Ethan BrownI don’t know about you, but I have a thing for shoes. There’s just something about slipping into fresh new kicks that transforms your whole vibe—and your outfit!
But—here’s the catch—I’m picky. Finding shoes is easy, but finding the right stores is a whole different game! I’ve spent way too much time hopping between stores, testing out quality, styles, and prices.
Lucky for you, I don’t believe in gatekeeping my finds, so here are my favourite shoe stores in Ottawa. And now, I’ve brought along my friends for a variety of opinions in our revisits. Check out our reviews below!
How much does a pair of shoes cost in Ottawa?
In Ottawa, the average cost of a mid-range pair of Nike running shoes is between $70 and $200, while men’s leather business shoes typically range from $100 to $250.
For more affordable options, casual sneakers can be found under $90 at local stores.
1. Glebe Trotters
Address: 860 Bank St.
Phone: +1 613 231 6331
Business Hours:
- Monday to Saturday – 10 AM to 5 PM
Catering to both men and women, the variety in Glebe Trotters is one of the highlights we noted. From respected brands like Blundstone, Ecco, and Clarks, to a solid selection of bags, wallets, and shoe-care products, this shop really delivers on versatility.
If you’re the kind of person who loves shoes that last, this is definitely a place worth exploring. We were even more impressed by their eco-conscious approach.
Glebe Trotters offsets their carbon footprint by donating to environmental initiatives for every shipped order—kudos to them! Their staff, self-professed shoe enthusiasts, adds an extra layer of expertise.
Most of the clients mentioned that they’re super helpful, especially when you’re indecisive about which style to go for. An added perk is their clearance sales and the availability of gift certificates!
Their website is user-friendly, and they offer worldwide shipping. However, they don’t cover delivery fees for returns—unless you’re local and can bring it into the store, refunds can be a bit of a hassle.
Friendly and professional service
“I LOVE Glebe Trotters. They have been around for 30+ years and some of the best shoes I’ve ever owned came from their store. I was there today and Owen provided excellent service. I was in a hurry and had very specific needs and he was absolutely wonderful: friendly, well-informed about his products and professional. Thank you Owen and see you next time!”
Lauren Michaels, Google Review
Exceptional customer care and product expertise
“I’m not sure I’ve ever had better customer service than I received here, either in a shoe store or anywhere else. They clearly take the time to choose quality products and to know them well, so you can trust what they say. The staff are plentiful and friendly. I only wish more businesses were run like Glebe Trotters.”
JC Galaxy, Google Review
2. Letellier Shoes
Address: 146 Rideau St.
Phone: +1 613 241 6557
Business Hours:
- Monday to Saturday – 10 AM to 6 PM
- Sunday – 11 AM to 5 PM
Letellier Shoes has built a reputation for its impressive variety and focus on comfort and quality. Catering to both men and women, they offer footwear for every need—whether it’s casual events, athletic activities, hiking, or braving Ottawa’s winters.
We were happy to see top-tier brands like Birkenstock, Ecco, Sperry, and Mephisto on their racks, and an added plus is their inclusivity when it comes to sizes, including wide and double-wide options.
They go beyond footwear to include handbags, socks, and shoe-care products (though these are in-store only). The best part is their VIP programme.
This membership offers perks like coupons, advance sale notices, extended returns, and exclusive deals, which we think many shoppers will appreciate when hunting for discounts.
While their shipping is limited to Canada, the accessibility is still there for local customers. However, a bummer is the consistency in their customer service: we came across several reports of staff being dismissive.
It’s a bit of a mixed bag, which can be frustrating at times.
Outstanding expertise
“Best place in Ottawa to buy shoes. Large selection of options for people looking for wide toe box professional shoes, compatible with orthotics. Yara helped me find the perfect shoes and the customer service was above and beyond!! Thank you so much. Definitely coming back soon.”
Leeza Jane, Google Review
Great selection
“Went there today just to look around and they have a great selection of shoes for many occasions. They carry the higher end brands and Yari was helpful with sizes and options.”
Tracy Suzuki, Google Review
3. NRML
Address: 184 Rideau St.
Phone: +1 613 562 2043
Business Hours:
- Monday to Saturday – 10 AM to 9 PM
- Sunday – 11 AM to 6 PM
If you’re into sneaker culture and fashion, NRML in downtown Ottawa is definitely worth checking out. This shop takes a full dive into streetwear with shoes, clothes, and accessories that feature big-name brands like Nike, Gucci, and New Balance, to name a few.
Another cool thing is how they always seem to roll out Nike’s newest releases almost instantly, something many sneakerheads really appreciate. Plus, their clearance deals often grab attention—perfect for snagging high-quality finds at lower prices.
We assessed their online presence, and honestly, their website is smooth to navigate. Another standout perk is their mobile app—it’s like a little VIP pass that gives exclusive discounts, early drops, and a reliable way to monitor your orders.
For those who prefer shopping from the couch, their international shipping process gets rave reviews for being quick and seamless.
Our only issue is their no-refunds policy and that they only offer store credit or exchanges.
Consistently reliable service
“NRML has been one of my top go-to shoe boutiques in Canada! I’ve always had a pleasant experience with staff and selection. I’ve even won a couple raffles online for some highly sought after sneakers (not all unfortunately lol). They’ve always been on point with shipping and getting me my order within the same week. Easy 5 stars”
Christian Francis, Google Review
Fast shipping and great deals
“First time buying from NRML and they did not disappoint me. I managed to buy the lebron xx colorway that I want and at a very good price. Received my order in less than 2 days. Definitely going to shop more with them. I’m really thankful to NRML.”
Raf Carancho, Google Review
4. DSW Designer Shoe Warehouse
Address: Ottawa Train Yards, 595 Industrial Ave #595-4
Phone: +1 613 482 6630
Business Hours:
- Monday to Saturday – 10 AM to 9 PM
- Sunday – 10 AM to 7 PM
DW Designer Show Warehouse at Ottawa Train Yards offers an impressive range of footwear for men, women, and even kids—from boots and sneakers to slip-ons and sandals, covering everything from casual to dressier styles.
You’ll love that they have top brands like Nike, Vans, and Birkenstock, which adds to their appeal. Beyond shoes, they also stock handbags and accessories, making it a one-stop shop for many shoppers.
We also loved their VIP programme, which sets a nice tone for customer rewards. If you plan to shop regularly, this free membership gives you access to exclusive offers, perks, and discounts.
Another thing we commend is their online convenience; you can shop from their website—which, by the way, is easy to navigate—with shipping across Canada or opt for an in-store pickup!
Notably, several clients highlighted how helpful and patient their staff were, especially with kids.
While they can claim a great selection overall, we’re just a bit iffy about size availability, which doesn’t always cater to every need.
Exceptional customer service and child-friendly
“Christian was such a pleasure to deal with, this young man has exceptional customer service, the way he interacted with my 6yr old daughter, while getting her school shoes and backpack, made her feel comfortable and made to feel apart of the experience. Very professional and well spoken, you have yourselves a superstar employee.”
Kaylen Gauthier, Google Review
Great selection
“Great place to go for quality shoes, lots of selection, and pretty good prices overall. Removed a star because all the cash back credits you get expire in like month. So unless you have a family or group that you regularly buy shoes for, the cash back incentives leave more to be desired.”
Tarick Al-Nomay, Google Review
5. Globo Shoes
Address: 2735 Iris St #2
Phone: +1 613 820 1682
Business Hours:
- Monday to Friday – 10 AM to 9 PM
- Saturday – 10 AM to 6 PM
- Sunday – 10 AM to 5 PM
Globo Shoes stands out for its wide shoe selection, catering to men, women, and kids with everything from boots and sneakers to slip-ons and sandals. Some of the brands they showcase are highly popular, adding great options.
While the variety can feel overwhelming at first glance, what we like most is how their staff balances the experience—they’re not just helpful but also respectful and patient.
What impressed us more was their “buy now, pay later” option through Sezzle. I’ve used this a few times here, and I had the best and most seamless experience.
An added perk here is their loyalty programme, Globo Privileges, which lets you earn points, unlock rewards, and enjoy exclusive benefits—perfect if you plan on being a frequent buyer.
Their regular sales are another highlight, though we noted that these can make the store busier and slightly crowded at peak times. Additionally, they only ship within Canada.
Quick and efficient service
“I came into the store to pick up an online order and the process was quick and efficient. A sweet associate by the name of Akisha assisted me and also helped me with some questions about returning a previous purchase. Even though the store was very busy, she was kind enough to help me out and definitely went above and beyond.”
KatS L., Google Review
Friendly, patient, and attentive customer support
“Staff are friendly and attentive.
Had difficulty finding anything in my size and the associate was patient and helpful. Ended up finding exactly what I wanted. Very satisfied with the customer service.”
Amanda Marie, Google Review
