I’ve been on a project to discover the best pair of shoes extra times than I can count number—whether or not it’s shoes for my each day walks or boots to continue to exist a rainy Seattle wintry weather. Two shops continually seem to pop up in my seek: Rack Room Shoes and Famous Footwear. Both have their fans, however which one’s absolutely worth your money and time? I’ve spent hours wandering their aisles (and websites), so permit’s damage it down—choice, charges, shopping experience, rewards, and greater. By the end, you’ll have a clean concept of which shop’s your nice bet for that subsequent pair.
Meet the Shoe Stores
Before we dive in, let’s get the lay of the land with these two retailers.
Rack Room Shoes: The Deal-Driven Family Stop
Rack Room Shoes started as a small shop in North Carolina back in 1920 and has grown to over 500 stores across the U.S. It’s the kind of place you hit up when you need shoes for everyone—yourself, your picky teenager, and your toddler who destroys sneakers in a week. Their big claim to fame? The “Buy One, Get One 50% Off” deal that’s basically a religion for bargain hunters like me. They carry brands like Nike, Skechers, and their own in-house lines for folks who want style without breaking the bank.
Famous Footwear: The Variety King
Famous Footwear, part of the Caleres crew, runs close to 1,000 stores and feels like a shoe wonderland. They’ve got everything from Converse high-tops to Birkenstock sandals, plus some exclusive styles you won’t spot elsewhere. It’s the spot for people who love options or need something specific, like wide-fit running shoes. Their sales and rewards program are a big draw, too, which I’ll dig into later.
Now, let’s see how these two stack up when you’re ready to shop.
Shoe Selection: Who’s Got What You Need?
When I’m shoe purchasing, I need options that in shape my vibe—whether or not that’s a graceful pair of strolling footwear or something dressy for a chum’s wedding ceremony.
What Rack Room Shoes Brings to the Table
Rack Room keeps their choice tight however smart, like a playlist you’d honestly concentrate to all of the manner thru. Here’s what you’ll discover:
- Athletic Shoes: Brands like Adidas, Puma, and New Balance for exercises or just looking cool even as grabbing espresso.
- Casual and Dressy Picks: Think loafers for work or ankle boots for fall date nights.
- Kids’ Gear: Durable sneakers for school or sandals for summer camp.
- In-House Brands: Their lines like Lil’ Bit (for kids) or Off the Wall offer trendy looks at lower prices.
Last spring, I swung by a Rack Room and scored a pair of Nike Flex runners for $80 and a pair of kids’ sandals for my nephew at half-off. Their stock isn’t overwhelming, which I like—less time browsing, more time wearing.
Famous Footwear’s Lineup
Famous Footwear is like walking into a shoe buffet. They’ve got so many brands it can almost give you decision fatigue, but in a good way. Expect:
- Big Brands: Vans, ASICS, Crocs, and more, with a wider range than Rack Room.
- Exclusive Styles: They often have special editions, like a funky Skechers collab or Dr. Scholl’s slip-ons you can’t get anywhere else.
- Wide Sizing: They cater to narrow, wide, and extended sizes, which is a lifesaver if your feet don’t fit the standard mold.
- Kids’ Favorites: From Frozen-themed sneakers to light-up Spidey shoes.
A few months back, I hunted down a pair of Birkenstock Arizonas at Famous Footwear for $110 after they were sold out everywhere else. If you’re after something specific or love chasing limited-edition drops, they’ve got you covered.
The Winner? Famous Footwear takes it for variety and those exclusive finds, but Rack Room’s curated selection is great if you want to get in and out without overthinking it.
Pricing: Who Saves You More Cash?
Shoes aren’t cheap, so I’m always looking for ways to stretch my budget. Both stores promise deals, but they’ve got different playbooks.
Rack Room Shoes’ Price Game
Rack Room’s BOGO 50% Off deal is their bread and butter. It’s not just a seasonal thing—it’s pretty much always running, which is a godsend when I’m buying for me and my kids. For example:
- I grabbed a $90 pair of Under Armour sneakers and a $60 pair of kids’ Converse for $30.
- Their clearance racks are goldmines—think $25 boots or $15 flip-flops after the season ends.
They also throw in 10% off for military, teachers, and students, which I’ve used a few times. Their in-house brands are a steal, too—like a $45 pair of faux-suede booties I wore all last winter.
Famous Footwear’s Bargains
Famous Footwear loves a good sale. They’re always slashing prices, especially around back-to-school or holiday seasons. Here’s how it shakes out:
- Clearance Deals: I’ve snagged $20 Adidas slides and $30 kids’ sneakers during their big sales.
- Online-Only Discounts: Their website often has extra promos, like 15% off your whole order or free shipping for rewards members.
- BOGO Half-Price: They run these deals too, but they’re not as constant as Rack Room’s.
A buddy of mine raves about their app, where he found a $100 pair of Brooks running shoes for $60 during a flash sale. If you’re patient and time your purchase right, you can score big.
The Winner? Rack Room’s BOGO deal is hard to beat for consistent savings, but Famous Footwear’s sales can be a goldmine if you catch them at the right moment.
Shopping Experience: In-Store vs. Online
Whether I’m trying on shoes in-store or browsing online at midnight, the shopping experience can make or break my mood.
Hitting the Stores
- Rack Room Shoes: Their stores feel cozy, with neatly organized racks split by men’s, women’s, and kids’ sections. The staff’s usually awesome—one time, an employee helped me find the perfect inserts for my flat feet. Smaller locations can feel a bit tight, and stock varies, so call ahead if you’re after something specific.
- Famous Footwear: Their stores are bigger, with wide aisles and bright lights. It’s easy to navigate, but it can get hectic on weekends. I love their in-store pickup option for online orders—saved me when I needed shoes for a last-minute trip.
Shopping Online
- Rack Room Shoes: Their website’s no-nonsense—filter by size, brand, or style, and deals are front and center. Free shipping starts at $65, and returns are easy (free in-store, small fee by mail). I like that they show nearby store stock online.
- Famous Footwear: Their site’s a bit fancier, with customer reviews and detailed fit guides. Their app is clutch for browsing on my phone, and rewards members often get free shipping. I once found a pair of sold-out Vans online and had them shipped to my local store.
The Winner? Famous Footwear’s online setup feels a touch smoother, but Rack Room’s in-store staff make you feel like family.
Rewards Programs: Who’s Got the Better Perks?
I’m all about loyalty programs—those little bonuses add up when you’re a shoe addict like me.
Rack Room Rewards
Rack Room’s program is super straightforward:
- 1 point per $1 spent.
- Hit 200 points, get a $15 reward certificate.
- Toss in birthday discounts and exclusive sales.
- Points stay alive if you shop once every two years.
I used a $15 reward to shave some cash off a pair of winter boots last year, which felt like a nice pat on the back.
Famous Footwear Rewards
Famous Footwear’s program has more bells and whistles:
- 1 point per $1, with 100 points equaling a $5 reward (up to $25).
- Gold and Platinum Tiers: Spend more, get perks like free shipping, bonus point days, and early sale access.
- Birthday and anniversary deals—I got $10 off during my birthday month.
- Their app makes it easy to track points and snag rewards.
The Winner? Famous Footwear’s tiered system is great for frequent shoppers, but Rack Room’s simplicity wins for casual buyers.
Returns and Customer Service: Who’s Got Your Back?
Nothing’s worse than shoes that don’t fit and a hassle to return them. Here’s how they compare.
- Rack Room Shoes: You’ve got 30 days to return unworn shoes with a receipt. In-store returns are free, and mail returns have a small fee. Their customer service is solid—I swapped out a pair of too-tight sneakers in-store without a hitch.
- Famous Footwear: Also 30 days for unworn shoes. Rewards members get free returns, and their team’s great about exchanges. I returned a pair of sandals that pinched my toes last summer, and it was painless.
The Winner? Famous Footwear’s free returns for rewards members give it a slight edge, but both are pretty dependable.
So, Which One Should You Choose?
Here’s the deal:
- Go with Rack Room Shoes if: You’re all about that BOGO life, want a friendly in-store experience, or need shoes for the whole family on a budget. It’s my pick when I’m grabbing pairs for me and my kids in one go.
- Go with Famous Footwear if: You love variety, exclusive styles, or want to stack rewards with sales. It’s perfect for online shoppers or anyone hunting for something specific.
Wrapping It Up
Rack Room Shoes and Famous Footwear both bring their A-game to the shoe world. Rack Room’s killer BOGO deals and warm in-store vibe make it a go-to for quick, budget-friendly shopping. Famous Footwear, with its endless brands and slick rewards, is a haven for deal hunters and style chasers. Honestly, I’d say give both a shot—pop into Rack Room for a fast deal or browse Famous Footwear for that one-of-a-kind pair. Wherever you go, you’re walking away with something great.
