Shoe Zone

Shoe zone is to expensive shoes what Primark is to designer shops. Though not necessarily the most «high quality» shoes, nor is it the most diverse collection you are likely to stumble across, it is however when you get some «solid» shoes. The shoes may not last for years, but chances are if you can only afford one pair of shoes a year then you should probably buy more.
Shoe zone is located in a bunch of different places in Belfast, and I think I’ve probably been in them all. It is one of those shops that may not re-​align your entire beliefs in shoes, but it will give you a decent pair of shoes to go out in before they get thrown in the back of the cupboard to come across one day when you are cleaning up and always be greeted with an «oh I forgot I had those».
I hate shoe shopping. I really do. There is always a moment where you get asked «would you like any help» and then it dawns on me that I need someone to help me with my shoes… I hate shoe shops. I hate shoe shop assistants. And I hate most shoes. I like slippers and the shoes that I own. Nothing else.
But this shop, as far as shoe shopping goes, it is fine. But I do hate shoe shopping.

This isn’t an expensive, out of the price range shoe shop selling big name designer shoes, but it is a fantastic bargain buy shop for back to school shoe wear or shoes that won’t cost you an arm and a leg. Admittedly it is the same old stuff year in year out but you can’t beat the value for money you find here. Cheap shoes in both their price and sometimes their quality. Saying that though, if you need those school gutties /​plimsoles for P.E. then you can get them here for a total steal of £1.99. Now you can’t beat that! The shop has been keeping feet happy for nearly one hundred years. It was founded originally founded in 1917 as «Bensonshoe» and since has been providing bargain foot wear at discount price. If you’re not fussy and are after a good value buy then head to Shoe Zone and pick up a bargain.

I’m not a brand snob, we’ll get that taken care of straight off the bat… that being said there is something wholly depressing and energy sapping about shops like this, and I’ll explain why.
Walking into Shoe Zone (I’m not sure if the idea was to create a black hole in space where only the naff, tacky, cheap and poorly made gems of the footwear world go to die) you’re greeted by reams of non-​branded, slightly out of date trainers, overly shiny and plastic coated ‘pleather’ formal shoes and selection of ladies footwear also.
I remember buying a pair of plain black shoes back when I first got a part time job in the city and when I put them on the shape, cut, feel of the monstrosities were absurd. Of course, as a man (or young adult at the time) I hadn’t tried them on, which is my fault when it all boils down.
If you’re looking for very very cheap footwear try somewhere like Primark. This place is actually more expensive but the quality is about on par.