Harry’s Shoes

No returns. I can’t believe this is their policy to only issue store credit.
Trying to do the right thing and shop local but with customer unfriendly policies like this it’s just not worth it. Much easier to work with Zappos who’s goal is to be customer friendly.

Bought a pair of italian designer shoes on sale. They arrived with serious scuff marks on the toe of one shoe. Obviously not new shoes. Ripoff.

A large selection of Merrill shoes drew me to Harrys Shoes despite the stores low customer ratings. To my great surprise, the service was terrific. Milach was informed and generous with information and bringing various sizes and extra styles that fit my needs. Other sales people were equally engaged. I left feeling Harrys Shoes is eager to give great service.

I bought a par of leather boots for my daughter. It turned out that they where not leather but instead a cheap plastic material. The manager apologized and said he would take the shoes back and give me a refund. When I went back to the store with the boots a week later the manager was rude and refused to give me a refund. Only a store credit well knowing that they did not have any boots left in my daughter’s size. I will never go back to that store.

In contrast to the people who are descended on by multiple salespeople, I can’t get anyone to wait on me in Harry’s. Eye contact and a pleasant hello to two different employees failed to get any help, or even a promise of help. Store was not crowded. Not the first time. Moving on.

2 stars for the broad selection of comfortable shoes and great brands. But that’s all they have going for them.
I needed a whole new set of shoes bc I’ve worn all of mine down, and I hate the uncomfortable styles at DSW, so I thought I’d try Harry’s. It was awful. The salesperson who latched onto me first was terrible. She insisted on measuring my feet just so she could tell me that I’m still the size I’ve been since I was 13. She was super slow in getting shoes for me. Apparently she spent part of the time finding OTHER styles instead of just quickly bringing the ones I’d already picked out (and I picked a bunch so I didn’t need her suggestions, and she kept bringing ugly ones). The other part of the time she spent helping other people. This would’ve been fine except that nobody else would help me while I was waiting for her because I was «already being helped by someone.» She was also super gloomy and unapproachable. Then she took away a pair after I told her I wanted to get them. Fortunately she was replaced midway by a sales assistant who was excellent and quick.
I googled everything I liked and when they saw me they told me they’d match prices, but that was a lie. I ended up buying a pair for $ 140, then an hour later found the exact same color and size online for $ 116. I went back to ask them to match it, but their manager refused very rudely. He barely looked at the site & insisted the shoes were different (they weren’t). Fortunately I’d asked about their return policy before I got the shoes, and refused to buy them until the salesperson gave me the option to return for a full refund for 3 days, so I was able to return them. I was lucky though. They normally only offer exchanges or store credit, and only for 10 days.
It was such an awful experience, I’m really glad I didn’t end up giving them any of my money. Plus I’ve ordered the 4 pairs of shoes that I liked at Harry’s from online places that sell them for less and allow returns. Think of all the money Harry’s could have made if they were true to their price matching guarantee and if they offered returns like normal stores do.

They have a big selection, however every time I have gone there (including today) and made a purchase, they overcharge me above the manufacturers price, then claim it was a mistake or the manufacturer was having a sale when they were not. Be very aware of what they are charging you and enjoy vulturous atmosphere, ha.

This is review is for their online business. Ordered a pair of Red Wing Beckman boots for pickup at the store. More than 24 hours after my order, I get an email that the order has been cancelled. They didn’t even bother to update their stock on the site. In fact, it still says it’s in stock. Usually pick-​up is available right after you order so I’m really glad I didn’t take the trip down to the store. Even the cancellation email was late. Also, they don’t respond to any emails or calls. Their customer service is non-​existent.

I ordered on-​line and shipped to Illinois. Uggs I ordered was away smaller than the same type I bought years ago. The size was too tight and so I needed to return. They won’t cover the return expenses and you have to return within 15 days, they said. They were flexible about the date for on-​line shopping, but it is not easy return. Also, you have to return as they were sent, and so don’t loose anything in the box. If you are not in New York, I won’t recommend order on-​line from this shop. I paid $ 17 with insurance fee to return $ 200 boots. I end up lost $ 25 in total for wrong size. It was painful experience.

Manager is rude and inept, general atmospheric aggressive and shark like. I walked in and was greeted by a nice Salesman, who I was working with. As I perused the stock no less than 5 people kept aproaching me for help, it was tiresome. I felt like I was dodging through the makeup department of Bloomingdales.
I saw a boot my friend was looking for, I took a photo with my phone the manager came and told me no photos allowed. But not in a nice way. I was sending her a photo of the shoe so she could purchase it. I felt scolded and thought I was not being treated politely. My sales person Mike was TERRIFIC. However I think the young lady Manager is inept at customer service. I was also checked out by the same young lady manager and she and the lady behind the counter both were kind of grumpy and hard to understand. This store has the best collection of comfortable shoes but the management give off a bad and less than hospitable vibe.
I bought 3 pairs of shoes and am thinking of returning them tomorrow because I don’t want to give this store my money any more.

Oh man, this place is horrendous. I have lived on the UWS side for a few years, and I went to Harry’s because I heard it stocks plenty of comfortable shoes. From the moment I got to the store, the sales person was trying to push orthotics on me, which I had no interest in purchasing. I asked him to recommend a pair of boots, and he pretty much told me to look around the store on my own — not particularly helpful.
Although I explained to the salesperson that I am having issues with my knees at the moment, he acted incredibly put out when I told him that the first two pairs of shoes he had showed me were causing me discomfort. At one point, he brought me a pair of boots, and when I said they were too big, he told me it’s because I have skinny legs. Like, the dude could not be bothered to go to the backroom and fish out a smaller pair to see if they fit me. Guess he wasn’t all that concerned about his commission.
I finally found a pair of boots that worked for me, and then was informed that the store does not offer full refunds. In the 21^st century, that’s a pretty absurd policy. I checked the boot brand’s website, and discovered that they offer free shipping and returns. Plus, the boots were on sale for $ 60 less than the Harry’s price.
So long, suckers.

One of the few good shoes stores left in Manhattan. Online shopping has probably driven out some, and many remaining shoe stores are divided between those charging a fortune for very expensive brands and those (most) offering really cheap shoes glued together in China. Harry’s is one of the last places to stock shoes in many different sizes and styles at all price ranges, low and high. I found really well-​made hand-​sewn men’s shoes (a brand called Neil M.) that I hadn’t seen elsewhere, a good selection of Allen-​Edmonds shoes, along with more casual shoes from Rockport, Timberland and others. I didn’t explore all the offerings I saw there, e.g. sneakers, waterproof boots or shoes for women and kids, but this would probably be one stop-​shopping for many families in need of more than one type of shoe. It will be my first and last stop the next time I need shoes.

I decided to go here over shopping at Zappos because I figured 1) I get to try the shoes on first and 2) It’s a local small business. Dumb me. I had gone in a few weeks ago to look for a different pair of shoes and was completely ignored the entire time (I’m young, yes, but that doesn’t mean I can’t buy shoes). After I finally flagged one of the attendants (most of them were totally free), he really unenthusiastically brought me what I asked for and then walked away. So I didn’t buy shoes that time. When I went back earlier this week to get a pair of boots I was again ignored until the floor manager pulled someone over and basically made him help me. That guy was nice enough, though definitely overworked. I liked the boots, so I got them. After wearing them around the house a bit more I realized they weren’t a great idea, as they bunched up my pants and socks.
I went in to return them this morning and it turns out that they don’t offer refunds — only exchange or store credit. I talked to the manager, explaining that I didn’t want to have to pay $ 150 off my credit card for something that didn’t exist and she didn’t care. She pointed out that they have signs on each register that say the return policy, but I remember distinctly (since it was 3 days earlier) that the register I had been checked out at did not have one of these signs — it was a crappy handwritten sign that was very hard to read, I guess the laminated one had fallen off or something; I tried to tell her this and she told me I was making things up. There were two other people at the counter also trying to return shoes that didn’t work who were equally frustrated (and this is 10 minutes after the store opened) and were told the same thing as me.
The manager said she gets 30 people a day saying they don’t want exchanges/​credit — wouldn’t that be a good indicator that your business policy is screwed up? I feel like they must make a good portion of their money off of people’s forgotten store credit — they keep the shoes and the money, so dumb. I should also note that they only give you 10 days to return your item, even though online it says 15 days. So now I have a $ 150 store credit to a place that I never want to patronize again. I’ll be shopping at Zappos from now on, as annoying as it is so ship things back and forth.
tl; dr: completely horrible return policy, shitty customer service, not worth it – go somewhere else

A great place to go if you have trouble finding wide shoes or suffer from a foot injury. Ask for the clerk John, who works weekends and Mondays.
Having recently developed issues with my feet I came here explicitly to find wide shoes that would fit orthotic inserts and support my heels. John listened to me explain my recent injury, the types of shoes I was looking for, and the styles I liked; I sat while he brought recommended options that fit my criteria. I didn’t even have to browse: he pulled options and was patient if I didn’t like something b/​c of fit or design. He also mentioned if particular items were better for my budget or were more pricey.
I left after spending a pretty penny, but John gave me insight into how to maintain my shoes, if they could be re-​soled, etc. He was super duper helpful. The floor seemed understaffed, but that was the only issue I saw while I was there.

Every time I have been in this store I have seen nothing but rude sales men. Today I went there around 3 pm and the manager was discourteous and dismissive, everyone acted like they you were doing them a favor by buying their shoes and when I sat on one of the chairs to try a pair of shoes one of the salesmen very rudely said that someone was sitting there. He was so awfully rude. This is the last time I step into that dump of jerks.

«…then I can’t help you.»
After being a devoted customer to Harry’s Shoes since 1995 (that’s 20 years!) these were the last words i heard from the manager of the store, Sabatino, as I walked out.
I was badly sized for a pair of very expensive shoes by a salesman in the store. I told him, at the time, that the size he suggested was not the size I normally wear. However, for some reason (maybe they were out of stock in my real size) he insisted that the size he gave me was correct. In the store it felt comfortable because of the excessive padding around the shoe. However, after a week, the shoe began to hurt and create deep pain that brought me to a podiatrist. He examined my foot and took an x-​ray and told me that the shoe is too small. I went back to Harry’s, showed them the shoe and asked if they have a tendency to run small. The salesman told me that the shoe runs «true to size». I asked for the manager and Sabatino told me that he could stretch the shoe. When I explained that the problem is more in the length he simply said «then I can’t help you.»
I used to go to Harry’s and get a great shoe at a great price and a great fit. No more. Like most everything in Manhattan, Harry’s is all about profit. I won’t expect anymore that a shoe salesman has the knowledge they once had. These are guys who are just bringing out shoes without any expertise, at all. I may as well buy shoes from the internet and order the size I know I am.
The lack of customer service will kill this business. Even a simple «I’m sorry you had that experience. Once your foot pain heals, please come back and see me. I will personally size you correctly and offer you a substantial discount on a new pair of shoes.» I understand that every store has to cover their costs and have a profit margin but this guy lost a loyal customer of 20 years and not only for this one isolated situation. I have had other bad experiences in Harry’s with them pushing bad insoles and giving me the hard sell. I’ve been dealing with bad running shoes that don’t last and not blaming Harry’s but rather looking the other way. After this, i can’t be expected to be loyal to them anymore.
I won’t ever be back and it’s sad. I like to support local businesses that have been around for a while. Harry’s has turned into something that it never was — a joke.

So Harry’s– you need to join the 21C, because when the ladies on the UWS move on, you don’t have a customer.
What you have going for you–
known as a destination for comfort shoes;
Large, very well-​edited collection; knowledgable sales staff
What you don’t :
A deplorable return policy (10 days for store credit only).
Lack of providing sizes on order.
And that was enuf to lose a $ 1000. sale on two pairs of shoes.
The winner? Me, Zappos and Arthur Breen!
Same shoes, free shipping and returns.
Wake up Harry’s!
Use your great recognition as a destination, and give the customer the service of the Internet!

Pretty weak experience, with lax staff and disorganized shelves with prices a tad too high.
«This institution has been kicking it on the Upper West Side since the 1930s, selling everything from sturdy senior citizen walking shoes to teensy baby slippers to the neighborhood’s varying generations. For decades, the store’s highlight was its kid’s section. I got my first pair of shoes here, followed by many others during my pre-​and elementary school years, and recall an army of patient, knowledgeable staff members skilled in measuring little feet and keeping certain children from throwing tantrums when their parents wouldn’t let them get light-​up sneakers.
A few years ago, Harry’s opened a separate children’s store a few doors down from its flagship, where they continue to sell sneakers, dress shoes and (more recently) baby Uggs to UWS tots; the original location has also expanded, and though it seems the quality of service isn’t quite as high as it is for the youngsters, sometimes it’s nice to shop somewhere a little more personal than a DSW.»

I’m really somewhat surprised at the reviews. I had a really good experience at Harry’s Shoes today. They have a big July sale going on. The shoes I searched all over for were not on sale, but they were the same price as all the other shoe stores. I purchased the last pair in my size. I lucked out!
The main concern was the amount of sales people (when the store opened) that were sitting around looking lazy. Very unprofessional considering they work on commission. One had the nerve to tell me «we’re not open». That was right after someone else took the sign off the door.
Enough of that. This is the tip. I walked right to the back where the shoes I wanted were displayed. There (also sitting) was a smiling, welcoming face. Her name is Iesia. She said next time to ask for her at the front desk. She works all day Thursday, 1 – 6:45 on Friday, and full days Saturday and Sunday. She took the time to get to know my shoe needs. She made many trips up and down the stairs to find shoes in my size. Then she went into the store window to get the handbag I wanted. Good deal. It was 50% off. I hope she made a decent commission. She deserves it! I left happy. I’ll make sure when I return to Harry’s I’ll ask for her. You should too!

Good selection. They made sure that my daughter and I were taken care of, as I was asked several times if we needed help.
However the sales person was not patient, or friendly to me or my daughter and the other employees were yelling at each other across the store about customers and having to lace shoes. Not a pleasant shopping experience for either of us.