Loved my first buying experience at Tootsie's. I've always seen the store but thought it was limited to women's shoes, until I spurted some unisex boots I liked. With all the downpour we've been having I needed a strong wellie-style boot, with a cool factor. I showed Liz, the owner, which styles I liked and she immediately started to pull sizes and make recommendations. Liz even checked her system to see when additional colors would be shipped in, and shared the return and exchange policy in conversation. Liz was great, super helpful, very friendly and shared her thoughts on which boot she likes best on me. Quality shoes here, with great prices for what you get. Not a commercial retailer, the stock list here is very special. I'll be coming back for some socks soon. The boots I got? Love em! I did not need to utilize the return or exchange policy, superb. Shout out to Liz. Shopping is about being social, making new friends and knowing what you want while being open to new things. I got all of that with Liz at Tootsie's. I was even able to put the boots on hold for a couple of hours, and came back to purchase. Looking for some kicks? Stop by Tootsie's. read more

Tootsies - In-store try on. - Shoe Stores Near Me - Oakland, California

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Today I had such a great experience at Tootsies on College Avenue. It was a fantastic experience from start to finish. The store had a great atmosphere--clean, well-organized, and the variety of shoes was impressive. I did not expect them to have such a wide variety. Liz, the owner, was amazing. She is so easy to work with and no pressure. She just kept bringing me shoes I was interested in and we worked together to find my size. She is incredibly knowledgeable and has been at this a couple of decades. Another plus was the price range--there were options for every budget. I left with three pairs of shoes and one was even on sale. My shoe selection had suffered in the pandemic and it was time to freshen up my closet. Thanks Liz. Store also owns Crush clothing next store and has purses, wallets and some jewelry for gifts. read more

I worked hard to support local businesses during the holiday shopping season, and was glad to find something I thought would work well as a gift for a loved one. Unfortunately, the item was not something they could use, so a couple of days after Christmas we went to exchange for something else. Sadly, nothing in Tootsie's inventory suited my loved one. When I brought the unworn item, tags still on, with the receipt to the register, I was told they only give refunds within 7 days of purchase, and won't refund ANY socks or slippers, even if they're still in the package with tags on. WHAT???? Most people do at least some of their holiday shopping more than 7 days before Christmas, and the policy about slippers is ludicrous. They had obviously never been used. To top it off, the store's return policies are nowhere on their receipt. There is a small paper sign near the register about the 7-day thing, but who sees that when they're putting bags on the counter, so they can dig for a wallet? Now, I'm stuck with a "store credit" that I'll have to remember use for God-knows-what??? The store really should ease up on their return policy around the holiday season, or at least warn customers with a verbal "Heads-up - we're really strict!" This kind of policy is what drives people away from small business, and it's a real shame. read more

Really cute selection of shoes and clothes :)

I went here since I was in the neighborhood and wanted to try on some boots. It was midday on a Tuesday. There was one other customer in the store. I browsed and found a pair I wanted to try on. I waited holding that boot for about 10 minutes but the only person working, who did greet me while I initially browsed, was in the clothing side of the store chatting with the other customer. I decided not to wait any longer and left without trying anything on. There is a nice selection of casual and dress shoes with some comfort options. Name brands like Sorel and smaller brands. I would go back if there was a way to know when I could get service, as I liked the selection. read more

Great shoe selection. Good sale options. Friendly and helpful owner. Nice shopping atmosphere and experience.

I went with a group of friends for the first time and we had an amazing time loved the vibe and a huge kudos for an amazing service and great attitude from our server Natalie she's by far amazing read more

Footwear motherlode for the Sasquatch footed females among us. 1. All manner of sizes available 2. Amazing service. One of the sales lay wears my same shoe size. She led me through the looking glass to the stock room and introduced me to the wall of hot, sassy shoes in our size. She said, take your pick. Come on back and get whatever you want. 3. Foot accessories including toe rings 4. Nail polish 5. Pedicures Did I mention purses? Come on and get your shoe fix on! read more

I wanted to support a local store so I went here for shoes. I needed to return a pair but they only allow store credit after 7 days, which would have been fine if they had either verbally told me or had the return policy on their receipt. The only sign is one that is on the side of the cash register, which does anyone read? I came at day 9 because this was my first day off of work and couldn't make it to the store during their business hours which don't align with mine. Now I have a paper receipt gift card that I have to keep or lose out on store credit. I do not recommend coming here. read more

This store has really adorable shoes, socks, jewelry, and purses. Really tasteful and on-trend stuff. The customer service was also really nice when I went... friendly, personable, and obviously eager to help. They tried, they really did. But then the lady became decidedly unhelpful, suggesting that I go to the City to find my size because there are more Asians there... plus there are "so many tourists from Asia" that visit the City, so they MUST stock a lot of things in my size... because only Asians have small feet? When the conversation turns to the racial identity of my feet, it stops being helpful and starts looking like microaggression. Is this the 70s? Am I in the Midwest? read more

They have a big selection of shoes, which I prefer to peruse when they are on sale, and therefore price accessible to me ; - ) I've seen their mani/pedi stations in the back, but I've never utilized their services. I prefer to concentrate on the shoes and imagine the outfits that can pair with my discounted finds. *Tip: They tend to have sales when the Rockridge street fairs are on, although many of the sizes do run out quickly since they're a small shop, so move quickly! read more

Tootsies has a phenomenal selection of shoes! There are cute shoes, sophisticated shoes, flirtatious shoes, trendy shoes - so many fabuloulous shoes you might be overwhelmed. You can spend a very long time in this store. Even when it is closed you can spend a long time just admiring everything through the window. Be sure to stop by and take a look if you are going to eat or drink at any of the neighborhood restaurants. (Tootsies is very close to the Rockridge restaurants Oliveto and Pearl and not far from Citron, A Cote and Uzen) read more

I stopped by Tootsies after work one day just browsing. I found a cute pair of boots I wanted to try on. The owner was there and she brought out my size. I have very muscular calves and always have a hard time finding boots that fit. I recently lost 65 pounds and that has been a huge victory for me and I know I look great now. Well the owner had the nerve to say " Well I recently lost 30 pounds and now have no trouble finding boots that fit, maybe you should lose 35 pounds." After that comment I got up and just walked out. If the owner acts like a teenage biotch then don't be shocked or surprised by the way her employees act. I won't be going to that store ever again. read more

I'm a fan of Tootsies. It's the first place I think of if I need a pair of shoes. They have a vast collection sorted by color, which I really like. I don't think I've bought shoes anywhere else for a long time. I also appreciate their range of prices from quite reasonable to very high. I like that you can be in a range of needs or categories and still find something appropriate at Tootsies. I give them four stars instead of five only because I have found the customer service to be inconsistent. Sometimes it's great and friendly, but more than once I've had the experience of being served by someone who seems clueless and lackadaisical. The last time I was in, I wondered if the sales associate was stoned. The store is pretty, welcoming, and accessible, and you can also get pedicures at Tootsies. I had one about a year ago, and the pedicurist was gentle and seemed to use much gentler products that The Beauty Center in Montclair, which is the other place I frequent. My feet and toes looked and felt as good as when the harsh chemicals are used. I noted and appreciated that. read more

I love the collection of styles they have at Tootsies. Lots of awesome flats and lower heels that are comfy but also super interesting, colorful and hip. Staff are helpful, friendly and care about helping you find the right style and fit for you. read more

Rating only "Nail Salon"... I was in the Rockridge area & yelped nail shops bcs I was in desperate need for a pedi & didn't want to make an extra trip...I was a little confused walking in because I only saw it to be a shoe store (knew there was a shoe store there from the handful of comments I read on my cell, but imagined they were either separated or there would be signage.) After FINALLY speaking with an employee (owner?) and asking if I had the right address for a pedicure I was told there was Nobody there that could do it today (even though web indicates that appointments are not necessary ) with No Apology, No Explanation, No Information, No offered future appointment...thought she was discourteous & definitely didn't engage in good business practice read more

I came in to buy a pair of rainboots after that horrendous week of super cold weather and rain! (Oh hmm, why does that sound so familiar...oh yeah, probably because it happens, I don't know, in just about EVERY WINTER.) Anyway, I'm a student at Cal living in Rockridge atm, so I try to commute to school by bike when I can since it's faster than the bus. Unfortunately, the canvas sneakers I usually wear to ride my bike didn't really hold up so well in the rain. It didn't take long for me to realize that 40 degree weather + rain + canvas shoes = cold so severe you can't feel your toes anymore, leaving you wondering if you're walking on two stumps for feet (like a peg-legged pirate, or something). Caught off guard by my total lack of appropriate footwear, I headed to Tootsies since I had remembered seeing Hunter and Tretorn rain boots in the storefront. First off, kudos to them for carrying Hunter and Tretorn. Rainboots that don't have ridiculous, garish prints on them are exactly what I want. I mean, really, I want to know why a little precipitation makes it acceptable for people to walk out of the house looking like they've plastered a whole deluxe set of Lisa Frank stickers on their boots. You wouldn't do it in dry weather, so you shouldn't do it in the rain. Like smoking crack. Wait, what? Secondly, they were priced the same as Zappos. Yes, I checked online before going to Tootsies. I pondered purchasing them from Zappos, but ended up going to the store. Why, you ask? Because -- third point -- the customer service at Tootsies was really great! I was helped by this girl with curly blond hair (if you're reading this, sorry I didn't catch your name! But you were really nice!). She never made it seem like it was some onerous burden to grab different shoes and sizes for me from the back, even though I tried on like four different pairs of boots. I even got to try on the Hunter fleece wellies socks! (Socks. You get to try on special SOCKS.) I genuinely felt like she was very glad to help, and she had great suggestions for me on the fit of the boots. I really enjoyed my shopping experience. This is why I prefer shopping in-person when I have opportunities like this: being able to get real help is a big plus when that help is friendly and useful. I think you'll find that here (or at least when she and her colleague are working). P.S. Apparently they will match the price of other sellers, should you find another store with a lower price for the same shoes. read more

Let's applaud the founder of Tootsies for coming up with a brilliant idea--pedicure and shoe shopping. Now that is smart. I wandered into Tootsies when looking for a simple manicure. While the manicure took longer than normal, I really enjoyed the store atmosphere and Lynn who did my nails was a lovely and service oriented manicurist. While my finger nails dried I decided to wander the store as I was looking for some new shoes. I found a few great pairs and because the store was having a sale on boots, and I picked out a few things, the owner gave me a deal and threw in the manicure. The store has a nice mix of professional work shoes and glittery, sexy party shoes. This store is a great spot for a weekend outing with friends (pedicure and shopping) or a way to just spend an afternoon doing some light and pleasant shopping. This is the type of small business I really appreciate, and I will definitely come back for more shoes. Highly recommend the service and the products. read more

I agree with some of the other reviewers. Non-existent customer service. Seriously, you SELL shoes! Sell ME shoes, dammit! I've got my wallet open, and all I need is some persuasion. Anyway. The other sucky thing about this place: their shoe selection. It's like they have a whole lot of nothing! I love shoes, but nothing appealed to me at Tootsies. read more

Below is my original review of Tootsies. I went in there more recently and the women working there were very courteous and helpful. Unfortunately, I can't afford new shoes at the moment so would feel like a jerk, sending them back and forth for shoes I'm not going to buy just for the sake of an accurate Yelp review. STILL, you should take the below with a grain of salt; they could have shaped things up considerably since I last shopped there. At the same time, be prepared for their old style of customer service. One thing sure hasn't changed--their shoes are to die for! Tootsies has tons of super-cute shoes displayed very nicely in pleasant lighting with comfortable places to sit while you try things on. However, in most cases the staff is either rude, insincere, or apathetic. I can't tell you how many times I've walked around the store with a display shoe in my hand trying to get the attention of one of the staff, who generally seem put out by having to bring shoes out so a customer can try them on and buy them. In the few instances that I have gotten an employee's attention, they generally don't have my size. (Is 8.5 really that rare a shoe size? I didn't think so. And no, ladies, when I ask for 8 or 8.5, a 7 or a 9 will not work at all.) I do have to say that there was one instance where I got great service and my size was in stock. The salesgirl was friendly, helpful, and generally easy to work with. That was the one time I did buy a pair of shoes from Tootsies. For the most part, though, I've resigned myself to seeing Tootsies as a good place to go for ideas for my next Zappos shopping spree but not necessarily a great place to buy shoes. read more

That manicure lasted for three weeks! It grew out beautifully. I am definitely going back for another shellac manicure!

Sometimes when I'm feeling blue... I walk into Tootsies and forget my troubles. No, really. I think out of the countless times I've been here, only one time did I walk out without a flutter in my tummy due to cute shoe sighting. That one time was weird. Back on topic though. Before I walk into Tootsies, I have to remind myself that I am in control of myself. I tell myself "You are going in just to look". Sometimes it takes a little more pep-talk before I trust myself to walk in aimlessly. When I need something, I know I can find it at Tootsies. They always have the perfect essentials. One time it was black heels. Another time I wanted black boots. Last week I needed a pair of wedges. Tootsies always delivers. They may be a little more pricey than your average shoe store, but Tootsies carries unique, quality stock, and everything just seems to please my palette. Besides, you can find shoes from a wide range of prices. Seriously if I was given the arduous task of picking ten pairs of shoes for myself, I could probably do it in under 10 minutes. If I could hug the shoe buyer for Tootsies, I would. Thank you for having good taste and putting it all in your store. A few years ago I was told that their most popular shoe size was a 9. So, good luck 9's. Also they hold pedicure parties here, which I think is cute! read more

Mmmm. It's like Zappos and Steve Madden had a secret affair and produced a love child name Tootsies! Oakland is certainly not known for having kick-ass shopping-with no mall in our skyline and the department store being next to nil, us uber-urban fashion-hunters rely on small businesses to meet our needs. (Which can be quite an endeavor if you're not sure where to go.) Now enter Tootsies. With more of a shoe selection for the resident just trying to look awesome and relatively in-style on a budget than anywhere within Oakland city limits, a tidy interior, and seriously, like 50 different styles of boots to choose from (not to mention flats, heels, canvas, yummm), Tootsies rocked my world. I found them completely on accident, having headed to College Avenue on a quest for black boots after being shamed for wearing brown ones with a black outfit recently. Tootsies carries Blowfish, RocketDog, Miz Miazza, Steve Madden, Kensie Girl, Sofft, and plenty of other brands for the shoe-lover you keep hidden inside of you. Ooo! And their sizing! I took special note of their selection of Size 11-12 shoes, having lady friends with larger feet who always complain they have to buy online. No complaints here, and definitely coming back next time I'm in need of any sort of shoe-tastic experience. Oh, just a note: boys, there's nothing for you here. Unless you want to get your mom, sister, girlfriend, lady-counterpart, or women's shoe loving best guy friend a gift card for a great pair of shoes. Thanks Tootsies! Glad you're in the 'hood. read more

My favorite place to stop into whenever I'm on College. I may not plan on buying a thing but looking and drooling is a favorite activity of mine. Bonus, if it's not crazy busy the staff will indulge you in trying on everything in the store. They have a great sale section and even the occasional sale on top of that. There's never any pressure to buy but , of course, if I fall in love with something I know it'll be forever. read more

cute shoes, good variety, good brands, decent sales, fun place to get your nails done. Surprisingly had lots to chose from for my small feet. Good for window shopping days. read more

This is my go-to local shoe store... Actually, it's just my plain old go-to shoe store! It's a smaller store, so they often run out of sizes. I haven't gotten pedicures here very much. But, now that I've grown dissatisfied with the Nail Spa down the road... I'll be here next time my toes need some grooming! They also just started carrying my favorite polish line 'Butter London' (for pedicures and for sale). A fab non-toxic polish with great colors. read more

Found the perfect pair of silver strappy heels, and in a pinch! I walked in with the dress still in the dry cleaning bag, and the saleswoman just picked up a shoe and said, "This one!" I did try on a few others, but she nailed it. Didn't have time to do the pedicure, but what a great idea to have both in one store. This is a dangerous place for me to be in. read more

Have to say, have not yet experienced the inferior customer service referenced by other yelpers. Could be that I'm from the east coast, so my bitch-radar is calibrated a bit differently, and everyone who isn't overly hostile seems fine. In any event, the sales here are to die for. And they have lots of larger sizes, for those of you with a size 9 or 10. Plus, who doesn't want to get a pedicure and leave with a new pair of sexy heels? read more

I have been to Tootsies three or four times, and bought shoes there twice. The first pair I bought was a great pair of leather sandals very reminiscent of the sandals my mother used to buy me at the now-defunct shoe store at the corner of LaSalle and Mountain in Montclair every summer. The kind that criss-cross over your toes and wrap firmly around your ankle. I love them! The second pair I bought here was a lovely pair of brown leather and oxblood faux suede knee-high boots. They're by Naturalizer, so they're super comfortable. Score! They are also my only pair of brown shoes. Strange how I seem to be the only person who went years without a single pair of brown shoes... I love that Tootsies has a wide variety of styles to choose from, and I really love that there's also a "small sizes" section (5-5.5). That makes my day! So often I go to shoe stores and they carry nothing below a 6. But where I deduct a star is for customer service. It's not that the service is rude, or that you can't find a salesperson. My issue is that I had to actively seek out the salesperson both times I wanted to try on and later buy a pair of shoes. Show a little more initiative next time, and I'll bump you up to five stars, Tootsies. read more

This is my all-time favorite shoe store, right in Rockridge district! Locally owned, helpful, friendly staff. The shoes I buy here are always the ones I love most, and I get so many compliments on them and am so often asked where I got my shoes that I should really start carrying Tootsie business cards ... Just yesterday I went in to pick up a second pair of Yellow Box flip flops ($40) for a friend in Switzerland. She saw mine and wanted them. Of course, I saw some other killer shoes I had to get for myself ... They were pricey ($134), but I'd rather have one pair of shoes I love to death than 2 or 3 pairs I don't really like that much. read more

I always find something cute! I can't help myself when it comes to shoes so, I buy them! I don't go here often but when I walk by, I can't resist the store. read more

Not only does Tootsies stock a wide selection of gorgeous shoes, they carry comfortable, stylish brands for everyday wear like Miz Mooz, Gentle Souls, Splendid, Camper, Frye, etc., AND the owner is a good person. I bought a pair of black platform sandals that I fell in love, but when I got them home they just didn't go with any of my work clothes. I couldn't get back to the store immediately for work reasons, and when I finally did, even though I was a little out of bounds of the return policy, the owner gave me full store credit and took the shoes back. Truly amazing customer service, reminds me why shopping local boutiques is so much better than big department stores! Love this store will get all my shoes here. read more

I would LOVE to LOVE this store... but I dont. It IS a really cool shoe store with a great assortment of shoes. In general the shoes tend to run more on the fashionable, hip, feminine, dressy to casual side and they have a large selection to choose from. If you are a chick who loves shoes... this store is a must. That is..... if you dont have small feet like I do. Their selection of size 5 shoes S U C K S. There is one tiny little corner of a shelf that displays the whole selection of anywhere from three to ten pair of shoes that are in size 5, and they are all HIDEOUS. I even peek over at the kids selection from time to time just to see if there is anything available that is not all pink and glittery... no luck yet. This is a shame and a bit of bad luck for me. I am always hopeful that *maybe*, just *maybe* this next time I go in they will have ONE PAIR of cute size 5 shoes... but they havent yet. I LOVE their shoes and would be a frequent customer if they actually carried my size. read more

Yum, tootsies is just YUM! I love shoes, all shoes and Tootsies is like my own little slice of heaven. I am never in control of myself in there because their selection is just too good. With a lot of shoe stores I have noticed that there is a lack of really unique, never seen before shoes that will make me stand out. Tootsies ALWAYS stocks the hard to find, adorable and truly unique shoes you just don't see most other places. I love brands like Seychelles and am always so happy that they stock a good selection. And somehow, maybe I am just really lucky?, but they always seem to have my oh so popular 8.5/9 shoes size. As for the customer service thing other posters have mentioned I haven't really noticed it. It drives me a little nuts when salespeople follow me around and try to convince me to buy the shows I am trying on so I like that they give me a little space. A girl sometimes just needs to have a moment alone with the shoes! Anyway, there has always been someone eager to ring me up and very pleasant. Again, maybe I am lucky? Overall, Tootsies is great. I haven't tried them for a pedi but maybe that will be next on my list. read more

Best selection of fashion socks in Oakland. Extremely helpful and knowledgable sales gal helped me. Customer service was above par. read more

stopped by on my way home after my poor feet took a beating wearing heels all day. I was just going to grab a pair of flats and be on my way, but the associate working there took the time to explain the different types and which are popular with customers. I bought a pair of Bernie Mev flats... at first I thought it was a little pricey, but I went ahead and got them... These shoes are very well made. I am making this my main flat shoe now. Thanks for your help and when I need shoes, I'll come back :) read more

As another customer stated, this is a must see every time I walk this section of college. It has become a must-stop every time I go to Trader Joe's, Market Hall, the hardware store, the therapist. It is definitely retail therapy for me and my daughter, whether we window shop, try on new or on-sale shoes, explore the animated socks (and pick up a new pair for my son's collection). I love this place. They've also been super helpful in getting my size whether it's from a different store or through a new order. It does tend to get busy at times and you have to wait to get your shoes; luckily my feet are a 6.5 or 7 and many of the pairs on display are around that size. Keep up the good work, and the awesome, well-priced shoes. read more

I purchased some flats here and thought that the woman who sold me the shoes told me that if they didn't work out, I could return them. I wore them once and realized that they were really uncomfortable (they were woven elasticized something or other). I probably did walk out on my porch in them. When I took them back another woman said told me I could not return them because I had worn them. "How am I supposed to see if they are comfortable if I don't wear them?" She just replied that since I had worn them (they were not damaged) she could not resell them. Don't believe that you can return shoes to this place and, even better, don't shop there. read more

Autumn W.'s review, FUNNY! what does gives you the right to be sooo snooty ? We witnessed the owner and one of the girls get into an argument about something someone didn't do. My girlfriends and I were horified! I mean show some sophistication! The one star is because they do have a decent selection and the minus 4 is because of the non-existent customer service. You really don't exist until you want to try something on. There was one time during Lunch I stopped in and 2 girls were doing each other nails and the other was trying on shoes. I was the only customer and not one of them had the decency to say ' hello'. Mean people do exist in Rockridge, you just have to go to Tootsies ( oh and now Crush! ) to meet them all. read more

I like their shoe selection, especially when there is a sale, but I have not yet bought a pair of shoes here. My review is primarily for the nail salon portion of the store, which is lacking in some amenities. The chairs are simple wooden chairs with seat cushions rather than the cushy massage chairs that most salons use these days. Similarly, you soak your feet in a hot tub of water that the aesthetician has to fill up and carry over to the station, which means the temperature is unpredictable and hard to adjust. My friend's feet didn't quite reach the bath, and she had to point that out before an extra stool was placed under the tub (with some difficulty as the aesthetician tried not to spill the tub while doing so) to boost it up to her level. My aesthetician clipped my nails hastily and consequently a little too short, and the the foot massage was a quick wham, bam, thank you ma'am. Overall, service was cursory and not very enjoyable. With all the great nail salons in the area (soooo many on Grand Ave!), I would not return here for a pedicure especially for the price. read more