In an era where retail often feels like a race to the bottom, Alamo Shoes remains a masterclass in why local, family-owned businesses are indispensable. I stopped in with my wife on a Sunday, and despite the store being absolutely packed, the level of service was nothing short of exceptional. Her salesperson was the definition of a professional: knowledgeable, attentive, and genuinely engaging without ever feeling rushed. What really set the experience apart was the attention to detail; he actually recognized the specific pair of shoes I was wearing and lamented that the particular color had been discontinued by the brand. That kind of deep product knowledge is something you simply won't find at a big-box chain or an online warehouse. Beyond the expertise, their in-stock selection is impressive. Being able to walk in, get expert advice, and walk out with exactly what you need is a reminder of how retail should work. If you value a staff that actually knows their inventory and treats customers like human beings, this is the place to go. read more

I found my new favorite shoe store! Alamo Shoes at 5321 N. Clark Street in Chicago. The ultimate shoe store, It's a full-service shoe store where the salesperson finds your size, makes suggestions, and helps you navigate their huge variety of styles. Customer service at it's best! Whether you're looking for sandals or walking shoes, that pair of running shoes that will help you run that extra mile, or want the perfect pair of dress shoes for that special date, this store has them all. With fast and easy check out, and OMG, a free parking lot across the street, you have no excuses not to stop in. Give them a visit, I'm sure they will become your favorite shoe store, as well as mine. read more

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I love this place so much! a win each and every time! they're so patient, they have a huge selection, and are experts on each of the shows they have. I cannot recommend Alamo Shoe's enough! read more

I needed new walking and hiking shoes, so I decided to shop locally instead of online. Mark did an outstanding job helping me and explaining the features of Hoka walking shoes and Keen hiking shoes. I bought the Hoka shoes and love them. Last week, I came in to order the Keen shoes, but while putting down a deposit, the owner behind the counter was rude, abrupt, and unwelcoming as we finalized the order for a wide hiking shoe. I left not wanting to complete the purchase or do business there again. Today, when the shoes arrived, I tried them on along with another pair, but I couldn't in good conscience spend my money there after my experience with the owner. I cancelled the order. It's unfortunate that the wonderful employees are overshadowed by such a negative work environment. I won't be shopping there again. Treat your customers with kindness, warmth, and respect. Be a good human, the world needs it! read more

I needed a waterproof shoe boot for the snow. I was greeted and immediately helped. It's still chaotic but I had someone assist me the entire time. Walked out satisfied with my boots and a pair of merino wool gloves. read more

Get a different owner or teach this one some manners I ordered an ameribag purse on June 6 and it was not even sent out till June 19 with no notice of a delay When I called to complain or find out where the order was, I unfortunately got the owner on the line and he was extremely nasty. All he could tell me about was his wonderful service and it wasn't so wonderful. Then he yelled at me for complaining about the delay they have good products just That' the owner does not know how to behave. It's a shame. read more

Thank you, Mark! Appreciate your expertise, vibe and amazing service! Nice to support a locally owned business too :)

What a find while visiting my son. It is rare to find an old-fashioned shoe store with staff that know what they're doing. My husband and I ended up buying 5 pairs of shoes because of the great selection and assistance in getting the right fit. The prices are good, too. We're planning to buy all our shoes there when needed. It gives us a good excuse to go to Chicago! read more

I found the shoes I wanted on their website. I called ahead to make sure they were actually in stock before I placed my order and the person who helped me on the phone was friendly, helpful, and efficient, my favorite qualities in customer service. I placed the order over the phone and they asked if I wanted them shipped but I decided to pick them up instead. By the way, they have a parking lot across the street which is a nice perk for drivers. I went in today to pick them up and they were ready to go! I tried them on to double check the size and I was on my way. Such an easy and helpful transaction! Oh! And they gave me $8 off of my next purchase too! This store is a real gem. Check them out the next time you are looking for quality shoes! read more

Independent full service shoe store. It's worth the price. They know their products and stand behind them. I bought a pair of boots there and within a week one of the stitches popped. They were good quality boot; just a coincidence. Alamo repaired it for free. read more

Found my favorite discontinued shoes here. They shipped promptly and kept me informed about the delivery. The shoes are perfect!

Rudest saleswoman I've ever experienced. Also, outdated. Also, weird. Also, this place is so ridiculous about their ENORMOUS eyesore parking lot - as much as I love a community small business store, their vibe is so often unfriendly and not community based and I hope the lot becomes green space and the store gets bought by pretty much any place. read more

Great service. Charlie spent close to half an hour with me trying out flats, saw what worked and didn't, made half a dozen trips to the back, found the right one! read more

I stopped in Alamo today to look for sandals. Not finding any of interest, I asked for a token for the parking lot. The owner asked what I was looking for and was extremely rude when I said I hadn't seen anything of interest. Over the past 40 years I've purchased many shoes, socks, and bags from Alamo. The owner's behavior was new to me and completely unacceptable. read more

I found a great pair of (work) Skechers at Alamo three years ago, and I stopped in today to shop for a replacement. While there, an older male employee (the owner?) flipped out at something shared by another employee. He stormed into the back room, came back, cursed loud enough for customers to hear, then moments later the sound of something breaking came from behind the counter. I've shopped here for years and have never encountered anything like this. It was completely awkward to stay there as a customer and watch the other employees manage around him. And it was completely unprofessional on his part. I don't want to give one star for this review because the woman who worked with me was so helpful. But after this experience there is little reason to shop here first, again. read more

I am an online shopper, hate real stores and real shopping. I haven't been in a shoe store since Payless closed. That was one of the few stores I did go into because I loved shopping there for everyday shoes. Wear them and throw the away. But The Doctor needed some new shoes for cardio rehab and we decided to stop in here as we are a big supporter of small businesses. Alamo definitely is a shoe store, with lots of shoes for men, women and kids. A little on the pricey side, but they also had some great sales going on as well. I got a pair of Pumas for $44, The Doctor got a pair of Brooks (never heard of them) for $109 and another pair of New Balance for $74. The gentleman helping us was nice, but disappeared for a bit to help someone in the women's section. He eventually came back to check us out at the register. But in the time in between, I got the feeling I was being watched. Two gentlemen walked over to where we were sitting, but didn't ask if we needed help. I noticed that each of them walked in our general direction without saying anything and then moved on...weird. We got a great deal on shoes and that is something as The Doctor was happy. Parking is free in a lot across from the store, but remember to get a token so you can get out. read more

Alamo Shoes - Shoe Stores Near Me - Chicago, Illinois

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They have a great selection of practical shoes. Best place to find Birkenstocks on sale. They do have the best selection of Birks on Chicago proper. Salespeople always helpful and they have a big parking lot across the street. read more

Racial Profiling / I have lived and worked in Andersonville for a few years and had walked by this establishment almost daily. From the outside... it looks outdated. And stuck in the past. Today, I took a stroll on Clark with my Black dollar and a dream. Hoping I'd find a pair of shoes and a purse. To my surprise, I saw a sign outside Alamo that read Sale on Uggs... how'd they know I've been wanting a new pair? I've also wanted to focus on supporting more small businesses. Was this fate? . Oh how delusional I was. I looked at the uggs and strolled around the busy store. A man, who I presumed was the owner, following my every move. I made my way back to the uggs when the same man followed me and told me "we have the lowest prices" I looked and I could've sworn I've seen the prices lower on the companies website... but what do I know? I'm not in the shoe business. He brings back one pair of shoes and sits down in front of me with the box and hands me a singular shoe. So odd, but okay... the shoe didn't fit and he goes back to get a different size. And again, babysits me as I try on a Ugg. Mind you... more customers and flowing into the store. And I pivoted my head to see the treatment of others, I knew what was happening. Because I don't spend money at places that see me as a threat, I left. Frustrated. Disheartened. And without SHOES. read more

I bought a pair of Merril (sp?) shoes and wore them in my apartment for a couple of days to test their comfort level (because I had foot surgery the year before). I wanted to return/exchange them, but the male worker refused and was very rude to me as if I had committed some crime against him--so weird and inappropriate. I have not returned and will never return to that store. I've seen reviews and heard from my Andersonville neighbors expressing those same sentiments. I look forward to the day they go out of business. read more

Owner made rude comments towards my girlfriend and I for not making a purchase after trying on two pairs of shoes. I've gone into this store twice, once last spring and once this week. Both visits the sales people were like vultures to make a sale. They must be heavily commission based or pressured by the owner. They will follow and eavesdrop in on your conversations in order to jump in and hook you into making a purchase. It's not helpful either, one employee mentioned boots in a mens section being unisex, but then another came by later and said they weren't? So the first guy just lied or was confidently wrong in order to make a sale? Another employee commented on the health of my boots by scratching them with his nail (wtf?). Not even the strangest part though. The owner came by after my girlfriend tried on two pairs of boots. He asked if he could help us, which she replied that she couldn't make a purchase today but appreciated being able to find her size and that she intended to save up to be able to get the ($200) boots eventually. The owner glared daggers over his tipped down glasses and bluntly said, "but you won't make the purchase with us." In the moment I didn't hear him, I only heard my girlfriend reply "I didn't say that". I wish I understood what he had said sooner because I'd have called him out. What an odd thing to say out of pettiness for not getting a sale. Who wants to shop at a store where the employees climb atop one another like competing snake oil salesmen, and pressure customers into feeling bad if they don't make an immediate purchase first day visiting? Be chill and be fair with your prices, that will get you the sale. Hounding and pressuring customers into feeling bad for not making a purchase is wild. Go there to witness the insane sales culture, but buy shoes for a better price with kinder people elsewhere. read more

Alamo shoes is a must visit if you are in Edgewater area and looking for a pair of new high quality shoes. Every time I've visited Alamo's it is busy, so my most recent visit was no exception. Due to the store always being busy you have to track down an employee if you want to grab a shoe. I typically just stand next to the shoe I want and look around which typically sparks an employee to come over and help. Even though the employees are always busy they are nice and helpful. I always determine all the shoes I want to see so they can grab them all at once because it can take awhile if you ask to grab one shoe at a time. If they don't have the shoe I want in my size the employee will suggest another shoe in a different color or a similar style but in the color you wanted. I will forewarn you that the shoes are not the cheapest. They are priced how you would expect high quality name brand shoes to cost. They do offer a sales rack but most of the time the items on there are on sale for a reason. I have yet to find something from the sales rack that I would wear or fit my feet. They do offer lay-a-way so it's possible to get all the shoes you wanted. read more

This is my all-time favorite show store in Chicago. The friendly efficient sales people and the high quality selection of sandals boots and shoes are wonderful. I started coming for the childrens' school shoes every year 25 years ago ... and now it's all for Momma !! Thank you for providing such great value, quality and style ! read more

JUST GO and be sure to ASK FOR BRUCE - I had been thinking about going there for the past 2 years, but it's all the way across the city from me so I kept putting it off. I have annoying and hard to fit feet, and finding cute and supportive shoes is still hard. I thought I was saving time and money by ordering shoes online, but the fit was always problematic and I ended up sending most of them back. Plus there was ZERO service or expertise. I can't speak about the other salespeople there, but I can tell you that working with BRUCE was delightful. He "got" my issues and "no ugly shoes" rule, and brought out what I asked for and MORE. I ended up buying 3 pairs of cute and supportive boots that I cannot wait to wear! And the prices AND service were excellent (but TBH I also did catch the winter sale). The free parking was a perk great, and I was encouraged to park there longer if I had other shopping to do in the neighborhood. Thank you, BRUCE, I'll be back and the girlfriends have been notified :) read more

The service was excellent! The employees were helpful and made my first time experience enjoyable!

My favorite shoe anywhere. Have been a regular shopper for several years even though I live in California. Staff is knowledgeable about sizing, and always friendly and attentive. But the range of international shoe companies! Lots of choices for people wanting comfortable, well-made shoes. I've bought walking shoes, comfy dress shoes and boots. I think it's family owned and managed...repeat customers get a bit of a discount, and they have mailed my shoes home for me at no cost. Highly recommended. read more

Mark was a big help finding me the right shoes. I have foot pain when standing for long periods and he was cognizant of that. His recommendation of a boot I'd never heard of was spot-on. read more

Alamo Shoes is an OG favorite. This store has been around forever. They have an awesome selection of shoes and often very good deals. Andersonville has been well-served by this store for decades. And hopefully for decades to come. read more

Maria was so helpful. I loved today's help with picking out my shoes. I have wide feet & also need arch support. Hard to find shoes at a typical store nor "pretty" shoes, but thanks to Maria's help, I found some good functioning shoes. She was very patient with me. Listened to my needs. Me and my feet are happy! read more

Richard Price is Amazing!!! He let me return a pair of barely worn New Balances, ordered replacement shoes and gave me a Store credit !!! I've been shopping here for years, The staff are Outstanding!!!! read more

This shoe store has a great selection of shoes, sandals and boots! They have excellent service, and they have a great selection! I highly recommend this store... read more

I had the strangest experience this past weekend at Alamo Shoes. The owner incessantly harassed me after I pointed out that his shoe prices are higher than prices posted on the brand website. After agreeing to a lower price, the owner, not a sales associate,the store owner, became hostile and followed me around the store harassing me until I walked out of the store. It would appear that the owner has experienced a significant loss of business due to online sales, and this apparently triggers him so much that it seems he needs mental health treatment. I will certainly never walk into this store again. Buyer beware of the store owner, and I really feel for how he likely treats his employees. read more

Many many brands. Took my returns with no questions asked. I'e been to Alamo many times and always found what I wanted. I also want to emphasize selection. Lots of options, lots of choices. read more

This shop has always had high quality shoes &, although last time I was in, I received pretty good service, it's more or less been abysmal every other time. I dread shopping here & have put up with the old school attitudes to get what I needed. I am so sad to read of so many racial profiling instances though- it sounds like they are in need of a pretty serious upheaval in customer service to treat all with respect. Too bad- it could be such a great shop but I'm not willing to support discriminatory businesses, especially not when there are so many deserving and hardworking people out there. Time to find a new shoe store !! read more

My son was visiting from Seattle. He purchased some sandals but they hurt his feet.. we returned them the next day and bought a more expensive pair. The gentleman that helped him was nice and professional. When he checked out the owner rang him up. My son has a hearing disability and the owner was rude and condescending. My son says he doesn't want to shop there again. So that is one customer. Since I live in the community and will never tolerate this kind of behavior, especially from an owner of a company nor will my spouse that would be two more. And since I am well known here I will make sure that every one of my friends are aware of how he treats people with disabilities. You can't file a complaint with the ADA just because someone was rude but you can certainly let others know and overlook his overpriced merchandised store. read more

Positives: - Parking Available Across The Street -Nearby lots of other amazing stores and restaurants in Andersonville -Quality Shoe Brands -Open Floor Plan Reason for 1 Star Review: I had came to this store about 3 or 4 years ago and had a pleasant customer service experience then. Today was very different. I wish I had noticed the yelp and google reviews about racial profiling before stopping in today. Soon after coming into the store, I made eye contact with one of the associates and said "hi". She looked right through me. Chicago has recently returned back to masks in indoor spaces, so at the time I figured that she didn't hear me. As I was checking out different shoes, there were boots and wedges I wanted to try on, but it was hard to get her or anyone's attention. Towards the end of my visit, I realized that the original lady was actually watching and following me. Really? Before the pandemic, I bought from many local Chicago stores, but have tried to make a greater effort during it. I know now that my money is not welcome here. Thankfully, I felt very welcome at every other store on the same street. read more

Pat is the best! Recovering from foot surgery, he found several options and my podiatrist will be thrilled!! Great selection! read more

I love this store. Been shopping here for a decade or so, best quality and feelings stuff I can find anywhere in the city. Keens, ecco, Mulfani, súper feet inserts, smart wool socks. I buy my kids shoes here too. They always make great recommendations and I return when they don't feel right, no hassles. I love having legit stores to shop in instead of online and this one of my main go tos. Free parking in the lot across the street. read more

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Great place to buy shoes, and crossbody bags. Customer service is spot on and so many great prices. Still love shopping in store....they make it worth it . read more

Alamo Shoes store has a different variety of shoes for kids and adults. They have different section of shoes for kids shoes, men and women adult shoes. The shoes for girl and boy kids shoes are together in one section. They also have a socks and when you buy 4 pair of socks you will get 5 pair of socks for free. You will save extra money because they have sales and percent off on limited items. And when I came here there are so many people inside buying their shoes because of many discounts. I bought my little sister shoes here and I get 10% discount. It's a color pink shoes with a shaded of black and blue. She love it so much and she always wear it when we go somewhere. read more

I bought winter boots here. These boots provide little protection against the cold weather. My feet are quite cold. Also, it appears that one of the boots has a small leak. So one star is fitting. read more