I love this shop so much. I have a disability that affects the shape of my feet, and I have always had an awful time trying to find shoes. When I was a kid, my mom would offer up $20 to the salesperson who could find a pair of shoes that fit, didn't hurt my feet, and that I liked. So when I got new orthotic insoles recently, I was prepared for more of the same. I decided to give Heel to Toe a try because I saw that they also do orthotics, so I figured if anyone could help, it would be these folks. They did not disappoint! While I didn't find anything in the store that day, the staff was so incredibly helpful I knew I had to buy from them somehow. They took the time to measure my feet (turns out they're wider than I thought), talk to me about my issues and what I wanted, look in the back for overlooked shoes, and then finally brought me manufacturer catalogues so I could order them. They knew which shoes would be likely to work and which wouldn't, which saved me a ton of time and frustration. I ended up buying two pairs of boots, and they both still look and feel amazing. Thank you, Heel to Toe! read more

Long time customer. Went in today a week before Christmas and was informed the shoe I wanted was no longer able to be ordered. When I asked for the exact name of the Dunham Cloud I was informed also that she "wasn't going to help me shop somewhere else." In doing so she insured that after that last pair I would only shop elsewhere. They undoubtedly assume I would buy somewhere else and never come back. They are not the store I remember. read more

Heel to toe staff are present and greet you as you enter their business. I had shoes for repair and I was immediately assisted in ordering my repair. I had time to look around the store after ordering the much needed repair and purchased a pair of sandals. The repair was completed within a week, I was kindly notified by phone; again upon pick up, staff were polite and efficient and the repaired shoes looked like new. Heel to toe has a great selection of quality shoes, are within the expected price range and staff are consistently helpful and polite....oh yeah, they answer the phone if you call for inquiries about available services.....which rarely happens in this day and age.....Kudos Heel to Toe! read more

I called a few shoe repair establishments in the area and Heel To Toe was the only one that answered the phone! I needed a single heel tip replaced. I dropped off the shoe on a Thursday afternoon and got a call the following Tuesday letting me know that it was ready (to my relief because I was heading out of town!). Overall, Heel to Toe provided quick, quality service! The one heel tip replacement cost $10, or it is $15 for both tips. Conveniently located in downtown Urbana, I will very likely return if another shoe repair is needed! read more

Great customer service you could ask for, I have used this for myself and always have been satisfied, I recently took my mother (88 years old)in for new sandals and she was treated by the most knowledgeable and helpful staff and was fitted with the best and most comfortable sandals . My mother is been wearing them all the time. Thank you to all the staff at Heal to toe for providing the support and making mom happy and comfortable. read more

I write this review with a heavy heart because it is not in my nature to write negative reviews. When visiting my parents in town a few months back my girlfriend and I purchased 2 pairs of Birkenstocks from this store which are very expensive; I was excited because this was my first pair I personally purchased for myself. I expressed to the sales associate sizing my feet that I thought they were a bit too small but she assured me that they fit and the shoes will adjust. After briefly wearing shoes intermittently for just a couple weeks they still felt this way. I took the shoes into a local Birkenstock retail store where I live and they indeed confirmed that they were sized inappropriate and too small for my feet. He told me I would have to take them back to the initial store I purchased them from. No problem. When we called, the owner Van, said we could do the exchange. Great! I decided to mail the shoes to my parents who live in town in order to proceed with the exchange so that I could wear the shoes I was so eager to purchase. Shoes in tow my mother brings them in but they give her trouble (I had even called beforehand to confirm). When I called up there both the sales associate, Meg and the owner were incredibly belittling (but I understand, they may have been having a bad day). I kindly expressed that my family has been supporters of their business as long as they had been in downtown Urbana, we love their shoes, and are very loyal customers (my mother literally has a line of credit to their store). Full intention of staying loyal customers. Van the owner proceeded with the harsh tone and even went as far as accusing me of "threatening him" because I simply asked him, "as a business owner is it worth losing a family of loyal customers over a single pair of shoes?" He then hung up on me. I understand that times are difficult and stressful right now, but this is incredibly disappointing and unacceptable; no business should ever treat their customers with disrespect, especially loyal clientele. I wasn't asking for a refund; I simply wanted to exchange the shoes that were inappropriately sized in the first place. I would highly recommend Burks, just not from this store. read more

But wait, there's more. I wore the shoes yesterday, and the damage is worse than I expected. The insoles are now all lumpy. The shoes will either have to be overhauled (if it's possible) or trashed. Due to discomfort, they are impossible to wear, unless I'll be sitting down the entire day. read more

I wish there was a way to go negative Stars, Truth, I called and made an appointment for a console for my son to see what size and shoe he needs and better inserts, they told me it was free, first lie The old man measured my son's foot and tried 3 men's shoes on. None of them in a 7.5, which he said he needed. So then he tried women's shoes on. Wtf ? Women's shoes are made different. 3 pairs. My son then asked politely about a man's shoe if he could look online for a different color and bring the model in to buy through the store. Old man got pissed and said go buy online and get out. Wtf ? I told the old man again to buy the shoe at the store. He then said there is a 30 fitting fee. Wtf again. I went to manager and told her the situation, then the old man walked up and slammed the insole down and said Infront of me and my son there are buying it online, wtf ? Told Manager my son asked if he could look for other color and bring the pic in to buy through the store, so moral of the story ? Never got a sorry, never apologized to my son, for heel to toe store, NEVER GO there, Amazon has same insert and shoe 87$ cheaper lol read more

Heel-to-Toe is a great store for quality footwear. The staff is the most knowledgeable I have met (kudos to Dan for the complimentary consultation, and to Van for immediately spotting - and correcting - my ankle issue). The store is easy to find in downtown Urbana, and the inside layout is logically organized. The selection was great, and I found both a New Balance (personal favorite brand for my wide feet) boot and a separate pair of sneakers. Dan recommended a removable custom insert, which felt great. As I mentioned above, Van put a small triangular insert near my heal, which corrected a longstanding deformed ankle. This kind of quality service is vanishingly difficult to find in today's evolving markets. My experience at Heel-to-Toe was a refreshing change to what you find at the usual big-box stores. N.B. I find that one can never quite trust the internet - there are loads of counterfeit goods (including shoes) on amazon, for example. It was nice to know I was getting the actual item. Also, it beats the pants off internet shoe-shopping to actually get to try on the shoes, and know that they fit. The staff's advice alone was worth the visit; I was very happy to get it for free! read more

Very rude people. When it is closing time they close and lock up and they don't care for making a sale.

Van is great! Knowledgeable and accommodating. You can get no better service. Store personnel are friendly and carry many styles of shoes, Good selection. read more

I've been meaning to shop here for a while, but the hours and location aren't the most convenient for me. Totally not the store's fault. I finally decided to suck it up and make the time because I like to shop local and I felt like a place that specializes in decent footwear (and only footwear) would be able to help me find a great shoe for a job that requires constant standing/walking/running. Sounds good, no? Uhhhh....no. We stood there for just over 5 minutes being watched from the repair window without anyone acknowledging our presence. Finally, we were approached by a young lady carrying a gigantic bucket of attitude. Call me crazy, but I require a little courtesy. I don't need ass-kissing, but I need a minimum of hair-flipping and deep-sighing. Sorry to inconvenience you by requiring that you do your job. I can get this level of service from a teenager at a mall (shudder). After a brief (odd and aggressive) discussion about my shoe purpose, she walked away... to find some shoes, it seemed. No discussion of shoe style/color or any measuring of the foot. Maybe she's that good? Her first trip to the basement yielded a few pair of shoes but no luck(surprising) so she went to try again. I appreciate that effort. We waited about 15 minutes and never saw her again (also no other customers). In the time we were there, I counted 5 employees. One spoke to us. What terrible service for that many people who have to rely on things like return business to stay afloat. Just a very weird/Twilight Zone trip that I won't repeat. read more

I've never bought shoes from Heel to Toe -- but I have brought shoes in for repair, and I was less than impressed. I had a pair of brown knee-high boots from the 1970s (once belonging to my mother) that required reheeling. $35 later, the boots were reheeled all right, but the shape and size of the heel was nothing like the original (think Faye Dunaway in Network). The new heel was just a big square -- a chunky, oafish block that weighed down the entire silhouette of the boot. They are so ugly now I haven't worn them since. Another pair of shoes I brought in at the same time needed the lucite heel reattached, and they promptly un-attached after very little wear. I can use Shoe Goo or Superglue too -- I expect something more durable from professionals. read more

Let me get this straight. You don't have this year's version of the shoe that I like in anything over a 6, but you have last year's version in a size that is 1/2 size bigger than I need and in last year's color scheme that I don't like. And then you charge $60 MORE for them than anybody is charging for the new model? THEN, when I come back two days later because they just aren't going to work and I've already found a MUCH better deal in the shoes I ACTUALLY wanted, you tell me that you don't do returns? Hogwash. The girl who helped me was very friendly and accommodating, which was a nice contrast to the bald gentleman who was helping the elderly lady at the same time and to the tall guy with curly blondish hair who didn't even TRY to help the last time I was in there a few weeks prior. I would say that this is my last visit, but since you wouldn't refund me, I now have $175 on account. Joy and happiness. This is why Zappos is doing so well. read more

One of the only "full service" shops still around. The knowledgeable staff really takes the time to make sure you're getting the right shoe to help your aches and pains and the right fit (SO many people are wearing the wrong size!). I've always been super impressed with their service on the floor as well as their repair services. They only sell shoes that are good for your feet, which aren't always the prettiest shoes around (although it's only getting better!). What's more important- looking cute or not being in pain. I highly recommend checking this shop out. They're great! read more

This place is really great Urbana - Champaign institution. The quality of the shoes is the best. (You may find better in Manhattan,NYC, but it is a bit of a drive.) even well built shoes for kids for reasonable prices! I The sales service is very straightforward, professional, and genuine. And they have very capable repair service, I have looked, other shoe repair places are lucky to find and do not usually have any quality attached to their work. Did I tell you about their seasonal sales? Watch for them...really incredible deals to be had. Go here for shoes! read more

I can only review their shoe repair services, but based on that I give them full marks. Not only did they perfectly stretch a few pairs of leather shoes with a quick turnaround of 2 business days ($5 a piece), but they also helped me with shoes that slipped off my heel for free! The store associate was very knowledgeable and placed felt pads in two places and the problem was solved. Bottom line is if you have a pair of shoes that are uncomfortable, don't suffer any longer. Stop by and ask for help! read more

Buyer beware: this store does not offer refunds, only in-store credit, even for unworn items. However, you are not told that before you make a purchase. And if you care about style, exchange options are pretty limited. I would have been much better off purchasing the same item online for the same price, with unlimited free returns and exchanges. Definitely overrated, and I'm never going back. read more

After suffering a couple years of foot and ankle pain, visiting chiropractic offices, podiatrists and physical therapy, I got relief from a great evaluation, shoes and inserts. Thanks Van! read more

this place is a bit overrated. They are really expensive. The last time I went there, the owner sold me a pair of shoes that were too big. I mentioned that to him while I was trying them on and he said "your feet will get used to them" or some rubbish like that. Stupidly, I bought them and they never fit and I stopped wearing them. They also have a really absurd return policy. I won't shop there again, especially because my feet are so wide that I can only find proper fitting shoes online for a fraction of their price. read more

Drove from Gibson City for school shoes. The brand that we usually get is Libby and Luca. Was told yesterday was their clearance sale and they were all downstairs. Had to beg the young man to wait on us and to get some shoes. Brought a pair of boots and sandals. Had asked for closed toe school/church style. Was told to come back next July:(. Was really pissed to say the least to be treated like a moron:( read more

One of the two shoe stores in the area that carry shoes that fit my narrow feet. And the service is pretty good. They have a great selection of comfort-oriented shoes, particularly European imports, for men, women, and children. Casual, dressy, walking and running. What they don't have are 'fashion' shoes. They do have stylish shoes, just not Gucci, Ferragamo, Blahnik, etc. What surprised me though was the lack of more traditional brands, particularly American ones, such as Red Wing, Allen Edmonds, or Alden. read more

Nice kids section, but most times the staff seems to very much dislike children. The last few times we have been there (at least twice a year for a few years), there have been very strong glue or chemical odors- I couldn't wait to get my kids out and felt bad for the employees. OSHA? They do measure the kids' feet so we can size their shoes correctly and they do have a nice warranty when the shoes don't hold up. read more

In terms of shoe repair (my only experience with Heel To Toe), I found their prices to be insanely high. My shoe repair shop in another comparable city where I used to live was much faster, far more reasonably priced, and better quality work. Heel To Toe charged me $50 for a basic resole on a pair of leather sandals--they didn't even clean or treat the leather. (Mind you, these shoes originally cost $88. I could have just purchased a brand new pair.) These same sandals underwent the same repair three years ago by the other business I mentioned above for $25 and came back looking like new. Heel To Toe took 2 weeks while my old shop took 2 days. While I totally support privately owned local businesses, I found these prices to be completely alienating, and the staff to be rather snide. read more

Hmmm, we have been continual residents of Urbana from 1956-2012, way longer than heel to toe. Why did I never hear of this place while growing up, from 1962-1980, 1986-1993 ?? I can imagine that you stay in business by purchasing brand-new shoes BELOW WHOLESALE from people on limited incomes, like my 82-year old mom ... read more

Great selection of shoes that are actually good for your feet, although you might have a alter your wardrobe a bit. Brands like Birkenstock and I bevieve, New Balance. They do a good job measuring for a custom fit. I'm sorry that the chunky heels went out of style, but it's probably a boon for a business like this. If you're feet ain't happy, neither are you. read more

Extremely knowledgeable about what they sell (they know their merchandise). Very high quality product and service. Best kept secret....They do repairs! Anything from heels to complete new soles. Simply the highest quality shoe repair around. Fast turnaround. Can't say enough good things about the place. read more

Decent shoe repair place in downtown Urbana. The staff were nice, the repair quality was excellent, and the prices were affordable. I left very pleased and with the intention to return when I have shoe repair needs in the future. read more

Heel to Toe has never failed to dissapoint me. I've purchased several pairs of shoes from them and have always felt like the sales staff wants me to find the correct fit and style. I've also had my Birkenstocks repaired and re-soled here, they did a great job and the repairs have lasted for several years. I'm a pretty low-maintenance customer (usually I know exactly what I want when I go in), but I always see people who need extra help with finding something getting a lot of attention from their staff. read more

For over twenty years I have been a customer. Once a year, we go there to buy shoes- the best quality are available from Germany - good people there- they are very helpful. Five star read more

I recently visited Heel to Toe to have the dowels replaced on a pair of high heels. I was very impressed with their quick service and knowledge. Within a few days I had my shoes back and ready to wear. When I stopped in to pick up the shoes I took a few minutes to browse around the shop and one of the associates showed me a heavenly shoe insole slim enough to fit into my work flats. I would definitely recommend Heel to Toe. read more

My wife took me here from out of town to buy me shoes for my birthday. She had been here before. I have wide feet and need shoes with a low, soft area over the ankle. The young man who took care of me was knowledgeable, polite and helpful. I hadn't been to a "real" shoe store-where they measure you and bring you shoes to try-for decades. It was a pleasant experience. I left with a pair of Denham leather slip-ons good enough for dress at a comparable price to Kohl's for the quality. Very happy. I recommend this place and will likely return. read more

What a great store. I have shopped here for years and I imagine I will shop here for years to come. Van and the crew are always there to help and answer questions. Great shoes in some hard to find sizes too. read more

Just do it. Your feet, back, and knees will thank you! Great staff and wonderful product!

Another great experience at Heel to Toe last weekend. My tennis shoes were hurting and felt tight. When I arrived on Saturday (they were very busy!), I was pleasantly greeted and asked how I could be helped. The woman suggested measuring my feet and asked me what the problem was. She listened and asked questions and then hurried to pick two pair of shoes for me to try. The first ones were exactly what I needed. The quickest purchase I think I have ever made. Thanks for keeping my feet happy! read more

If you are told they need to order your shoes, just go ahead and pick up your stuff and walk out the door. You can complete 50 orders and returns with excellent customer service on Zappos in the time it will take to receive your shoes. I'm all about shopping local but will not be returning to Heel to Toe. I walked into the store in mid January and picked out some Danskos. They didn't have them in my size and told me they would be in 5-10 days later. Five days later, Meg called me and told me my shoes were on backorder. She told me they wouldn't be in until March 1st. Meg is not friendly or responsive. She told me I could pick out a different pair of shoes if I wanted them sooner and it was my understanding at that time that I could not get a refund. So, I looked at the website but really liked the style of the ones I saw in the store so I decided it wouldn't be so bad to wait for my $150 pair of shoes in the style I wanted. I called on March 9th since I had not heard anything. Still back ordered and Meg was too busy to talk to me and called me back maybe two days later at around 8:00 at night and left a voice message saying that she couldn't take my call because she was busy in the store with customers and my shoes should be coming on March 16th. So, I waited until somewhere around March 20th and called again. My shoes were still not in. At that time, I spoke with someone else who was very friendly and gave me a refund no problem. He even apologized.. something Meg NEVER did. I am giving them 3 stars because other than Meg, my experience was great but I think Meg is in charge of all of the ordering so beware. read more

This is the BEST shoe store in Urbana Champaign. I stopped by today, and couldn't believe the awesome selection of shoes that won't hurt or injure your feet. Staff was super friendly helpful caring. read more

Absolutely the best shoe store I've ever been to. The attention given to getting me the right fit was unbelievable. I won't go anywhere else from now on. read more

I have shopped at Heel To Toe for many years. I have also had shoes repaired. I find the workers very helpful and friendly.

Best place to buy shoes in Champaign Urbana the owner is simply amazing and he truly knows everything he is talking about down to earth Fair prices read more