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Alamo Shoes
Categories: Shopping Fashion Shoe Stores Shopping Fashion Children's Clothing Shoe Stores, Children's Clothing [Edit]
5321 N Clark St(between Berwyn Ave & Summerdale Ave)
Chicago, IL 60640
Neighborhoods: Andersonville, Edgewater
(773) 784-8936
- Hours:
Mon-Fri 9 am - 8 pm
Sat 9 am - 6 pm
Sun 10 am - 6 pm
- Price Range:
-
$$
- Accepts Credit Cards:
- Yes
- Parking:
- Private Lot
- Wheelchair Accessible:
- Yes
105 reviews for Alamo Shoes
Review Highlights
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"They have free parking across the street." In 5 reviews -
"Recently, I bought a pair of Kenneth Coles." In 6 reviews -
"Quirky sales people, but knowledgable." In 7 reviews
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105 reviews in English
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Review from janice m.
Chicago, IL
3/3/2012
Yay Alamo Shoes! I love this place....they always have the shoes I need for work, they have great sales and often, they have free parking, great helpful sales people and decent prices to begin with. I have been going here for 10 years now and have never been disappointed and always walk away with at least one more pair of shoes than I needed...lol... All in all I am a loyal patron and will always be back!
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Review from Kyle A.
Chicago, IL
1/10/2012
I don't know what the rest are on about, but I didn't find the salesmen overly pushy at all. I walked in and he politely asked "Hello sir. What can I help you with today?" When I told him that I was just browsing around for the moment, he said "No problem. Take your time." Another customer walked in right after me and the same thing. No pressure. About 5-10 minutes pass and the clerk sees that I am looking at specific sizes and asks if he can look for a particular size in the back. I try a couple pairs of dress shoes with him and that's it. I also ask him to help me find a matching belt. He obliges no problem. Absolutely no issues with the salesmen at all.
The selection however, leaves something to be desired. I was in a pinch for a pair of shoes and I got lucky. I found one pair that I liked. The quality of shoes are low to low-mid range. Nothing fancy here. I thought that they were priced fairly. -
Review from G C.
Chicago, IL
4/23/2012
I had a decent experience with Alamo last year - very old school, feels like you're in the 1950s, it was kind of cool.
Tonight I had to get a pair of sandals for a beach vacation and went to the store at 7:50pm. They close at 8pm. As soon as I walked up, the doors were locked but there were still people in there. I knocked on the door and an older man came to the door and said, "We are closed." I said, nicely, "it's not 8 yet. I just need 5 minutes." He kept saying we are closed, the lights are off (they weren't). He then said, "it's 8 oclock by my clock," then shut the door in my face when I was in mid sentence.
Needless to say, he lost a customer. Heed warning, friends. -
Review from Tyler C.
Chicago, IL
11/17/2011
Yes, they are old school - they've been around for more than 30 years! There's a reason for that longevity. They know shoes! What do you get when you go to Alamo?
Great shoes, excellent sales people who know their stuff and guess what -- layaway. (very dangerous) Prices are fair - maybe more expensive than a big box store - but I would rather go to Alamo knowing I'm getting a quality pair of shoes and feel good about my purchase.
Thanks! I'll be back! -
Review from Bob L.
Chicago, IL
3/26/2012
I needed proper fitting for medical reasons and my salesperson, Richard J., was familiar with my condition and had a suggestion that met my needs to a T. Top notch knowledgeable service and friendly without feeling pressured. Very nice selection and free parking across the street. Will be back and recommend without reservations.
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Review from Rochelle C.
Chicago, IL
2/12/2012
What a horrible experience Alamo was. The sales woman with the chin length black hair and black glasses tried to compare my toddlers current shoes with the ones she wanted us to buy - she held them back to back, covered the heels with her hands, and said, "See the one we have is a good 1/2 inch bigger - which is what you toddler needs." (both of the shoes were a size 6) I ask for the shoes and compared them and they were the same length - it was obvious that she had pushed the shoe she wanted us to get up with her hand when she was holding them together for comparison.
This is just one unscrupulous sales tactic that they tried to use on us when we were there. The sales people are not helpful - they are only concerned with making a sale. AND they have horrible customer service on top of it all. They're just not respectful. I have no idea why anyone would be a repeat customer. -
Review from Caroline M.
Chicago, IL
5/11/2011
I make an annual trip here to buy my shoes for work. They are $$$ but SO worth it.
Kind of a silly side note, but I recommend buying socks here. I spend my entire shift on my feet, so I really try to buy quality shoes AND socks. Again, the socks here aren't cheap, but I feel it's worth the splurge because they are so soft and cushion-y. My feet never hurt anymore which is wonderful!
Aside from boring work shoes, they have some totally fab boots, flats, heels, etc. And the prices aren't too bad at all. Believe me, you won't leave this store empty handed.
And, if you're crafty like me, you can totally make a day of it by starting at M Henry, buying shoes at Alamo, and then finishing up at Foursided. Taking care of business, while mixing in a little bit of pleasure! -
Review from Chitown D.
Chicago, IL
4/5/2011
I really tried to like this place, but I just cannot. Bought some socks here for my husband and he didn't like a pair, so I wanted to return them. I went back the same week with the receipt and unworn socks and the people were just nasty and displeased to say the least.
It is SO important to support independently owned stored, even if it means paying more, but I'd really rather go anywhere else. They do have a parking lot if you're driving, so they get two stars instead of one, which is probably what they deserve. -
Review from Noel D.
Cambridge, MA
1/2/2012
Great Experience! My mom bought me a pair of Clark's boots on Amazon through Alamo, which were too big. I happened to be in the neighborhood over the holidays and stopped into the store. An incredibly helpful salesman had me in a better fitting pair in a couple minutes, despite the store being very busy. They took me to the cashier, moved my receipt from the old box to the new box, wished me a happy new year, and that was it. Couldn't have been more helpful. And the deal I got on these shoes on Amazon was incredible. I felt like I was stealing them.
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Review from Christine F.
Chicago, IL
8/9/2011 1 Check-in Here
My dad's sandals decided to explode during my parents trip to Chicago, so we went to Alamo to get him another pair.
We were greeted at the door by a super nice employee who immediately started to show my dad the sandal selection. My dad liked the second pair he tried on, BAM.
THOSE SANDALS WERE PURCHASED, SUCKAHS.
Everyone in here is super helpful and it was an easy in and out experience. -
Review from Jaime J.
Los Angeles, CA
12/27/2011
Would give a zero if I could.
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Review from Kendrah R.
Philadelphia, PA
6/16/2011
They sell expensive shoes. Don't go here if you are looking for a bargain. Go here if you are looking for comfort shoe brands like Tsubo, Ecco, Dansko, Reiker. These shoes are never cheap anywhere.
Alamo has the best selection of comfort shoes of any store I have been to in Chicago. Way better than Hanigs, better than Nordstrom, better than that Evanston walking shoe store that I can't remember the name of.
Bruce is the shoe sales person to ask for. (Or seek him out yourself: a petite Asian guy with beautiful long hair.) He will work hard to find a shoe that fits your foot and won't pressure you into a buy like many of the other salesmen at Alamo. The rest of the sales people there do have a kind of used-car-salesman vibe.
I love supporting an indie shoe store. They have free parking across the street. And they always let me come in and shop with my dog. -
Review from Maria W.
Chicago, IL
1/2/2012
I love the shoes, hate the attitude.
When I walked into this place there were five cranky guys waiting around the front door to jump on the next customer walking in. I was with a friend so one guy jumped on her and then asked me want I needed. I said nothing right now, let me look first (my goodness). When my friend picked out a shoe the sales guy almost refused to get her a pair to try on, he wanted her to try on a pair he picked out or get rid of.
I felt we were buying a car and not a pair of shoes.
I have an easy solution, skip this place and buy the same brand online (probably http://zappos.com) - you will save money for sure. -
Review from Ginger W.
Chicago, IL
12/22/2011
Alamo does have some spiffy shoes but I have stopped going there because when I walk in the door, it's like walking into a lion's den.
I feel like I'm going to be eaten alive by one or more of the salesmen. (And I've only seen male sales staff there). Very pushy -- an unnerving experience and I've actually bought shoes there I didn't really want to buy just so the salesperson wouldn't get annoyed with me. (OK, I admit it - I'm a wimp). -
Review from Steph M.
Chicago, IL
11/27/2010
My boyfriend and I used to shop here occasionally; we've bought a handful of pricey shoes between the two of us. Bruce is the nicest salesperson there, and I'm sad that we won't be giving him any more of our business.
When I spotted some gorgeous Frye boots at Nordstrom about a month ago, I thought, "Oh, I'll give Alamo the business instead." The manager Richard, who I spoke to over e-mail, seemed nice enough, offered a nice (unexpected!) discount, and ordered the boots I wanted when I put down a deposit. He said something snarky to another customer when I was at the counter, and the deposit he requested in person was higher than the one he suggested online, but I didn't think much of it.
A week later, I get a call that the boots have arrived, but when I opened the box to try them on, they were in the wrong color. The ladies behind the counter tell me that Richard will call back to get the situation sorted out. He doesn't, so I go in a couple of days later and ask if he could give me a call back to talk about re-ordering the boots in the correct color. He doesn't. A few days later, I get a call saying my boots have arrived, which is odd as I never requested them or talked to Richard again...
So I go in, and not only are the boots in the wrong color AGAIN, but the woman behind the counter snarls at me that they will not order them again because I've already "lost them money." She was incredibly defensive, never leveled with me, and wouldn't acknowledge that I hadn't asked her to order the boots a second time.
I found nicer Fryes on http://endless.com for less. I won't go back and reward such lousy customer service. (Though at least they gave me my deposit back--it only took them 12 days.) -
Review from Lacy C.
Chicago, IL
12/10/2011
Great shoes. Prices aren't a steal -this is no DSW- but they are fair. The quality here is great. And the service is super nice.
In fact, last time I was in here looking at some boots, the salesman suggested a pair and brought them over. I had seen them on display and passed on them, but tried them on since he brought them in my size - SALE MADE! Smart service, great unique shoes. Woot, Alamo! -
Review from Nora D.
Cook, IL
3/10/2012
amidst the old guys that have worked here since the 70's, there is a gem named Lea - young,energetic, knowledgeable gal who seriously seemed to care about me and my feet. Ask for her next time you go!
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Review from Polly C.
5/22/2011 1 Check-in Here
Alamo, you are so endearing with your old school ways. The store itself is a good size, carrying all the essential brands to pitter patter through Chicago terrain. There's even a kids section of shoes where I saw a salesperson blow up balloons for his young clients. Too cute!
I ordered a pair of sneakers from Alamo's online distributor but unfortunately, they didn't quite fit right. I called Alamo to ask if I could possibly come into the store to exchange the size (thus avoiding shipping and restocking fees). They said sure.
The person helping me with the exchange was super nice and accommodating (woman, red hair). I had no issues or problems and would purchase shoes from this store again. They have free parking across the street and are near the Swedish Bakery, which is worth a pit stop. Yay, Alamo! -
Review from Jack P.
1/11/2012
I go to Alamo once every 15 years or so, whether I need to or not. Why? Because A) I don't keep a large inventory of footwear at home and B) I prefer to buy good quality shoes and boots and keep them until they fall apart. I just had another successful spree of buying one pair of shoes there. I like that it's an old school neighborhood business, that they have salespeople who are helpful but not too pushy, and that they've narrowed down the choices before you get there. At least for men, they have good quality brands like Timberland, Keene, Mephisto, Bass and Clark's, just to name a few. And prices are not significantly higher than a DSW. I've compared. I can honestly say over the years that I've gotten good quality products here, and that old-timey kind of service that is really refreshing once in awhile. And how much fun is it to be all queer about a new pair of shoes? Mine are so comfy, I wanted to wear them to bed.
Listed in: Hooray for The Little Guy!
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Review from Alison H.
Chicago, IL
4/4/2011
I'm a fan of Alamo shoes for two reasons:
1. They carry women's size 12 and if they don't have a pair in stock, they'll order them for me.
2. Bruce -
Review from Carolynne M.
Chicago, IL
1/11/2008
In case you are not familiar, Alamo has a parking lot across the street that you must use a token (obtained from the store) in order to be able to exit. That's fine with me, hey, parking in A-Ville is in short supply.
But what is NOT COOL is what happened the day I made a specific trip just to visit this store during an advertised sale. I parked in the lot and first made a quick trip into the Einstein Bagels next door for a coffee. I come in to Alamo, spent over 20 minutes looking, but dont see anything I like (note: Alamo's style tends to run along the lines of those earthy-crunchy Dansko & Merrill type shoes - definitely NOT anything chic or dressy). I went up to the counter and asked for a token. The girl flings one at me and then said quite loudly to her co-worker as I am walking away "Well, I am certainly glad at least EINSTEIN got some business today!"
Um, OK then. So from now on you wont be getting any potential business from me then either. I like supporting neighborhood businesses as much as the next guy, but at least hire some salespeople with tact and class. yikes.Listed in: Hello Mr. Anderson-ville, Kill Me Now
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Review from John B.
12/5/2009
I hate shopping for shoes. Truth be told, I'm not a fan of shopping in general. But shoes are the enemy. I realize for some of you, this is the equivalent of saying I believe in flying saucers or Creationism. No matter.
Part of the problem is that I have funky shaped feet. They're short but wide, less feet than pods. I'm also kind of cheap, especially when it comes to shoes. So my strategy is generally to dash into DSW, grab the first pair of shoes that fit me and don't look like something a clown would wear, and go. Now of course, that is exactly the wrong thing to do. Since I have funky feet, and since I know nothing about shoes (because I hate the shopping, remember?), I need a professional to work with me on finding the right pair. But as I try on shoe after shoe, like some aging Cinderella, I get more and more cranky and frustrated, until I want to run out of the store.
Enter Alamo. And in the role of pusher, my shoe junkie friend. She loves to buy shoes, and loves to drag me into Alamo with her. I frump around while she does her shopping, anxious to leave. Well, last night her eye was caught by some Bogs. While she was shopping, I looked at some men's shoes, bored as ever. The Bogs were very cool, though, and I mentioned I hated all my boots (i.e. two pair). That was enough to set her on a mission to get me into some new boots. And she would not be denied.
Well let me tell you, the salesman at Alamo, whose name I neglected to get (of course), was as kind and gentle as a groom deflowering his virgin bride on her wedding night. He brought out some men's Bogs, which would have been perfect for someone with less funky feet. They were wide enough, and comfortable, but made me feel like I was in foot prison. We talked about what I wanted and hated in boots, and off he scurried, only to return with an armful of boots in a variety of shapes and sizes. There was no hard sell, and he was happy to take his time and respect my concerns. Granted, he already had my friend's sale under his belt, so I was just gravy, but still. Need I say that I left with a pair of boots that cost three times what I've ever spent on boots before. But they're so comfortable that I'm wearing them now.
There are plenty of sharks at Alamo. While I was browsing, one salesman checked out my shoes and said, "I can put you in a new pair of Reeboks for only $34.95!" This in place of something like, "Hello sir, how are you tonight?" Despite that, Alamo is a throwback to a time when service meant something. When I got home, I found that I could have bought these same shoes online for a few bucks less -- not enough to make a real difference. But without the help of that salesman, I would never have found them at all. -
Review from Jade T.
1/24/2009
Alamo Shoes was the eBay seller of my super affordable rain boots. Instead of paying for shipping, I decided to pick them up at their store. (I had to pay a sales tax, but it cost less than the shipping charges.)
I knew Alamo Shoes sold winter boots after seeing their advertisements in the Tribune. My boyfriend also needed a pair of winter boots, but had been reluctant to buy them. He used the "I'm from Pennsylvania and never wore boots during the winter" excuse. He didn't want to pay much for shoes that he wouldn't wear often. I had him accompany me to Alamo Shoes just to browse. Immediately we found a pair of basic, but warm boots by Totes for $29.99. You can't beat that!
For a small neighborhood shoe store, Alamo Shoes' selection is good. However, if you are looking for trendier shoes, then I recommend taking a trip to Old Orchard or downtown. The sales associates can be aggressive here, but it's bearable. Stick to your "shoe objective" and you should be fine. -
Review from Erika G.
Updated - 5/30/2009
Okay, I can update my Alamo review with a Fit Flop review.
So, I got a pair of these new Fit Flops 'cos they're supposed to tone your butt and legs while you walk. And walk I do, all the time. I'm figuring I might as well get some extra butt benefit out of it.
Now I'm sort of angsting about them maybe being the New Crocs? But no, they are sportif, not ugly. I opted for the red FFs, to match my (usually) classic red pedicure. And yeah, they're flip flops, sorta, but I think they are substantial enough to wear outside, actually in public.
The guy at Alamo was really helpful. Usually I eschew the onslaught of the commission-earning shoe sales guys at this place, but this guy was great. Made sure I got the right size, and told me anecdotes about his daughter and how much she loved her FFs. Okay, sold!
It's gonna be a great summer for my butt.1 Previous Review: Show all »
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1/16/2006
A bit pricey, but all their shoes are well made, and they have a lot of unusual European styles.… Read more »
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Review from Mary T.
3/21/2010
Remember the Alamo?!
Yeah, ok me either, but you should remember this place. I am a huge fan of shopping online, it's not that I don't want to support the brick and mortar, I just like to find a deal without traipsing all over town. Alamo Shoes has changed me, at least a little bit.
I haven't been in a shoe store like this since my single digit days of shopping at Wagner's Shoe Corral and Gotskind's in River Forest. These people know their shoes and what constitutes a proper fit. I wandered in after brunch up the street intending just to browse, certainly not expecting to leave with 2 new pairs of shoes.
The gentleman who helped me was very nice, attentive and thorough. I ended up trying on a pair of Merrell mary janes and Ecco ballet flats, and ended up bringing them both home with me. I felt like a little kid when he insisted I put my foot on his leg, whipped out the shoe horn and placed the shoes on my feet. Ok that may have sounded a little dirty/creepy, but it totally wasn't I assure you.
I have very flat and narrow feet, and some other issues that make finding shoes that fit properly increasingly difficult. He didn't just want to know how they felt, he wanted to see how the shoes fit when I walked in them. After taking a few steps in the flats, he inserted heel pads into the flats so that I wouldn't walk out of them - his first solution for improving the fit aggravated another foot issue I have. He also noticed the shoes I wore in and made some adjustments to improve the fit of those, noting that they now come in a narrow version, which I will look for when I am ready to replace them.
Alamo carries higher quality shoes (Dansko, Ecco, Clarks, etc.) and has quite the selection. They're not cheap, but I never felt like I was getting the hard sell and truthfully, if I am going to spend a hefty chunk of change on shoes, I want them to fit right.
TIP: Keep your receipt, it may earn you a discount off your next purchase.
TIP: They have a lot across the street if you need parking. -
Review from Katarina X.
Chicago, IL
1/10/2008
It's rare that I can take Boyfriend shopping without some kind of large stick in hand to force him into shop doors by threat of beating.
I mean, I adore that he kinda looks like Johnny Depp, but sad he insists on dressing like a ragged hobo- which is, come to think of it, a lot like Mr. Depp....
Anyhow, the service here is without compare, as they pried the smelly, dirty, falling apart workboots from boyfriend's feet and got him into a pair of beautiful dark-brown leather Tsubo shoes (complete with nubby acupressure points built into the soles) that can go out anywhere- and genuinely suit his style.
I mean, the newfound style...
Not the one that was held together by duct-tape.
What I mean is: We will be back! Without threat of violence!
Alamo Shoes- We LOVE and NEED you!Listed in: Boy Shopping
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Review from f d.
Chicago, IL
7/5/2008
Nobody has made the comparison to that of a used car lot. The sales-people are tasteless vultures that come on hard if they think you're a buyer and snub you if they suspect you're "just looking".
I once wandered around the store after parking in the lot and even tried on a few pair of shoes. Nothing suited me that day so I went to the cashier to get a token to get out of the lot. She looked up and said, "did you even look around", as if to say I just walked in the store so I could park for free... What kind of customer service is that. Get with the program people, in today's economy you have to work a little harder to make a sale. -
Review from Beth M.
Chicago, IL
3/7/2009
Doesn't everyone have a shoe store from their childhood that Alamo Shoes reminds them of?
When I need new shoes, Alamo is probably in my top 3 for places I tend to go. I always get the same salesman but he knows what he's talking about and isn't that pushy. They have a decent selection of comfortable shoes that are high(er) quality. They carry some Frye boots, as well as Merrill and Earth shoes.
When you checkout they give you a token to get out of their parking lot, which is across the street. Have fun getting a token if you don't buy anything. -
Review from Petronella D.
Chicago, IL
6/11/2008
Here are stories about shopping at Alamo:
As I browsed, a salesperson asked me if I needed any help. I didn't, and I told him so. I continued looking and found a style I wanted to try on. I looked around for the salesperson who had asked earlier, but he was nowhere to be found. Instead I solicited the help of another employee, who got me the shoe in my size. Meanwhile, the first salesperson appeared from wherever he'd run off to just to holler at me that HE was the one helping me, and that if I needed a size, I should go to HIM! I pointed out that he had disappeared and he shouted that he had gone into the stock room and that I just needed to wait. No, I think I need to shop somewhere else.
Another time I was browsing and wanted to try on a shoe. Two salespeople were on the floor but neither were interested in helping customers. Instead, they were engaged in a loud, annoying, vocal argument about what constitutes good customer service. The irony appeared to have been lost on them, as was my business.
A third time I actually managed to find a salesperson and get him to look for a shoe in my size. I wear a ten or an eleven. I was looking for a black flat. Not finding the shoe I wanted in my size, the salesperson proceeded to bring out the style in a nine, as well as a variety of other shoes - heels in assorted colors - in a ten. I thanked him but said that I haven't worn a nine since elementary school, and that I was looking for a black flat. Wordlessly, he walked away from me, disinterested in helping me find a shoe that I was actually interested in buying.
At that point, I stopped going back. -
Review from Elena D.
Chicago, IL
1/25/2007
Overpriced. Underselected. Pretentious. Crocs make good shoes for puttering around in an herb garden, NOT for walking around in public.
You can find ergonomic earth friendly shoes elsewhere for way less. It's just not necessary to spend $150 on a pair of-what would you call them? they're all so ugly-brown leathery footware.
Sneakers will never go out of style, and for good reason. -
Review from Allen B.
Chicago, IL
9/25/2010
Pluses: Good selection and free parking across the street.
Minuses: This store is a mess!
Erratic service.
Hard sell from what seems like desperate sales people.
Once I was told by the salesperson, after trying on 3 pairs of shoes that didn't feel comfortable: "Well, there's something wrong with your feet!"
I did go in once, where the salesman was very pleasant though.
Generally not my first place for shoes, but the window display makes me tempted to go in. -
Review from T M.
Chicago, IL
Updated - 11/29/2008
While the selection here is still not that great (though they do have a lot of Tsubos) and prices are a bit higher than I would like, I was able to find some nice shoes on sale recently. Luckily, they actually had some left in my size!
The salesman was also fairly helpful, though clearly keen on making a sale. The shoes he suggested at first were very nice, but in a color I couldn't see myself wearing regularly. And of course they were out of colors I would prefer. In the end I left with a pair of shoes I had found at the outset.
But it was enough that I would consider going back at some point with the goal of purchasing shoes here.1 Previous Review: Show all »
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5/27/2007
I've tried to buy shoes here a few times, without success. The sales staff tries to help, not too… Read more »
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Review from Jessica C.
Chicago, IL
7/26/2008
Alamo Shoes reminds me of The Walking, but run by old shoe salesmen. I get flash backs of Love and Marraige circa 1994 and think about Al when I see these Alamo employees.
The thing is, they have a fabulous selection of super comf shoes, like Eccos, Merels, Uggs, Earth, Privo and the like, so you would think that the staff would be a little more hip. Not the case. Its actually sort of weird. Thier prices are comparable to that of The Walking and if I'm going to be dropping a min of 100 bucks for some kicks, I'll take the service at The Walking over Alamo any day.
The shoes are awesome and I love the Andersonville location, but thats it. If you are a minimalist shopper and don't take into account your experience, then head over the Alamo.Listed in: Born to Shop
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Review from Deborah E.
Chicago, IL
11/17/2008
I have spent hundreds of dollars at Alamo Shoes thru the years as I used to live in the neighborhood and it was convenient. Shit, make that thousands. At over $100 a pop per pair, you could easily drop that over the course of a couple of years.
The place always bugged me. It's dated interior - circa 1959 - is in bad need of updating and it always annoyed me that the salespeople were always MEN. I had one woman wait on me on two separate occasions and then she vanished. The salesMEN are not very friendly - they are simply looking to make their commission - quickly. It is definitely not a welcoming environment - more like a dog-eat-dog atmosphere.
Their "sales" are weak attempts at drawing people in. 5% or 10% off is no big whoop when the shoes cost $140 dollars. $10 off is also no big deal when the sales tax is 11.25%! The markup on shoes is astronomical - if they had better sales, I might frequent the store more. -
Review from Robyn A.
Chicago, IL
8/14/2009
Step back in to 1975 with shoe salesmen who receive commission on shoes that look like they should be worn by the most unfashionable of Midwestern mamas. Sorry, this is one step above Crocs for me. And we all know that Crocs are unforgivable.
You guys, I love shoes! I wanted to love this place soooo bad. But alas. -
Review from lisa h.
Cook, IL
12/2/2011
I was treated terribly at Alamo Shoes. I live in the neighborhood and had for years supported this store with our entire family's shoe purchases. I wanted to support "the little guy" with my business--especially in this tough economy. However, this all changed when not once but twice I was scolded for asking for a parking token. The first time it happened, I was livid. One of the salesman told me in a very nasty tone, "Maybe you can actually try on some shoes next time." I found myself explaining to him that I actually DID try on shoes ... I just didn't happen to find any that day. He scoffed at me and threw the parking token my way. After being treated so poorly for asking for a parking token on a day when I didn't happen to buy any shoes, I boycotted the store for awhile. A few months passed and my sister came in from out of town and wanted to go back to the store. I thought, "Okay. I'll give them another chance." After spending a long time in the store and trying on a few shoes, I decided to tempt fate and go up to the desk and ask for a parking token again (you need one to get out of their lot, btw, unless you want to break down the gate) ... My sister was seated with a salesman and she was trying on shoes. This time, a heavyset man did the exact same thing ... only louder and more heatedly than the first salesman. He even mocked me saying, "Oh yeah, there are a lot of shoes in the store you know, and you couldn't find ANYTHING?!" It was repulsive. I asked another salesman who that guy was, and he told me the OWNER! I honestly cannot believe that nasty person runs this business treating customers this way. I was furious. I refuse to go back, and won't let ANYONE from my family buy shoes there anymore. I have also shared this story with my friends and they told me that the same thing has happened to them. So much for the little guy when he's a big bully full of hot air!
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Review from Gayle G.
Chicago, IL
11/7/2008
Wow! My experience was so different from the negative ones here. On my way home, all I could like about was how much I love this place.
I need a pair of Danskos and a pair of winter boots. Since this is my first pair of both, I figured I should talk to experts.
The atmosphere is old school shoe store. I can't imagine that the place has changed much in 30 years. Mostly older men doing the selling and fitting and it's pretty quiet and by no means fashionable.
My salesman, Steve, gave me the run down on Danskos and how they're a little different than other shoes and what I should look for and how they should feel. Tried on three pairs and found the perfect fit. Sold.
Next, the boots, I explained I wasn't really looking for fashion, just warmth and dryness and I was willing to invest in a good boot. I also mentioned that I'm a fan of Keen shoes. He brought me several pairs of boots, including Keens. I decided on a great pair of Keens that are really comfy. Sold again.
Overall, pretty low pressure, lots of assortment if you you're looking for investment shoes that are all about function and comfort. The parking lot is great and the staff was very helpful. -
Review from Ali O.
Chicago, IL
12/25/2008
I went to Alamo yesterday for the first time and I am already plotting my return.
I *hate* buying shoes. Seriously. I have a pair or two of slip on vans, a pair of obligatory black heals from a few years ago, some flip-flops, gym shoes, and a pair of uggs. and thats it. I don't do shoes. I hate shopping for shoes. I hate trying them on. I hate buying them.
But, yesterday -- after sloshing through puddles and completely soaking my uggs -- my mother brought me to Alamo for a pair of boots. Water-proof boots. I liked the store the second I walked in. They have a HUGE selection of cold weather shoes. And they are *serious* boots too. Maybe some "fashion" boots, but mainly just rows and rows of serious hardy mountain woman boots. I found an awesome paire of Northface boots that basically made me feel like I could go anywhere I wanted and not worry about snow, slush, cold, rain, rocks, road kill, whatever.
(I paid 100 bucks for the boots. A lot of the reviews have mentioned that the shoes are expensive. Judge for your self. Personally, I don't think 100 dollars is expensive for a pair of really high quality winter boots that will keep you safe and warm all winter)
Just leave it to my mother to find me a great shoe store with "sensible" shoes :)Listed in: Norf Side
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Review from Tom M.
Chicago, IL
12/4/2006
Great selection of men's and women's shoes - but be prepared to spend: these are not lame Payless shoes, these are the bigboy manufacturers of the highest quality. Athletic shoe selection, at least in my size (13) was poor the last time I visited. But for casual and dressy, this is the place for shoes. And there is an awesome coffee house next door (can't think of the name right now) with all the great drinks of course, as well as a charming menu and a back room full of imported clothing and trinkets - but I digress...
Alamo Shoes - my new-found and favorite shoe store in Chicago hands down! -
Review from S. M.
Naperville, IL
10/30/2008
In my quest for winter boots, I swung into Alamo last night. Many, many choices from brands like Born, La Canadienne, Ugg, Merrell, etc. (none coming cheap, though they were offering Uggs tax-free, but since I hate Uggs that didn't help me). Very cool stuff, but I was looking for more function and less fashion, and suede and cordoruy down to the sole will not last in a Chicago winter, I don't care how you treat it.
The salesman who assisteded me was younger and mentioned he was from the Phillipines, but I didn't catch his name; he chatted about what we were doing that evening, and made some recommendations about size etc., which was helpful.
The other salesmen I saw around the store were older and seemed to be sort of stalking around; one closed in me in a rather predatory way when I was checking out a table of boots -- it just gave a "creepy old guy at the end of the bar" vibe, rather than an open, "I'm here to help you" feeling.
Overall, the stock here seems good, though costly; service decent with a chance of creepy.
Perk: Alamo does have a parking lot across the street!
