Dow Shoe Store

4.7 (68)

220 West St, Gardner, MA 01440
(978) 632-2794
dowshoe.com

Claimed
Shoe store
Orthopedic shoe store

From the business

  • Small business

Service options

  • Curbside pickup

Reviews

Reviews are sorted by relevance, with the most helpful and insightful feedback listed first for easy reference.

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Sarah Hollis

2024-04

Friendly, extremely helpful service and a great selection! As someone with social anxiety I was a little stressed going in but was immediately put at ease by the wonderful staff. Left with exactly what I needed!

Jerilyn Losordo

2023-05

Amazing experience at Dow’s today. Needed new walking sneakers and the staff was so knowledgeable and helpful. We were honored to meet Mr. Dow who was hard at work finding a pair of new sneakers for my husband. We will be back for sure!

Anna Lanfreschi

2022-05

Exceptional service! The staff at Dow Shoe Store is extremely knowledgeable, and they were able to find me the most comfortable shoe I've ever worn. They precisely measured my feet and knew which size shoe would fit me best in different brands. The staff listened to my needs and made recommendations for the shoes that would be most appropriate for what I wanted to use them for (walking & weight training). I tried on several pairs and the staff helped me choose what ended up being the most comfortable shoe I've ever worn. Eternally grateful to Dow Shoe Store and would highly recommend them for any shoe you might need -- running, exercise, daily work wear, comfort, style, etc.

John Zehring

2023-05

Nichole was amazingly patient and helpful as she spent enormous effort to help find the right shoe to adapt to an orthopedic brace. There shoes are of the highest quality - amazing to find here in our backyard! Take note: there is no such thing as a cheap shoe! Their stunning quality, appearance, and workmanship is well worth the price and in the long run is five times better than any cheap shoe which will need to be replaced again and again. And... do not underestimate the experience and wisdom of Mr. Dow, who even in his golden years and with difficulty in communicating, he really knows shoes.

Vikki Singer

2022-05

Best customer service and business that knows their stuff. The owner has been doing this since 1958 and it shows. Mr. Dow and his daughter Nicole are rare gems. I've bought a lot of different shoes for comfort there. Last month I bought sandals by Eric Michael..said they were new additions. I love them. Comfy and I get tons of compliments. Thanks Doe Shoe!!!

Sally Grucan

2023-05

I have a hard time finding shoes that fit well and are comfortable. At prominent stores in my area I'll walk out empty-handed, and I'm willing to take almost any brand or style. Recently I walked out of Dow's with three pairs of beautiful shoes by Bussola and Aetrex, brands which were new to me. The store looks small but what a selection, including HOKA athletic shoes. As kids my siblings and I visited Dow's with some regularity. Our mother relied on Ernie Dow then, and it was Mr. Dow himself who found my shoes, some on the clearance shelves! His daughter Nicole knows her shoes equally well and is a pleasure to talk with. I'll be back next time I'm in town.

SEL

2022-05

Recently purchased a pair of hiking boots and they are heavenly to hike in! Nicole took the time to listen to the type of trails I hike and made a recommendation. She also ensured proper sizing (always have a problem with my left foot) and the boots fit comfortably.It was wonderful receiving such personalized attention. I also enjoyed shopping in the comfort of a smaller, family owned store (which is becoming rarer and rarer these days). Nicole & Dow Shoe Store are a gem, thank you!

Christine Dexter

2023-05

I want to support small business however I brought my elderly father in to buy shoes. It’s march 2023 and the older woman asked us to wear masks. I expressed that I was pregnant with a respiratory condition, I’m currently under doctor orders to be on light duty and not to do anything that impedes my breathing(including wearing a mask). Her response was questioning that I was even pregnant.. and then told me to wear the mask over my mouth improperly. I’m not sure I will be back after that interaction. As a woman who has lost multiple pregnancies to then be questioned about my current health status leaves me in and incredibly uncomfortable and disrespected position where I’m not sure I could return to that Dows establishment or advise anyone else to do so regardless of their inventory.

James Petrone

2021-05

Mr. And Mrs. Dow are very down to earth people. The staff is as high quality as the shoes they sell. I highly recommend them. Yes, this store is off the beaten path, but it is with the trip. The staff knows their shoes inside and out. I just bought a pair of Red Wing boots. The most comfortable 0 wear time boots ever. The next time you need a pear of boots or shoes, go to Dow Shoe Store. You will be glad you did. And just as promised, I am writing this review with a 100% satisfaction.

Sherri Brogan

2022-05

Been going to Dow's Shoe Store since I was a kid! Brought my 2 grandchildren in to get new sneakers for school. The staff was rude when we first walk in. They have all kinds of great footwear that the 2 kids could pick from. Not available! Both kids measured wide and staff did not choose a wide for one child. Did not notice until we took out of box days later. No returns either! Luckily they fit okay. The sneakers they brought out to us were not even on display self! Staff has no clue of the inventory that is there and it bothered them to look for the sneakers the children chose. Pricey too! Not happy with Dow's Shoe Store!

Allie Myers

2021-05

When we moved to the area, I was looking for a classic shoe store where my kids could get properly fitted for shoes. Dow’s came highly recommended and for good reasons! The entire staff is one of the friendliest, most attentive group of people. They take the time to make sure the shoes fit properly. My 2-year-old couldn’t make it to the store, but they still helped me find shoes that would fit her growing feet. Glad to say both kids are joyfully running! The store also has a small play rug for kids so I could get fitted for Birkenstocks😊 The color I wanted wasn’t in stock, but the staff happily placed an order for me. Can’t recommend this place enough- from the staff to the shoes - this is a fantastic shoe store!!!

Darrell Buchanan

2023-05

I gotta Mr Dow and his daughter are amazing people. As I go in there and always from Mr. Dow to his daughter always enjoy the small pet talk with him and always have a smile on his face. Looking forward to grab my next footware for work you guys are a blessing in disguise bless you Mr.Dow and your family.

Mike Duval

2021-05

I recently went to Dow’s to look forwork boots. I am not the easiest personto fit for work boots. I was warmly greeted by a woman named Nicole .She took the time to properly measureme and we continued to try a variety ofstyles. It took a while but when I left the store I was completely satisfied.The prices are a little higher than thebig chain department stores but definitely worth it. I would recommendthis store to everyone and I will be back for my next purchase. Thank you.

Sue Deacon

2020-05

I have always loved the small business, professional atmosphere of Dow’s shoe store. Dow’s has always maintained the personal touch while continuing to offer the many selections & sizes of the bigger chain stores. I love the friendly, family atmosphere where Mr. Dow and his employees treat you with respect and greet you as a friend. Dow’s employees truly listen to you, get to know your preferences & go out of their way to make sure you are happy with your purchase.I shopped at Dow’s for many years for my family and for myself, and am happy to recommend Dows Family Shoe Store as a wonderful place to find what you are looking for in footwear!Sue

shauna larson

2019-05

I had never been in Dow Shoes until today and what a wonderful surprise. All the brands I love but even more important are the narrow widths you can find here and no where else. I walked out of the store in a pair of New Balance sneakers that feel made for my narrow feet with the high instep. Thank you Mr. Dow, you have a new customer for life. Can't wait til I need another pair of shoes or sandals. See you soon.

Chris Jerszyk

2021-05

Dow Shoe Store was the store that I got one of my first pairs of shoes ... They are not a cheap store but you get what you pay for. They make sure your comfortable in the shoe down to the sizing of your foot. And help you look for just what you need for any purpose. I've had shoes I got from other retailers in malls and the shoe products that Dow sells have least several times longer than anything else

Philip Levine

2022-05

The most amazing service from experts! They actually know shoes unlike regular broad line retail stores. My feet are a very weird size and width and they found 2 pairs of dress shoes on the spot. I'm a customer for life now.

David Bodurtha

2021-05

As always the best products and services! Have been going here for many years, bought 2 new pairs today. Mr Dow always greets you and today had time to help me personally. He made in his late 90s but still in store 4 days a week.

Mike The Mic Jablon Actor-VO

2019-05

Not to be mean, but those low reviewers must have been on hallucinatory drugs. I'm not entirely sure what store they went to, but it wasn't Dow Shoe Store in Gahdnahey. Those folks know two things: shoes and customer service. Always friendly, always attentive, and able to get almost anything you could want. They brought me in an obscure, special order pair of New Balance Trail Running shoes for crying out loud?! Who's able to do that?? Dow is. Don't be fooled by a seemingly small store front, these people have well stocked distributors ready to supply what you need.You get what you pay for, so trust in whom you pay!I'm a Dow Shoe Store lifer! You should consider them as well ;)

Yvonne DiBenedetto

2022-05

Dow Shoe has provided high quality shoes and service for years. They are the go-to shoe store for me and my family. They are a great place to find very large sizes for men which other stores normally don’t carry.

Paula Eaton

2020-05

I have been going to Dow’s for many years. I just recently bought a new pair of Burkinstock sandals . The straps were a little to loose so I paid a visit and had them put another hole for my strap. They fit perfect now and I love them even more. Plus I got a bonus while I was in, a hand shake and a chat with Mr Dow🙂

Cynthia M. G.

2020-05

I love this store. My family has been shopping here for four generations. It's hard to find a store that includes this level of customer service anymore. It's where I buy shoes for my kids and myself when I want things to fit well and last. The majority of my shoes are from Dow! It's worth the drive.

Heather Niemczura

2019-05

Do not take your feet for granted, or your shoes either. Go to Dow! For almost a month I have been suffering from terrible foot pain. Despite following advice from doctors the pain was getting worse and not going away. I was introduced to this store on a Monday. They quickly understood my problem and knew exactly what I needed. I started wearing the shoes they advised me to wear at noon Monday and by the end if the day Tuesday I was nearly pain free! They know what they are doing. "You get what you pay for." All of my department store shoes may have seemed like a bargain but look what they got me. You can't put a price on living pain free. Follow the advice at Dow. Buy one or two really good shoes and take care of them. I'm heading back right now to get another pair.

Nick Scott

2018-05

Went in today for work boots/shoes. I was not disappointed by any means. The owner is an amazing person that just wants you to be comfortable. They are very reasonably priced and they are willing to help you if you are in a finacial hard spot. Thank you so much for your help today. I will be back for more shoes and for my kids shoes.

Amy Wells

2022-05

I have been having some issues with a lot of pain in my foot over the last few months, which I believe to be Plantar Fasciitis.Driving by Dow Shoes we decide to stop in and see if they could help. They knew exactly what I needed, had the right size, first try. Excellent place, they know how to help! Thank you for helping relieve some of my pain!

Alice Murphy

2022-05

This is a warm and welcoming family-owned business. I’ve known Mr. Dow and his daughters since 1992 and they are a wonderful family. I can’t wait to take my daughter in when we come back to visit!Alice

paul curran

2020-05

DOW SHOE STORE is a staple around Gardner Mass. They are professional,experts in fit,and are the go to for any foot problems or just to get a proper fit. A relative used to go there from Ayer and when she couldn't drive she would hire a ride. So I went and learned I had been wearing the wrong size for a long time. Great selection and styles,no junk.

Johanna Larson

2023-05

Wonderful one on one service. Patient and expert advice to get you a shoe that will work perfectly for your needs. I won’t go anywhere else!

Marc Babineau

2021-05

Best shoe store ever. They worked so well with me and my son. I was a huge pain in the butt and they still were amazing. Highly recommend this place to everyone. Amazing work boot selection too!!

Eric Schatzlein

2022-05

This place is awesome. The staff that was there really knew what they were talking about and offered me to try on a few different pairs of shoes to allow me to see what i liked best. Deffinately will go back. And prices were the same as everywhere else but with better service.

Opening Hours

Monday 10 AM-5 PM
Tuesday 10 AM-5 PM
Wednesday 10 AM-5 PM
Thursday 10 AM-5 PM
Friday 10 AM-5 PM
Saturday 10 AM-4 PM
Sunday Closed

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