I nipped in to get some sandals for my wife as her cheaper ones from other retail outlets had fell…read moreapart after quite short usage. I was impressed by the quality so bought some causal shoes for holiday/home and some very sturdy slippers. I think there is a quote that - "Quality is remembered long after the price is forgotten." Nige

To be honest, I'd kind of almost given up on Clarks. They were relegated to the same category as…read moreEcco in my mind: kind of sensible and boring. I have to admit that they've surprised me! They've come on an awful lot in the last few years and now there are lots of fabulous styles, which also manage to be comfy. This branch is particularly good-they have a really large selection and the assistants are friendly. It's a bit annoying that they're trying to "help" once you walk in but they're actually not pushy at all. I think they just have to approach customers. They're quick to actually find the shoes if you do want to try some on and will find similar ones to try if the ones you want aren't there. They'll also order them for you if your size aren't available. They told me that they get more size 3s than the other branch nearby though, so you might not even have to wait if you try here! This has kind of become my go-to shoe shop, and not because of my advanced age and feet that are tired from running. It's bright, full of stock and shopping is a breeze. How could I not spend my money?

I have bought shoes from here a number of times over the last ten years or so, the shoes are very…read morewell made, something that has been confirmed to me by independent cobblers who I have used for a long time. The great things about the shoes is that due their welted construction they are repairable, not the case so much with cheaper shoes, also they are high quality and are very comfortable when worn in, also the service from the staff in the store is very good, a specialised profession not just a shop assistant's job. I have found them to be excellent, Mark, Daniel and Sam who has recently left to travel the east a sad loss, replaced by Zeb who doesn't seem to me to up to the same high standard as the others, although he is new and he needs to learn alot, so time will tell. Expect to pay for the quality of the shoes and of the service they average out at about £500 to £600 or more depending on the range that you choose from. All in all these shoes are an investment as they can be kept smart and comfortable for years with any repairs done by the company.

Ooh this is a posh shop - for ages I'd only dared peek in the window but I do know someone with…read moreoddly shaped feet who swears by this place so feel I can write about it with a bit of authority. Crockett and Jones (sorry but don't they sound like a crime fighting duo?) offer both a bespoke and more mainstream range of shoe ware. Although the handmade shoes are rather expensive they are, according to my oddly shaped footed friend totally worth it. The more main stream collection features beautiful looking brogues and low-heeled shoes and boots. As well as that they sell belts, boot polish and from what I gathered from my last peep in to the shop itself (I now know where the phrase 'well heeled' comes from - the gents in there looked loaded) a small selection of ladies shoes. Inside the store it's a nice mixture of wood and comfy chairs and surprisingly light - however I felt a tad self conscious in my hush puppies (scuffed) so made a hasty retreat. A quick visit to their website shows that as well as Birmingham, they have branches in Paris and New York - how many shoe stores do you know that can boast that?

Faith is a great place to find the absolute latest footwear trends. Very pricey, but worth it for…read moreunique shoes you won't see on anyone else. As I'm a tightwad, I only shop their sales, and still have never seen a pair of shoes I've purchased from Faith on anyone else (except a cross dresser in SoHo once, but that's not important right now). When looking for my wedding shoes, I wanted something really different and not typical. Wearing Converse or Docs under a big parfait wedding dress has been done and is a bit twee by now, so I couldn't do that, but wasn't sure exactly what I wanted. Poor Mr Yankee Girl traipsed into every shop in the Bullring whilst I Cinderella-ed every shoe in the kingdom searching for just what I wanted. I finally found the PERFECT pair at Faith. My dress was an unsual colour, sort of a light beige with pink and gold undertones. The shoes were five-inch-heeled gold sandals with slightly pink sparkly accents. With foot-less pantyhose and some toenail polish, I was good to go! One thing I really like about Faith is that their salespeople are always present and helpful, but never pounce. They just keep themselves busy arranging shoeses and walking about the store, so they are present but not like the annoying gadflies found in most shoe boutiques. Faith really has the feel of an upmarket boutique, and I feel gorgeous just walking in there. Their styles are always fresh and never just what everyone else is selling

A great shoe shop that goes up to a size 9! They have…read moreregular sale or discount offers on, so you can always afford a new pair of footwear without breaking the bank, but of course, as with any good shoe shop - you can easily spend too much, but who cares when the shoes are this good! Staff are always lovely and very helpful, but not in that pushy 'buy shoes!' way. Plus the shoes last forever! Go and try for yourself.

My girlfriend, in desperate need of some new shoes decided to head into Blunts, on the Bearwood…read morehigh street last weekend, but unfortunately found nothing to satisfy her 'acquired' taste.. Despite an extensive variety of shoes at her disposal, as well as an extremely helpful if not pushy member of staff, she found no joy. The shoes on offer are much more sensible than the ones she was after, with schools shoes featuring prominently throughout. In the area that is Bearwood, it isn't surprising, with a large number of families and young children living nearby. The prices seemed relatively cheap, but it seems that If you are looking for something a bit more stylish, then this may not be the place for you.

Blunts is a traditional shoe shop in the middle of Bearwood High Street. It's been there since…read moreforever and as well as selling 'sensible' shoes from the Clarks and Hush Puppy ranges they also stock comfortable looking flats, spangly sandals, wellies, kids shoes, slippers, flip-flops etc. Bargains can be found in the baskets outside but the best thing about it is the interior of the shop - where boxes and boxes of shoes are stacked with the names and sizes facing out - names like 'Drum Beat' and 'Carousel Ride' and my personal favourite 'Dublin Streets'. They have a nice selection of wallets and purses and the people who work here are really friendly and helpful. They also have an online presence with shoes available via their ebay store.

I have seen this store 100s of times in Birmingham city centre, never been inside until today. I am…read morelooking for some clothing for a wedding and thought I'd give them a go. I was looking at men's suits in the size 34 which is what I usually wear. I did not approach or ask for help from anyone. A sales assistant advised me that "you're not a 34, you should try a 36". Fine. You're entitled to an opinion. I told him I am a 34, and that is what I usually wear and so proceeded to try some of the suit jackets on. They have a decent selection. Same sales associate seemed to be lurking around and came up to me to tell me 34 is too tight and will not fit and I should try the next size up. I did not ask for anybody's opinion. 34 is just the right size on me, a little snug, but that does not matter to me. I know what my own size is. It was not too tight, and if he thought it was, fine, but I did not ask for his advice. Either way, the customer is always right. Even if you think it looks ridiculous, you keep it to yourself and sell it to the customer because let's face it: they have the cash to spend. I went upstairs to see their single jackets on sale. The colleague upstairs was great - really helpful, explained everything about alterations and sizing and hiring, and totally understood that if I want to try a 34 and it fits better, that is what I should go for. The first guy wasn't totally rude, but it was uncalled for and I doubt I will go back in a hurry. Clothing selection was vast, but they don't mix and match sizes which is annoying if your legs are one size and your chest is another. All staff are sharply dressed and the store is nice and clean. Apart from the one sales associate, it was alright.

My go-to place for formal wear. Friendly staff who are not there to pump you for money for a suit,…read moreshirt or shoes. They are there to give you a great service and get you to go back next time for more items. They give the feeling of being an independent but there are branches in most big UK cities. While this is actually hidden above Urban Outfitters on the Corner of New Street and Corporation Street the entrance is actually round the next corner up Cannon Street. Great for suits and shirts!

Sims Footwear has been located in Birmingham's Great Western Arcade for 12 years now and if you pay…read morethem a visit you'll see why. It's a relaxed little store which is presented nicely and has plenty of well selected brands for both men and women. One thing female customers may notice is the great range of Irregular Choice shoes in store, possibly the biggest range from this quirky brand that is available in the entire West Midlands (and many of them are on sale). Sims also stock Poetic License (Irregular Choice's sister brand; similar in style but maybe a little more conservative), Hush Puppies, Doc Martens, Fly, Rocket Dog, Lotus, Bronx, Skechers and more; including bags by Fiorelli, Irregular Choice and Paul Frank. There is also a smaller range for men by brands such as Hudson, Ikon, Fly, Base and Delicious Junction. A few wallets are available too. If you like any of these brands then you are much better off shopping here than, say, Schuh as Sims seem to have a wider and well selected range. Paul Lamb, the store owner, is a really nice guy so pop in and say hello. If he hasn't got what you're after then I'm sure he can either order it in or point you in the right direction. Unfortunately Sims still don't have a website but their shoes are pricematched to items online so you're unlikely to find a better deal elsewhere. All in all a great shop with friendly staff and some brilliant deals.

Located in the Great Western Arcade I found this store very convenient…read more A good selection and variety of outdoor, casual and work wear formal shoes. The prices are decent, and I preferred looking and browsing here as opposed to the national chains. They do have national brands on offer aswell if that's what you know and are after. You will also see they have a fantastic offer: 'Best Price Online - PRICEMATCH - Best price in store' , so, there you have it, no excuses for not paying a visit. The staff are friendly and are happy for you to just wonder if you only want to browse, very helpful if you do have any questions.

Sims is an independent shoe shop, which seems rare enough, selling a small but good range of both…read moremen's and women's shoes. I often go there for the Irregular Choice shoes they always stock. They also sell other well known brands including Rocketdog etc. Prices are pretty good and they will price match sale prices, which is really good. It's off the high street and near lovely boutiquey shops, so often much nicer to visit than crowded Bullring stores.

I know some people with some serious trainer addictions.....I am not quite there yet but this place…read morecould definitely fuel the fire. If you are looking for unusual or limited addition trainers in the city centre this is the place for you. The shop itself is kept in perfect order displaying the many trainers, hats and accessories on the walls and in the cabinets around the compact space. The staff here are all very well educated on everything they sell and are passionate about anything footwear. If you are looking for some trainers that are that little bit different and advice from people in the know then take a visit to Size.

Whilst this is store is part of a UK chain of trainer stores, it is a small chain that is all about…read morethe high end, premium lines wherever possible. This is one of the smallest of the Size stores across the country but they've managed to squeeze in a decent range of clothing amongst the trainers. Clothing wise you can expect to find Obey, Carharrt, The Hundreds etc. Sneaker wise they stock Puma, Adidas Originals, Nikes, Vans etc. I feel the need to diversify the range of stock to have everything in one place for the brand snob to complete their look from the New Era caps, the latest premium Carharrt coat and the freshest Jordan's has meant the range and curation of the trainer stock they get in has suffered some what. The staff are still super helpful but I fear they've lost the edge slightly in their market share through lack of effective stock selection. It's always good to check out what they have as you never know but there are better places in the Midlands to trek to for the latest brands if you don't fancy heading to London.

Birmingham has so many large, impressive, modern, stunning department stores and is actually one of…read morethe few cities to have the 6 major British department stores (Selfridges, John Lewis, Harvey Nichols, Debenhams, Marks and Spencer and of course HOF), alongside the likes of London and Manchester, although the latter does not have all six in the city centre. I did find this store to be a little old and uninspiring - it just seemed to lack in terms of overall feel compared to the three newer department stores in the city: John Lewis, Harvey Nichols and Selfridges. The staff didn't seem too friendly either, I also found getting in and out of the store to also summarise the store being pretty old. Again, the product selection is OK in the store and there are some decent brands, but this certainly can't compare to Selfridges in the Bullring in particular. It is certainly in need of the proposed revamp of over £100 million which has been suggested just to bring it in line with the other department stores in the city as this store just can't compare to them. 2*

What a disappointment! I used to frequent Rackhams, as it used to be, and it was always an…read moreenjoyable experience when i used to work in Birmingham, if expensive. With such good memories, I made the 60 mile journey with my daughter to buy a prom dress at House of Fraser. The lack of stock was fairly shocking, but the lack of any staff at tills or willing to serve even when we stood at one while two staff members had a chat a short distance away was worse. The 'luxury washrooms' were in a shocking state. I'll let the photos speak for themselves. Really sad to see this store has plummeted to the depths. A sorry experience.

For those of you who have never set foot over the threshold of an 'Evans' store on principle due to…read moreits label as a 'big girls shop' -shame on you . and you are missing a trick. This store in the paviliions is a particularly good example, and is really well presented. Set in the Pavillions its spread over 2 floors and has plenty of room to browse freely. The shoe department particularly is very strong, and the Shoe sale is not to be missed as the bargains to be had are extraordinary9 prices from a fiver). The environment is minimalist and mainly set against a white drop, very up to date, and good standards of merchandising. Its also very tidy and clean. Ok, the sizes start at a 14 and I guess there are alot of you that are much smaller than that - but its still worth a look at the accessories, jewellery, shoes and hosiery as they are really well made (I have to say in genereal much better finish quality and design than from sister Arcadia brand Dorothy Perkins). Again the jewellery sale is amazing - prices go down to a £1. As with any store sale time can be a bit of a jumble sale and a bit of a squeeze for space - but for the prices well worth the discomfort!! The staff deserve a special mention as they are very knowledgeable and helpful without being pushy. Bonus is that they all get trained on how to dress different body shapes ( a La Trinny and Suzanna) so they generally give good sound advice. Plus they do free bra fitting!! Its much better than any of the other 'plus size' brands out there for quality, service, credibility, and price so give it a try I am sure you will be pleasantly suprised no matter what your size and shape. p.s Only one gripe - they do as with many of the women's fashion brands, particularly the Arcadia group it seems? really push the promotion of their store card at the till which I am not so keen on. Just say no!!

This used to be the first store I walk past going into Birmingham via train or when parking…read moreopposite and walking through the Pavillions to start my day. Now I sometimes park under the Bull Ring and do not venture into the Pavillions as much as I formerly did. This is a store which is aimed at plus size ladies and starts at size 14/16. The store spreads across two floors with shoes, underwear and some clothes on the ground floor and the rest of the clothing upstairs. The staff are very friendly and helpful, I have bought lots of things from here and one lady pretty much did my shopping for me one year when I didnt know what to buy for my aunt for Christmas! I do find though that the prices can be a little high but the quality is great and the staff really do go above and beyond to help you if you ask for assistance. As the other reviewer stated they do costume jewellery as well and I have also seen this reduced to £1 in sales and they have some lovely items. The shoes are wide fitting and I find that when I have tried some shoes on I have been a size smaller than I normally buy and I noticed they go up to a shoe size 10 which I have not seen many other stores do.