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Karavel Comfort Center
Rating Details »
Category: Shoe Stores [Edit]
Neighborhood: Allandale5525 Burnet Road
Austin, TX 78756
(512) 459-7603
- Price Range:
-
$$$
- Accepts Credit Cards:
- Yes
- Parking:
- Private Lot
- Wheelchair Accessible:
- Yes
6 reviews for Karavel Comfort Center
Stopped in for some work shoes. Michael (not sure sure that was his name) was awesome. Spent about an hour with me, letting me try on about 15 different kinds of shoes. He was very knowledgeable & patient. They have a pretty good selection of alternative comfort, walking shoes. Prices are right in line with other stores that specialize in the same, eg. Whole Earth.
Worth a visit if you are planning on dropping some cash for high quality comfort for your soles.
Oooohh, it's bone pickin' time. I'm basically a 34-year old in the body of an 80-year old, so I wear orthopedic, or "comfort" shoes, on account of my high arches, bad knees, etc. etc.
Anyhoo, I came here because I heard they have a great selection and very knowledgeable staff. I was in the market for some sporty sandals that would get me through a very demanding honeymoon, and the choices were very impressive. I was guided to a pair of Chaco sandals, (crazy adjustable straps, great arch support). When I tried them on I noticed that they made my toes feel kind of odd, so I asked the salesman and he assured me that I would go through a break-in period, but the fit was great. I bought them ($95, holy shit) and decided to wear them for a few days before the trip.
Good thing I did, because I happened to wear them to my doctor's office, and he noticed that my toes were LOSING CIRCULATION. He informed me that the shoes were the wrong size and had I continued wearing them I could have done serious damage. I had him write me a note (nerd alert) and hauled ass back to the store.
When I explained the situation and asked for a refund based on the fact I was convinced by a professional to buy the wrong size, I got the biggest dose of attitude from the manager. He said he would do it JUST THIS ONCE, and they would be putting my name in a database, just in case I was a rampant shoe-returner, hell-bent on toe amputation. Talk about insulting. They have a great selection, but go to InStep instead and get treated like a grown-up.
Broad inventory of specialty shoes in sizes and styles you won't find elsewhere.* Karavel is one of the few places where you can compare 'serious' shoes side by side.
If taking care of your feet is important to you, the team at Karavel will help you out. They are persnikity about getting a good fit, and if a shoe is not fitting right they will recommend other brands or styles that might address your needs better. (Yes, they will actually talk you out of a pair of shoes.)
Tips:
- Prepare for sticker shock
- Think about how you are going to use the shoe.
- Assert yourself. It doesn't matter how "fancy" a shoe is, if is not your thing.. tell them.
- Don't rely on looks - a lot of these shoes are build for feet, not for looks. Even the cute shoes can be pretty homley.
Spoil your feet, you'll be surprised at the difference in your day.
*Here is an example: Karavel carries the "medical' Krocs, which my MIL needed to protect her toes. She *hates* drawing attention to her infirmities... and wanted Crocs to be like everyone else. She was able to get some snappy Crocs, but the special kind with toe protection and a slippy strap in the back. Bless you Karavel.
Oh, and don't forget... this is a local business.
(I haven't run into anything peculiar with the staff.. )
[edited for typos and grammatical errors]
Need to make sure your shoes fit, Karavel is a good place to go.
The good:
1) The person who helped us was friendly and took his time to show my husband different shoes and explain the pros and cons of each. He even showed us different ways to lace the shoes to make them fit better.
2) Their sales are great - as in 50% off.
The no-so-good:
1) The wait. I've never been able to get the attention of anyone here without putting my name on a list.
2) Sizes. The smallest size they stock is women's 6 (european 36). This meant nothing in the store fit me.
Overall, if you need assistance selecting the right comfort shoes this store will meet your needs.
Was reminded of this place when I read Michelann Q's review of Whole Earth and her note about "Grumpy Shoe Lady" (http://www.yelp.com/bi...;
I got really creeped out by a saleswoman when I visited Karavel (my one and only visit). She asked invasive personal questions and did not understand the concept of personal space. She followed at my heels while I was browsing their selections.
Weird Shoe Lady, I christen you so for the unique way you drove me out of your store. I don't think I've ever been so uncomfortable around a salesperson in my personal shopping history.
I'm not alone in my assessment, either. When I wrote to Michelann Q. about her W.E. review and mentioned this experience at Karavel, she asked, "was it the bleached blonde woman?" Yes, it was. So there ya go.
Karavel has been around for 70 years.
You get real service at Karavel. I've been taking my kid there twice a year for nine years. I want her shoes to fit correctly.
I've had orthotics made there. I also learned there that my feet were not long and narrow (12A) like all "the men in the family", but that they were longer and wider (13EE),
.
I can find New Balance shoes lots of places and on line. But a lot of the chains don't carry the US-made New Balance shoes, or shoes in different widths, or the shoes that offer the best support and protection. I'm not wearing shoes made in China unless I live there. I've paid $150 for a pair of "sneakers" at Karavel. I checked on-line after, and the best price I could find (with shipping, etc.) was $129. What did I get for $21. I knew the shoes were the right size when my kid walked out the door. I didn't have to guess about size, (her size differs depending on the shoe style), I didn't have to wait for the mail, or hassle with the possibilty of having to return something. The money stays in Austin. I paid for excellent service and a correct fitting shoe. The sales people are paid on commission. They want to make a sale, but they also want you to be comfortable in your purchase; and they want you to come back again.
