Common Questions About Shopping at Brown's Shoes

Visit any Brown's Shoes location for a complimentary professional fitting using a Brannock device, which measures your foot length, width, and arch length while standing. This measurement should be done with both feet since 60% of people have differently sized feet. Bring the socks you'll typically wear with the shoes, as sock thickness affects fit. Staff will measure both feet and recommend sizing based on the larger foot, then help you try on shoes to confirm comfort. Sizes can vary between brands, so a size 9 in Nike may fit differently than a size 9 in New Balance. Professional fitting takes 5-10 minutes and helps prevent the foot problems that affect millions of Americans who wear incorrectly sized shoes.

Brown's Shoes stocks 50-80 brands per location depending on store size, selected from relationships with over 150 manufacturers worldwide. Core brands available at most locations include Nike, Adidas, New Balance, Brooks, Asics, Skechers, Clarks, Ecco, Birkenstock, Dr. Martens, and Stride Rite for children. Specialty brands like Hoka One One, On Running, Vionic, Munro, and Mephisto are available at larger locations. The athletic category represents about 35% of inventory, dress and casual shoes account for 40%, and children's footwear makes up 25%. Brand availability varies by location based on local customer preferences and demographics. Call your nearest store to confirm if they stock a specific brand before visiting, or check the online store which features the complete inventory from all locations.

Yes, Brown's Shoes maintains extensive inventory in extended widths including narrow (AA, A), standard (B for women, D for men), wide (D for women, 2E for men), extra wide (2E for women, 4E for men), and some styles in 6E for men. Approximately 30% of the population requires wide width shoes, yet many retailers stock only standard widths. Brands particularly strong in width options include New Balance, Brooks, Clarks, Ecco, and Drew. The store also carries specialty sizes for hard-to-fit feet, including very small sizes (women's 4-5) and large sizes (men's 14-18 in select styles). For customers with significant size differences between feet, staff can sometimes special order mismatched pairs. This commitment to comprehensive sizing reflects the company's focus on proper fit over quick sales.

Brown's Shoes accepts returns of unworn merchandise within 30 days of purchase with original receipt for full refund or exchange. Shoes must be in original condition with tags attached and original packaging. For online purchases, customers can return items by mail using a prepaid return label or bring them to any store location. Worn shoes cannot be returned except in cases of manufacturing defects covered under brand warranties, which vary by manufacturer from 60 days to one year. If shoes cause discomfort after brief wear due to fitting issues, store managers have discretion to offer exchanges on a case-by-case basis. Sale items and clearance merchandise follow the same 30-day policy. This policy balances customer satisfaction with the practical realities of footwear retail, where worn shoes cannot be resold.

Brown's Shoes operates select locations in the northeastern United States, primarily in states bordering Canada including New York, Vermont, and Maine, though the majority of the 60+ stores remain in Canadian provinces. The company began U.S. expansion around 2010 after establishing coast-to-coast presence in Canada. U.S. locations follow the same service model as Canadian stores, offering professional fitting services and carrying the same core brands. The retailer tests new U.S. markets carefully rather than pursuing rapid expansion, maintaining the family-business approach that prioritizes service quality over growth speed. Customers can find the nearest location through the store locator on the website, which lists all North American stores with addresses, phone numbers, and hours of operation.

The Brown's Shoes loyalty program allows customers to earn points on every purchase, redeemable for discounts on future transactions. Members typically earn one point per dollar spent, with 100 points equaling a $10 reward certificate. Additional benefits include birthday month discounts (usually 15-20% off), early access to seasonal sales, exclusive notification of new product arrivals, and special member-only promotions throughout the year. Enrollment is free either in-store or online, and points accumulate across all purchase channels. The program also tracks purchase history, making it easier to reorder shoes you've bought previously or find your preferred size in new styles. According to retail industry data, loyalty members spend 12-18% more annually than non-members, but from a customer perspective, the program provides genuine value for frequent shoe buyers and families outfitting multiple people.