Buying Shoes Online? Get the Expert Shopping Guide

Online shopping has been around for over two decades now, but there are still a few things that people are reluctant to take the plunge when it comes to online shopping. Batteries or everyday items are a no-brainer. But things like shoes and apparel, can be a bit more challenging.

Not to worry. This guide will give you all the information and confidence you’ll need to fill your closet with shoes without having to leave the comfort of your home.

1) Make sure the website you’re shopping on is legitimate.

If it looks like the website hasn’t been updated in the last decade, there’s a chance the company may no longer be in business or have little to no customer service should anything go wrong with your order.

Make sure you’re shopping on a trusted site that offers protection against identity and credit card theft. Typically, there is an icon or verbiage on the website that will say “secure” or “encrypted” checkout.

Whenever possible, buy directly from the manufacturer. You’ll typically find a better selection of inventory, and a more focused buying experience backed by better customer support should you need it.

2) Review the site’s exchange and returns policy.

If the company only offers store credit versus a full refund, this is something to consider when making your purchase. Do you really want to be stuck with $100 in credit to a store you may never buy from again?

Here at Samuel Hubbard, we offer free returns and exchanges, so there is no need to worry about ordering the wrong size, color, or if you happen to change your mind. Hey, it happens!

3) Know the shipping policy.

Does the retailer charge for shipping? For returns? Shipping charges can really add up, and are especially disheartening if you don’t find the shoes to be a fit for whatever reason, so it’s important to know what you’re getting into ahead of time.

At Samuel Hubbard, we want you to be able to try our shoes at no risk, so we don’t charge for shipping or returns.

4) Find your true size.

Although shoe brands can vary greatly in sizing, we aim to make all of our shoes true to size according to the Brannock device -- you know, one of those old-school measuring devices you’d see in a traditional shoe store!

If you don’t have access to one of these, Samuel Hubbard offers an at-home printable version that you can download here - Men | Women.

Still not sure what size to order? Read our other blog post on “Determining Your Shoe Size” here.

You can also chat with one of our customer service team members on our newly added chat feature on our website, email us at support@samuelhubbard.com or call 844-482-4800.

5) Look at the pictures closely.

Hubbard Free

Inspect the colors, materials and craftsmanship by zooming in and out. Trust your gut. If something looks off or feels cheap, the delivered item will likely reflect that. If the brand fails to describe the materials used or the product is priced “too good to be true” for the features it claims to have, move on.

6) Read the reviews.

Just like trying out that new gastropub your friend raved about, reading product reviews can help you make decisions about what style, color and size are right for you. Whether positive or negative, it’s important to know what people are saying about the shoes that may soon be on your precious feet!

Did you know we have over 8,000 reviews with most of them being 5-star? It’s a big part of our success and we appreciate all reviews, whether good or bad, as it helps us deliver the best possible customer experience and products. We read each individual review and never hide any negative reviews from our website. And when there are negative reviews, we always follow up with that customer to see if we can help make it right.

7) Be aware of any promotions or gift with purchases.

Some online retailers are notorious for their sales. To avoid FOMO (fear of missing out) on the latest and greatest sale, be sure to check websites like RetailMeNot.com, Coupons.com or Ebates.com for promotional codes and discounts.

We often get asked why we don’t offer promotions on our website. This is because we believe we offer the best value and price to our customers and we want you to feel confident that you’re always getting the best price possible. Each of our shoes are individually handcrafted in Portugal using only the finest leathers and materials. The process takes nearly a month and over 11 hands touch each pair of shoes! Shoe manufacturers that make comparable product to ours often charge double or triple the price! To learn more about our process, click here.

8) Stay in touch.

Be sure to give your correct email address and phone number so that the retailer can send you updates on your order. While some people fear that giving this information will only cause unwanted “junk” email, it’s important to know the status of your order should the retailer need to contact you about a possible disruption to your order. If you dislike receiving promotional emails from companies, be sure to uncheck the opt-in to their emails button.

Here at Samuel Hubbard we promise never to spam your email. We don’t believe in sending unnecessary email to our customers, and so the occasional email we send is always with the intention of adding some sort of value (like this article!).

9) Try them on!

Men's 24 Seven Boots, Black Leather

Again, see #2 about the retailer’s policy to be sure you stay within their return/exchange parameters when trying on your shoes at home, but put them on at the end of the day when your feet are the most tired and possibly swollen. Walk around as you would in a retail store.

While most retailers won’t accept shoes that have been worn outside, we encourage our buyers to test out our shoes until they are completely satisfied. Even if that means wearing them outside and then later deciding they’re not the right fit or style. We will happily take back your shoes and send you an alternate pair or refund.

10) Pass it on!

Share your thoughts on your new shoes. Just like how reading the reviews helped you make your purchase, contribute by writing a review on your shoes, whether it be a positive or negative experience. You may help someone make one of the best purchases of their life!

Have any other questions on how to buy shoes online? Email us at support@samuelhubbard.com. We’d be happy to assist you!