The Walking Company

While they didn’t have a specific shoe in the store that I was looking Kevin the sales associate answered all my questions and provides me with a lot of information to help me better understand the specialty shoes.

Small selection and needs improvement in customer service. I received a customer appreciation certificate through email and went to this location to redeem it. I was clearly seen but not greeted when I walked in when there was just one other customer in the store, okay that’s fine. I picked out a few things and when I walked up to the register to check out, the cashier looked at me as if I was bothering him. I told him I was ready to check out and had a certificate to use. He had a problem redeeming the certificate and asked for help from another employee who came out from the back to help.
They were able to redeem the certificate, but after I checked out I noticed one of the items was half off (since the pricing wasn’t clearly labeled). So I had $ 8 left on my one-​time-​use certificate that I didn’t use since I wasn’t aware of it because none of the two employees who helped me check out bothered to tell me about – I would’ve appreciated it if they did.
So I got my items, but the attitude of the employees and the way they interacted with each other in front of customers during this visit was pretty unprofessional for a store selling higher-​than-​average priced shoes. I’ll stick to ordering from the website if I ever need shoes from there.

I was having major feet problems. I went there and was assisted by Nikil. He was super nice and knowledgable, he helped me pick out two pairs of shoes for work.
I also went back and two other gentlemen helped me (didn’t get their names) they quickly ordered me the style and color I wanted that they didn’t have in store! My feet now are pain free and I stand on my feet all day! The Dansko brand they recommended really helps for anyone who stands all day and is suffering any foot pain.

*Excellent customer service (5 stars for customer service).
*Limited shoe selection due to store being small.
I had a problem with some shoes that I ordered on the Walking Company website, and I brought them into this store to show that the soles have a defect. I have an unusual shoe size, so buying comfortable sandals is a nightmare for me. The manager and sales associate were both extremely helpful. They helped me find a pair of shoes that were like heaven for my feet, as a replacement for the defective shoes.
The store is small, so the selection is really limited. I wish they had a larger stock. Otherwise, I’d still recommend stopping into this store, especially if you’re looking for some shoes that are comfortable and practical.

Horrible staff and even worse customer service! Had a pair of shoes to exchange with receipt (two different size shoes in box) Employee first told me I was unable to exchange the shoes because they were not available in my size either in the store or online. So I then asked for a refund and was told they did not have enough cash in the register to give me that I could get a check mailed to me in 6 – 8 weeks or come back when manager is there. So when I returned later (as I walked in the manager left the floor and went to back and never return out) to get cash, I was told there still was no cash. Then I asked if that was the manager hiding in the back I was told no. Then I asked what was the store managers name and I was given their district managers card. That’s a sure way to loose your customers!

Just started a new exercise régime. I wanted to get good orthotics and good exercise shoes. I went to a store on 4^th avenue. They did not know how to help me. The Walking Company has the machine that analyzes your foot. The employees were helpful and explained the analysis and why they were recommending the particular orthotics and shoes. Then they showed me the a machine analysis with the orthotics and explained the differences. I mentioned the bad reviews on Unilocal.They said there are new management and employees now. I am grateful for their assistance.

The store’s staff in San Mateo is EXCELLENT. Yet the online site is worse then badly organized. A receipt for the sale was received. Then notice of shipment yet only one of the two pairs arrived. When phoned they confirmed the second pair would be sent from a different warehouse. After 6 – 8 calls and more emails the sandals are out of stock. Then a month later the desired shoes appeared on their website — I bought them. Alas, the website and stock are so badly linked that there is constant misinformation. The co. should redesign their website after what I’ve experienced or send people to their stores!

The products are worth the price. However the customer service and integrity of (some of) the employees at the hillsdale location is conniving and lacking. I bought a pair of danskos for my aunt as a gift. We had to return so she could change her size and it turned out later that day with a closer look at the shoes they traded a pair of shoes that were mismatched. the color was barely noticeable, but for the price you pay, they shouldn’t even be noticeable. So with our 3^rd trip back they didn’t apologize or act surprised at the mistake. Instead made us drive 40 minutes to the closest mall to get the right pair.
In retrospect, I know they gave them on purpose b/​c while I was waiting for her as she tried on different shoes I witnessed something peculiar that didn’t mean anything at the time. The manager and sales person were whispering something to each other, then fist bumped, right before revealing they had found the right size and perfect pair for her (after about 45 minutes of finding nothing before). It wasn’t until we got home and she noticed the difference that I realized we were duped.
If you want honest customer service, then definitely is worth the trip to the Walking Company at Valley fair shopping mall in Santa Clara.

I was REALLY disappointed when I went to the Walking Company for MBT’s. I went in to try them on and they were really excited to get a pair on my feet, despite that they apparently don’t stock «mens colors» in women’s shoe sizes. They insisted that they would order me a pair of black MBT’s in my size, but that they wont stock them.
I called ALL of the Walking Company stores in the area, NONE of them will cary what they consider «mens colors» in women’s sizes. So if you have a small foot, don’t bank on getting anything but white shoes from them. VERY disappointing.
I’m assuming that they work for commission, because the guy was super anxious to get a set of shoes on my feet. The guy who got me the shoes didn’t come back because he was anxious to put shoes on someone else’s feet, so I left the MBT’s with another guy who seemed extremely put out that I said I «would think about it». If I’m paying 250 $ for a pair of shoes then in my opinion I should be able to wear them out of the store and not have to come back at the stores convenience. It also really bothers me that they are so sexist about the shoe colors.
I ended up going to Footwear Etc. who stocks all of the shoes and all of the sizes no matter what color and were really nice about making sure I was happy with the shoes instead of being pushy for commission.

I purchased inserts from this store — they were recommended to me because according to their machine I have medium arch. I told the guy I needed something that doesn’t hurt my heels and ball of my foot b/​c I was going on a trip in May and needed something comfortable. He recommended the 80 dollar inserts — which I purchased back in February 2010. I have probably worn them to the gym 20 times and have been walking around in them this past week. I noticed that my arch was hurting after 30 minutes of walking. I contacted the store to see if I can do a return of the inserts because they were causing pain — they said NO. I will admit I don’t have the receipt and I don’t have the box, but they can look me up and their system will show that I purchased them in February 2010 — well within the 6 month return policy. The inserts have «THE WALKING COMPANY» written on them — so I am not trying to scam them by returning inserts from somewhere else.
They have great customer service there, but I don’t think I will be purchasing anything from The Walking Company anymore.

The Walking Co. has wonderfully soft and comfy socks, cotton, wool and even bamboo. I tend to stock up when I go, especially if they’re on sale, because this is the only place I can find ones that I love, the Umberto Raffini Bamboo socks, which retail at $ 14.95 per pair. Some cute shoes that look comfy, but pretty expensive.

The staff here is really helpful. I came in looking for orthopedic shoes because I somehow always end up in a job that requires I do a LOT of walking. I thought about getting danskos and came here to check them out. The nice employee took me over to their measuring machine and told me I put more pressure on my left foot than I do on my right. Which is REALLY bad since I had a childhood knee injury.
I bought my danskos from here with their great help. But I’ll also be getting my MBT’s from here. They’re expensive as well but I’ve heard from everyone that has them that they’re completely worth the expense.

After the first few weeks of my glorious community college life, I came to the realization that I needed something for my poor feet. Taking badminton, walking up hills, waiting at bus stops and standing in the bus really suck when you have flat feet.
Since I wasn’t going to go to a doctor to get orthotics (like I should, but they’re very expensive), I decided I’d get insoles. I had been in this store before with my sister (The Great Audrey), so I figured why not try this place for myself.
The Walking Company not only has insoles, they have shoes, socks and photos of happy people wearing their products on the walls. Must be a good sign!
I walked in and was greeted by one of the staff, I explained what I came in for and they immediately brought me over to the machine to see how fucked up my feet were. Always good to have someone who knows what they’re doing! He offered me two different insoles, suggested I try both on to see which I preferred. I ended up getting the softer yet $ 10 more insoles.
So now that a few months have passed since my purchase, I have much more comfort in walking around now. Obviously they can’t replace what I should be getting, but they’re a cheaper alternative for now!