Shoe Mania VII

Alaina W hit the nail on the head — where are the salespeople when you need them? It’s like you have to go on a quest and then beg in order to try anything on.
That said, anything you could possibly be looking for, they probably have at Shoe Mania. A true shoe mania it is. There’s everything from Frye and Matt Bernson to Birkenstock and Keen to Puma, Adidas and any other athletic shoe you could want.
I’ll also say this: while this place may look like some sort of discount shopping experience, I assure you –it is most definitely not. Prices are comparable to, higher-​end looking shops and in some cases, a little higher. For the lack of service, the constant crowds (this IS Union Square), and the prices I can certainly say, ‘Meh. I’ve experienced better.’

Bought a pair of boots here. Wore it once and discovered a tear in them. Took them back 3 days after purchase, but manager was rude, combative and refused to give a refund even though the boots were clearly defective. Crap merchandise, crap service, crap prices, as well. Stay away!

service? I’m fine. no, I’m fine. please, I’m doing okay.
wait.
ummm… excuse me? can I try these on? anyone?
so, the service was here and there. but i didn’t come here for that. I actually didn’t even come here for ME. but lo and behold… I. found. them. my favorite shoes ever in my adult life. super cute slouch/​foldover brown flat boots for under $ 100! best souvenir from NYC (or anywhere!) EVER.
come for the selection and price, without any service expectations, and you’ll be as pleased as I was.

Great selection, I just wouldn’t shop here unless I had money to burn, or unless I just happened to find shoes I liked in my size on sale (which is about as common as a lunar eclipse).

On a usual day at Shoe Mania, you’ll never get assistance because there are so many people who want so many shoes and so little employees.
However, on an unusual day at Shoe Mania, when you’re wearing tight hot pink yoga pants, all the other customers seem to disappear while all the employees are fighting each other to assist you.
They definitely have a big selection of nice shoes — except not every one of them has a price tag on them. =/

Don’t expect to get any assistance in here unless you’re on fire…
even then, I wouldn’t bet money on it…

I have no idea how to save money. I thought I was saving money by shopping at Shoe Mania but I was actually just spending it. Shoe Mania usually has a Buy One Get One Half Off Sale but that sale has been replaced with a 50% Off Every Shoe in the store sale, with restrictions of course.
I walked away with two pairs of Reefs for $ 20. That’s a steal considering one pair sells for that much on any other given day. It’s rare that Reefs are ever sold on sale. And if you’re ever wondering if you should get Havaianas or Reefs, please just pick the Reefs. As an owner of both, I think Reefs are much better in comfort and style. Simple and adaptability are best. The foam on the Reefs mold to your feet while Havaianas feel like you are walking on cardboard.
The restrictions on the sale are for certain brands like Merrill and Dansko. But who are we kidding? Who goes to Shoe Mania to buy the orthopedic function shoes? The Converse, Ed Hardy and other cool kicks are where its at. Shoe Mania also sells sexy heels so go pamper yourself and add to the shoe closet. You can now get twice as more for half the price.

I had one of the most bewildering shopping experiences of my life here– I was standing next to my boyfriend, waiting for someone to bring out a pair of shoes for him to try on, when one of the workers reached between us and smacked him on the stomach with a sneaker. He didn’t hit him hard enough to really hurt, but it was deliberate enough to creep us out. The guy wound up doing us a favor by weirding us out, though– we went down the street to DSW and got the same shoes we were waiting for $ 30 cheaper.

You have to dig around a bit but I found 2 pair of Puma Sneakers I had tried in another National Branded store.
Saved 20% on the first pair and 50% on the second.
Kinda Fun looking around and the staff was very attentive. I liked it.
It was the one on 14^th Street