells a defective shoe?? I am very disappointed with the way it was handled. He was clearly not invested or interested in helping me. Also I am sad that for once I found the shoe that I like and is very comfortable, but doesn't do what it's supposed to. I hope it's just one defective pair and not the whole brand, because whoever approves them have clearly never walked on a real slippery kitchen floor. I rarely spare time to complain, but people should be aware of this one. read more

I went to David's Shoes on First yesterday after looking at a number of shoe stores near my home on the north shore. Googled David's, saw lots of styles and good reviews on YELP. I have a corporate office close by in Somerville (45 miles from my house) so I thought I'd check it out. I am a 63 yr. old professional business man so I know good quality and service when I experience/see it. This place is great! Bobby the manager was professional and patient as I have a wide foot and was not sure exactly what I was looking for. He offered me options, no pressure and in the end I made a purchase. If you're wanting a large selection of men's/women's shoes, many manufactures to choose from and a variety of standard and modern styles. This is the shoe store to find what you're looking for, at good prices, high quality and non-pressured expertise. I will surely return. read more

Bobby was very knowledgeable and helpful without being pushy. Great variety of comfy yet stylish shoes. Lots of men's shoes too. I've lived in the area for a couple of decades and this shoe store is the best value by far. read more

I have purchased lots of great boots and shoes here over the years. David provides high-quality assistance and is very personable. Lately, I have become aware that shoes and boots can be bought online. I tried this and found they were usually sized wrong and had to be sent back. Not worth the savings. Then I did more research, and discovered that there is a two-tiered market on the big online retail site. There is a grade of shoes (offered by several name manufacturers) that costs less than retail, but tend to be "seconds", with sizing and other inconsistencies. Then there is a first-quality grade of shoes, the same as what David sells, at the same or often a higher price than what David charges. It is a lot simpler to go to David's store and get it right the first time, than to keep getting shoes shipped to you, finding they don't fit, and having to send them back (even if shipping is free), or discover that you paid more for the quality shoes shipped to you. THERE ARE SOME THINGS THAT ARE BETTER TO BUY IN A GOOD STORE THAN ONLINE- INCLUDING BOOTS AND SHOES!!! SUPPORT DAVID'S SHOES ON FIRST- WE NEED THIS QUALITY AT A COMPETITIVE PRICE, WITH GOOD SERVICE. read more

Finding shoes is a project that I loathe. I fell in love with a pair of boots that had been discontinued and my heart was set on having them. Internet wouldn't let me have them, calling around was annoying. When I called this store, they immediately called inventory, knew the products, made recommendations, and got me a discounted price. I will forever be a loyal fan for easy shoe shopping at David's Famous Name Shoes read more

We've been coming to this store for years and I'm glad to give my business to a local small business- but in turn, you get great deals on really nice shoes. They have a really large selection and a great sale rack. Will always be a customer- One thing to note, is that they do not accept Amex (I forget every time) but for a $20 deposit- you can hold the shoes for 30 days. Pretty good deal, if you bring the wrong card. read more

I have been shopping at this store for a decade and it is only place I will go for shoes. They have great selection and the guy who works there is VERY knowledgeable and friendly. read more

Hmm. I don't know - didn't like the guy's vibe. Not very welcoming. It was as if he was like, hey, you're not supposed to browse a shoe store, you're a guy, your dick might fall off. And if you are going to have the audacity to come in here, you should somehow already know which side of the store has the mens shoes, and what aisles aren't actually aisles but stock areas. Normally I use zappos for all my footwear needs, but I was at the mall and figured I'd see if they had those super breathable merrel portage shoes in the cool black color and get a feel for them and see if they fit my narrow feet. And the same with those born lagos fisherman sandals. Never again. They didn't have either shoe anyway. read more

I have been a customer of David's Shoe Store in Cambridge for over 30 years and will buy shoes there till the end. They are very friendly, knowledgeable, and helpful. They have a great selection of the top brands and the best sellers. They also discount the shoes which is a plus. A lot of times I find shoes somewhere else and then order them from David's. read more

The shoes aren't cheap ones, but for the brands they have, I haven't even found them for less online. Hence $$ instead of $$$. The guy working there is knowledgeable about the shoes and has good ideas for what will work for different kinds of feet. I've been happier with what he suggested than with any other shoes I've found in six years (since I got a foot injury). Will definitely make this my primary shoe store. I'm sorry it took so long to find it -- they need to advertise better. read more

Good prices, good service, good quality. They had a variety of comfortable but fashionable shoes. I got some leather boots that were super comfy for a good price here. The staff was very helpful. read more

This is a great shoe store, especially if you're into high quality shoes that are stylish but really good for your feet. I live in Dansko shoes and they had a decent selection at great prices. I even found a dressier pair of Danskos on the sale rack. The guy helping me was knowledgeable, helpful, and had a great personality. I'm definitely going back and I highly recommend. read more

Seems like a top spot for getting shoes, they helped me out by being straight forward and knowledgeable. When I asked him certain shoe would look as it aged, he told me I should go with a different type of leather. Thats the kind of salesmanship I need when buying things. They have all good brands too so I'll end up paying less in the long run because my shoes will last me 2-3 times longer than a sub $50 shoe. I ended up buying a pair of clarks with a clean look. read more

This store has spoiled me. They have the beautiful latest releases from a wide variety of brands. Or can special order and have them in a couple days, not weeks. The staff is helpful, not pushy, and the guys really know shoes. The prices are comparable or often better than online, and you get to try everything on right there. read more

Driving through the area from Virginia, had my Denali shoes from Naot finally give up after 14 years and thousands of miles of walking. (The best shoes on the planet.) I told my wife that I wasn't going to leave the area without finding replacements. We called so many Naot dealers and found that most of them carried only women's shoes. Two stores in the Boston area did carry men's Naot, but David's Famous on First Street not only had my Denali, but in my color and size as well. Here's the kicker: the price was the best I could find, even when comparing online stores who shipped free. I literally ran inside while my wife circled the block - we later found out that they had parking in the back... and I had tried on a pair, made my purchase and was on my way out of the door by the time she had gone around the block one time. The best experience, the best price. When it comes to guy's shopping for shoes, this place deserves more stars than they let us have. Thanks, David's. read more

I'm a nurse, so when it comes to buying shoes for work, I'm looking for solid, comfortable shoes that will last for a while and make my feet survive the 12 hour shifts. This store had exactly the brands I was looking for, and even some new ones I didn't know about. The sales staff was very helpful. When he found out what I was looking for, he mentioned several other possibilities. Not only did he let me, but he encouraged me to take my time trying them on, and re-trying them on (I'm willing to pay for good shoes, but don't want to waste money if they're not the right shoes). The prices for these brands are cheaper than I've seen elsewhere. And while I was specifically looking for work shoes, I did notice some cute ankle boots that I may go back and buy too. This isn't a store for strappy, cute, dress shoes. But it is a store for quality, solid every day shoes/boots. While I stopped to look at these boots, the sales guy told me to go home and try the shoes I purchased, make sure I like them before I buy the boots. (Since they boots were made on the same foot bed as the shoes I did buy.) So no sales pressure at all. Will for sure go back. read more

This store came highly recommended to me by both my parents and grandmother. I've been in this store twice now, both times walking away with amazing high quality shoes which I was able to get a discounted rate. When you choose to shop at a "mom and pop" type place you definitely take some chances on a few things, one being price. That is not an issue shopping at Dave's. They offer true discounts on many brands including Merrell, Dansko, Bogs and many more. They are a small well established business that welcomes their customers with a true sense of appreciation and respect. It is a personal experience to shop there. They take a true interest in your needs and help you accordingly; which I find is very different when shopping at large corporations. If they carry a brand but not a style you are looking for, they will order it for you. They provide catalogs so you can see all the options as if you were shopping online. This is where I choose to buy my footwear and I highly recommend you do the same! read more

After searching for a year (DSW, Zappos, The Tannery, REI, etc.) for some comfortable walking shoes that didn't have to be broken in but would still look good enough for casual business wear, and after failing to find good customer service from someone who knows about shoes, I finally stumbled on David's Famous Name Shoes (across from the Cambridgeside Galleria). This has been a family-run business for over 50 years. They carry Josef Seibel, Doc Martins, Dansko, Clarks, Rockport, Merrill, and similar brands in a variety of styles, and-- this is key -- in a variety of sizes. More important, the gentleman who greeted me (Tommy) was a pleasure to work with. He had suggestions for similar styles & fits; talked me out of buying a pair of the socks they sell; and pointed out that they discount any shoe over 100 dollars by 20 percent, and any shoe over 50 dollars (I think; might have been 75 dollars) by 15 percent. Not only that, as someone in a same-sex relationship, I was treated with friendliness, not simply respect. I will be going back, and I highly recommend them. They don't advertise but rely on word of mouth. Their customer service is outstanding, and I can't say enough about Tommy or the gentleman who rang up my purchase. Be sure to ask about the secret door in the wall! read more