The Walking Company

This store can get crowded quickly. The wait isn’t long. Dawnya helped me to choose a great pair of Brooks running shoes. She was familiar with the brand and demonstrated why checking out different widths can help with the decision process. She is very sensible and alert. As much as I hate shopping, she could make me a fan quickly. I think she already has.

I came to this store in response to an online ad. I wanted to try a pair of Dansko clogs for the first time. The store reminded me of Foot Solutions, in Bethesda Maryland, selling higher end shoes, known for being more foot friendly. Dawnya, my salesperson, is an invested and compassionate gem. She introduced a gamut of shoe styles from the traditional to the sporty and the relaxed footwear. There was no pressure in trying to sell the shoe. She cared about my posture, and my well-​being. She was knowledgeable and friendly. She made me a fan of the store.

On Memorial Day I was really hoping to buy a pair of Dansko shoes here, as there seem to be fewer and fewer good shoe stores in Manhattan. The sales staff were super friendly and helpful. But frankly, they hardly had any spring/​summer colors, mostly black and the occasional brown. They were sold out of several shoes I wanted to try on. When I asked when they were getting their lighter colors in, they were not sure. I don’t understand why their buyer is not stocking up sooner; now is peak season (if not late) for shopping for warm weather shoes. I suspect they only use this store for street traffic, and then direct the customers to their website. But it seems like a major waste of what must be incredibly high rent. If their site is where they are putting their support, there’s no skin off their nose to stock up on all colors in the brick and mortar store. They will always be able to sell from there too. This is a business model I am seeing more and more. Does this mean that Manhattan’s streets are going to become an endless series of banks, drugstores and restaurants? If so, how very boring the future looks.

I have problem feet, in fact, a condition the podiatrist told me can only really be fixed with surgery. Since I’m probably not going to have that surgery, finding shoes that don’t hurt my feet is tricky. I was looking for just a pair of sneakers, but even that has been difficult to find.
The Walking Company has a smaller overall selection than Paragon, for instance, but there was a lot to choose from and I was able to try on at least 5 or 6 styles that appealed to me. They don’t sell everything on the market, they limit it to shoes that are sturdier and better for walking (obviously), without being nerdy. Since I have «issues,» this is the right kind of store for me. I don’t need high fashion, I need to be able to walk without pain. The right shoe makes that possible.
Even though he was helping several other people besides me at the same time, the salesman was the key to my success. He never abandoned me, he understood my issue, he wasn’t pushy and since I wasn’t having any luck he suggested a shoe that I ended up buying. This guy knows his job.
When I got home I compared the shoe to what it costs on Zappos, and the price was identical. It’s shocking how expensive sneakers are now, but they are no more pricey at The Walking Company than anywhere else. However, I didn’t see too much on sale, which may account for its reputation as an expensive place to buy shoes.
I’m reading reviews here saying that the service is bad at The Walking Company, and that’s unfortunate, but it wasn’t my experience. For me, the service was everything it should be. As a person with problem feet, I will definitely shop here again.

I’d like to rate higher because of the product, but like some other reviewers, the staff bring it down… Last year, I took a chance at their line of sneakers and they actually worked for me. A bit of an investment at about 140.00,but they stopped what was the beginning of chronic knee pain.
I was in the market for a pair of new walking shoes, so I stopped into this location.
There were 2 staffers and 2 customers.
I meandered and found a shoe I wanted to try on. After about 10 minutes, one of the staff went into the back to find the show for me.
One of the customers had left without buying anything, and the salesperson that was with that customer just evaporated.
The woman who brought out the shoes I wanted to try was fawning over the customer she was with. I got the shoes as merely an aside.
I tried them on, they fit, and I went to pay. Now there’s no sales people.
the one with the customer was ringing up their sale. This took about 10 more minutes as the sales person kept going into the back during the process.
Then, the other woman reappeared and asked if I was ready… She rang up the shoes, and gave me some bullshit «free gift» coupon «for being so patient»…When I looked at this coupon, it’s not a discount, it’s for some unknown item «up to $ 15.00 value» with the purchase of a pair of full priced shoes or orthotics!
Really???
Okay, that was just insulting.
I walked out feeling like it cost me 100.00 to be ignored for 40 minutes…
Yep, that’s how long it took me…
A little customer service would have been nice…
The other customers were getting fabulous service…
I dunno. I took a bath that morning before I left the house.
Even brushed my teef…

I received a Walking Company gift card from my husband and was excited that I would be getting a great pair of Fall shoes or boots. As I walked in, there were 4 sales people but no one acknowledged me as I looked around the store. After a some time I picked up a shoe and asked a young lady for help. In total she bought out 3 shoe boxes and then quickly advised me that I was better off ordering the shoes online. I guess the store does not need to meet the daily sales goal. I took her advice and used my $ 300.00 GC online. It will be my first and last time dealing with this shoe company.

The female sales associates have attitude here and they make fun of customers behind their backs. I walked away from one who was helping me and heard her saying something negative about me to her colleague. Maybe because I was trying to be friendly. In any case I walked out and didn’t buy the pair of shoes I was about to.

I used to like the Walking Company more. They sell high quality shoes, in general, but more and more they push their store brand with their custom orthotics. I guess if that’s what you are looking for, then this is the place to go. But, if you want to avoid a hard-​sell on the orthotics, go elsewhere.

Patience is understood and demonstrated here in large quantity. I cant tell you how many times I was told to take my time today. Each time, I have come to this store I have been treated very amicably and they like to go above & beyond with what they can. It’s a delightful surprise. This store is a respite from the lack of service in the other areas of the retail world. Always a pleasureable experience buying here. You get serviced by a welcoming, warm and knowledgeable staff.

Terrific customer service from Lionel today. It was my first visit to the store and he listened to my needs and brought out a nice selection of options. Very pleased with my purchase and plan to return for fall shoes.

The shoes are great! I love this store very much, I shopped there in SF, CA and found it in NY. Half a year ago sales persons girl and boy were so nice, just perfect. Girl always gave an options for colors, sizes and models. I bought several pares of shoes for half a year, even the are pretty pricey. But recently something changed, new sales persons are awful. They not only slow, but can not present anything. I went twice per month and they could not order proper sizes for me.
I love walking company shoes, but not going anymore to store physically, only online and other location rather then Madison Street NY.

The Walking Store has great shoes. They can be pricey, but for a runner or other athlete it’s worth it.
I wanted to give 5 stars because the man who helped me was incredible. He was very courteous and let me take my time figuring out whether the shoes worked, and he got new sizes quickly. He was helpful with information, but never pushy. Basically, everything you would want in a salesperson. I was so happy with my experience.
The only reason I have to give four stars is that I saw another customer receiving poor treatment from another sales rep who was an elderly woman. This sales rep was so grouchy that she mumbled about having to get new sizes and she seemed mad that my husband was (unintentionally) in her way when she had to walk around him.
Judging by the other reviews I see, the Walking Company needs to do better with rewarding employees like the fabulous man who helped me and get rid of rude employees like this old woman.

My wife and I are not «easy» shoppers. We’d prefer to buy things for others, as opposed to stuff for ourselves.
This «attitude» has resulted in our owning and wearing some appallingly worn footwear. That, accompanied by plantar fasciitis, make shoe-​buying in particular a potential ordeal.
The Red Head walked by the Walking Company a while ago, and we decided to return together to try and find her several pairs of shoes, and, secondarily, if I liked something, a pair (or two) for me.
The store is clean, brightly but not obnoxiously lit and well-​organized; the staff, while definitely on the playful and slightly informal side (which to a degree is fine by us) was very helpful, in particular (and this made the difference in our experience) Christopher.
He a) knew his stuff. Brought alternatives to our many choices that were driven by our needs and tastes and not any hint of «up-​selling.» With our orthotics, he utilized insoles to give us alternatives regarding fit and feel, and never suggested that we HAD to get them. He let us lead, but gave us the benefit of his clear knowledge in assisting us, was extremely patient (The Red Head tried, out of necessity, at least 12 pairs of shoes and sneakers; we spent nearly 90 minutes there), and in the end, we bought 2 pairs each, and were very happy with the experience, and the items.
The price was not cheap; but very much in line for good quality footwear. Christopher was genuine, communicated clearly with us, and we would, and will, most definitely return.

I’m surprised at some of the reviews. I had great service and got what I needed. Sandals with metatarsal support– hard to find. At other places I’ve checked they look at me like I’m from another planet. At this place they knew exactly what I was looking for and had several choices. I walked all over NYC and my feet still felt great.

I had great service And personal attention… And left with just what I needed for long walks in the city…

I came here to buy a gift for my wife for her birthday. We recently moved to New York and I was searching Dansko shoes on Unilocal to buy her one.
The first visit was barely ok because the guy who was working here was neither nice nor rude and he shows little interest with what I was looking for.
I bought a proXP Dansko for $ 150 and it turns out the size was little bigger for her feet
We came back to the store and I didn’t find the same guy and we asked the first guy at the front that we would like to exchange this clog with another size he immediately pointed at the back and said «some one will help you there» that’s fine we went to there and there was two customers and 4 people working and no body show any slight interest in helping us after a while someone came and asked us if we need any help we told him about the problem and he was very rude and he start to say that you suppose to know that this design is relatively larger than other brands and if we will try the smaller size its your feet who will be hurt not his and these brands are NOT FOR EVERYONE
What a miserable level of customer service. We were willing to spend $ 300 for a couple of shoes but we asked for a refund
They lost $ 150 and they lost a customer

I had a TERRIBLE customer service experience in the store. 4 sales people completely ignored me even though there was only 1 other customer in the store. They were all talking to each other.
I finally got the attention of one sales person. I explained the issues I had with my feet and what I was looking for. He immediately showed me Abeos — which is the store’s brand. They basically only have flip flops & sport shoes. I’m pretty sure they show everyone Abeos first.
I asked what sandals he could show me that would work for my fit. He really didn’t know. He said things like ‘well you could try this one.’ I asked about a specific brand and once again he said ‘well, you could try it.’ I asked about their foot analysis machine — I told him that’s why I came there. He said it wouldn’t help. He did not offer to do the analysis or fit me.
I walked out of the store.
I was prepared to spend a minimum of $ 500 for shoes — I will spend my money elsewhere.

One-​star bump for a prompt and very courteous phone call from the regional manager after I filed a complaint about the terrible service I encountered at this location. Glad to know that the higher-​ups take customer satisfaction seriously.
Another one-​star bump for the very nice and competent salesperson I encountered when giving this store a second shot. What a different experience from my first visit!

Salespeople generally disinterested in customers — one saleswoman said «do you want me to analyze your feet?» and I stood on the scale thing but all she had to say is «you have flat arches» — and then never took the opportunity to show me shoes that would feel good on my low-​arched feet! So I wandered around, tried on a couple pair. luckily one pair did the trick, and were on sale! So I bought two pair. While being rung up, however, the salesgirl chatted with the other salesman, barely acknowledging me. Verdict — try on the shoes on the wall yourself and don’t rely on their help…

I wouldn’t bother with this store unless you have an enormous blister and the brutal torment is preventing you from taking another step and you just happen to find yourself out front this joint.
The selection of shoes geared to walking in comfort might be awesome if you’re in some mall in Kansas, but in midtown NY, it’s unimpressive.
Either just go to Orva on 86^th Street, or, if you want Clarks, go down to the Clarks flagship store three blocks south. If you want Uggs, go to Union Square. If you want Earth shoes, go to 8^th street between 6^th and 7^th. If you want Keens, go to Paragon Sports or order them on Zappos.
I did learn a new vocab word so my visit had a highlight. I wanted to try on a pair of boots on the back wall and saleswoman informed me that they were «virtual shoes» and then left me standing there. I chased her down and asked what a «virtual shoe» was and she said that these were shoes only available on the internet. Oh. Right. Ok. I still don’t quite get it.