This store sells very long lasting shoes that are completely worth the price tag. The shop has old world charm, with overstuffed arm chairs, and a beautiful wooden bench on which to sit and get feet measured. I have purchased at least three pairs of shoes that are sold here. I have no qualms about the quality of the products. The clearance rack near the front is a nice touch. In reading other reviews I have noticed a trend that spans a decade: questionable customer service. If I worked in a relatively small store in which ventilation turnover is minimal, I would wear a mask. I would not, however repeatedly inform customers that I felt at risk because it is a small store and you really don't know about the vaccination rate of customers. Every store I entered today faced the exact customer service health related quandary. In no other store did an employee tell me the ages and number of people at risk of COVID with whom they came into direct contact with on a regular basis. I have compassion for the stress of working in a customer contact job during a pandemic. All retail workers deserve hazard pay, but that conversation should be between employees and their bosses. read more

Footnotes - Shoe Stores Near Me - Portsmouth, New Hampshire

I went into this store twice last week within days. The first day neither of the sales associates made themselves available to me as I waited for them to wrap up a personal conversation at the register so I left. The second time (because i really wanted this specific brand) I went into the store the sales associate who "helped" me couldn't get the size of my shoes right- however i know my shoe size and she kept telling me I was wrong. Not to mention the pricing on the shoes is significantly increased from online sales/even the kittery trading post up the road. Do yourself a favor and don't go into this unhelpful useless shop in downtown portsmouth. just go to the kittery trading post, save yourself some cash and receive way service from better sales associates. read more

It's nice to visit a small, non-chain footwear store that doesn't have an industrial-strength atmosphere, does have a knowledgeable and friendly staff and an impressive brand of better-name shoes. It might be hit or miss coming in here, depending on what you want, but if you hit, it's a good hit. I was impressed at how much of a men's selection was available here too - not huge but more than expected. Do be aware of their return/credit policy when you buy something here. read more

Over the past 5 years, I have consistently gotten great shoes and great advice from the people at Footnotes. For example, they introduced me to Blundstone boots a globally recognized product that is my universal footwear in the winter. read more

EVERY time I'm in downtown Portsmouth I pop in on Footnotes, "just to see what's on clearance." Of course....this practically always turns into a purchase (or a gripping struggle between lust and practicality). A wonderful selection of brands: born, dansko, frye, birkenstock, keds, keen, teva, blundstone. giesswein, glerups, ETC! It's a snug shop and gets even MORE snug when patrons are wearing weather wear (rain gear or winter coats), so I always plan to get in, make a small loop, and get out. Which is really too bad as the staff is always so nice and chatty. Prices are a bit high, but that's because of the brands that they're selling (I mean...a pair of Fryes will run you at LEAST 200$), but the beauty of these brands is that they LAST and last. Only hot tip I've got: REFUNDS FOR STORE CREDIT and I think within the first few weeks. If you're buying here, you'd better be committed to those shoes! read more

A shoe store with both shoes for both men and women. There are more shoes for a woman to pick from, but that's pretty normal. Lots of styles & selection, so bring your feet to Footnotes. read more

I'm from the southern part of NH, and went to every single drivable local shoe store looking for some cool, semi-affordable shoes for my graduation. After striking out on cheap-ish options, I kind of got my mind set on something silvery and re-wearable, and got the Birkenstock Gizeh sandal in Silver in my head. I couldn't find my size around me before it was time to leave, so on a pre-grad trip to Portsmouth, I stopped into Footnotes, and I am SO glad I did. They didn't have the exact silver in the size I usually wear, but they had a variation in half a size bigger. Knowing that the foot cup was the key to a happy Gizeh relationship, I was skeptical - I always wear a 9. But I tried the next half size up, and the lovely ladies working the counter (whose names I unfortunately can not remember at the moment! I'm sorry!) helped me figure out if my foot was sitting properly - it felt great, and I'm happy to say I love my Gizehs now, almost a week later. They feel great because they fit great, and I thank the ladies at Footnotes for helping me figure out what worked with my feet. And I actually like this darker silver color better (it's kind of pewter). I normally hate shopping, but Footnotes was such a great and fun experience. Thank you! read more

I will not shop here again. I special ordered a pair of sandals at a recommended size (by a salesperson); the shoes arrived and were two sizes larger than my size; and the "manager" refused to reorder the correct size. She never apologized for the error and stated that she was doing me a "favor" by exchanging them for another style in the correct size. I suggest that the owner of Footnotes either hire a more qualified person to be in charge or spring for a class at the local community college so she can learn some basic PR skills. read more

Went to Footnotes store to exchange a pair of shoes that I received as a gift (wrong size). The salespeople were so put out that I was even there politely asking questions and what my options were since they didn't have my size: can you order my size, will you receive more inventory in the near future, do you have a similar style, etc. I live in Portsmouth and try to shop local. I was VERY dissatisfied with their lack of willingness to help me and overall customer service. As a local, I will never set foot in there again and will be sure to let others know to shop elsewhere. If you want us to shop local, then you should treat your customers well. J L Coombs across the street has a much more professional staff who are friendly and helpful read more

Although I love the products at this store, customer service stinks. I have a new pair of $528 Frye boots that I got Less than a month ago, worn twice and the top strap tore off. Frye site suggests contacting local store. When I called, salesperson at Footnotes, she suggested I deal with Frye because footnotes would have my boots for two months if I bring the boots back. She told me to do whatever I want but that I should call Frye. I told her that I have purchased six pairs of Frye from there in the last two years and several pairs of shoes and that I would of hoped she would help me out instead of telling me that it would take them two months if I wanted their help. I think I will be spending my money elsewhere going forward. read more

Great shoes and socks in this little Portsmouth shop, but the owner manager doesn't do much to create a friendly atmosphere. My order was over $100, and she couldn't bring a thank you over her lips, just handed me the receipt and looked away. I couldn't quite believe the transaction was over without any acknowledgment or even good-bye, and asked if she had anything else for me. "No, we're through" was her brusque reply, and then, no doubt in response to my evident amazement, a muttered "thank you." No shoes or socks, no matter how great, will make me patronize a business where customers are treated like that. It doesn't hurt to say thank you, even if you don't know you should mean it. No thanks. read more

My wife and I have been coming here for over 20 years. There is a woman who has worked there now for the last 9 years who really needs an attitude adjustment. They have a terrific selection of nice shoes but after the way we were treated today may be the last time we go there. I could go on and on but the bottom line is they are in a service industry. Being kind to your customers should be the firat order of business. This woman is consistently rude, condescending, dismissive and bossy. Too bad. Not many stores like this left anymore. They wom't be around much longer if they don't get rid of her and change the faces that represent the business. read more

A great selection of shoes, boots and accessories. The salespeople are very knowledgeable, friendly and helpful. Look here if you want to pick a classic pair of footwear. read more

I've been shopping here for years -- for socks, shoes, and accessories. My mom and I both find shoes here that we love, and their prices on Danskos (now Sanitas) are unbeatable. I recently got a pair of clogs for $89! The salespeople are friendly and helpful, and it's great to have a local store for shoes. read more

Friendly staff and great selection. It's worth the trip to Portsmouth to find shoes.

This is a great shoe store. The buyer has a great eye for cools stuff. It is pretty small - but they somehow cram tons in there. They are helpful and make it easy to buys shoes. Only draw back is they do not always have the size I am looking for. Check out their sale section - very good buys! read more

This store has a great selection of higher end shoes. And you usually find some good deals in their sale section, but where the 2 stars comes in is service and atmosphere. I visited this store a few times during the holiday season and all 3 times there were 2 to 3 salespeople sitting on the benches. Each time I went in, no one greeted me nor even made an effort to get up from their seats. From the look they gave me as as as if I was interrupting them. I have tried and tried again to find some quality in the service and salespeople here, but they are just not friendly and almost downright snotty. read more

Visited the store the day after Veterans Day because I heard a few stores in the area offered military discounts. Tried on a pair of shoes which were $275.00 and asked if the store offered a military discount and the sales lady reply was, you're saving $30.00. The attitude that came with this reply was not appreciated and around the corner I went to purchase shoes at another store.. A simple no would have been sufficient because it was obvious that everyone saved $30.00 and they did not offer a military discount. read more

Buyers, be very, very wary. This business is not consumer friendly. I purchased a new hand bag and the liner failed on the first day. As I had lost confidence in the product, I asked for a refund. I was then treated as if I was a pariah. The sales clerks were supercilious, the manager was hostile, and the owner was very unhelpful when I asked for a refund for the defective hand bag. As a local, long- time patron of this business, I and my family have spent hundreds and hundreds of dollars here; I expected some basic civility regarding a refund for defective merchandise. Instead, I had no response and, to phrase it politely, I was treated very rudely by the owner. My family and I will never patronize this business again. If you are a resident or a visitor, seriously rethink doing business with this establishment. read more

The sales lady was so rude and practically wouldn't sell me a pair of shoes. I would've bought them if she wasn't so rude about everything and what size I was and letting me try them on. read more

Visited for the first time a couple of weeks ago, beautiful shoes and bags and sale prices that can't be beat. Friendly helpful people working in the store, will definitely be back! read more

Very disappointing. I never write reviews but I am writing to warn other shoppers about this store. They do sell beautiful shoes, are not a large chain, and have a great location. However, staff are unwelcoming and unhelpful. Do not make a mistake buying the wrong size because their return-policy is store-credit only and they won't refund your money even on the same day of purchase in new condition. And they will do nothing to help you order the correct size. After multiple phone calls and several visits, I'm giving up on this store. Would anyone like to buy my store-credit for half price? read more

I have lived in Portsmouth for over a decade and reluctantly have purchased several pairs of shoes from this store. Recently, my last experience has pushed me to the brink! My husband purchased a pair of Frye boots for Christmas. They were not the usual fit so I went in the day after Christmas to try the next size to compare. The Salesperson took my boots, before confirming with me what my final decision was, and attempted to sell them to someone else! The policy of a store credit also steams me! I understand the idea behind it, but now I am stuck with a credit to a store I don't want to shop in because of how rude they are. There was no customer service at all. I overheard another salesperson say don't let the boots leave she can have the credit and then we can sell the boots again! Your store is small the customers can hear you! They finally said they could try to order the next size for me, but probably won't find it. They pointed out too that Frye would be raising their prices and they may end up being more. After much discussion they agreed that I could get the same pair of boots, if they found them, for the same price. There was no help! I pointed out that I can order from 6PM.com or zappos and return for free and get my money back. Her response was you can't try them on... I pointed out, online there is a no return hassle and while I have always tried to support local businesses, Footnotes makes it impossible or logical to support them. On another issue..... I purchased a pair of Clarks boots for my daughter for $95 on 6PM.com, they had the same exact boot marked up to $190..... I am now trying to sell my store credit so I never have to go there again! read more