The Barn Family Shoe Store

Category:	Shoe Store
Address:	25 Kempton Pl, West Newton, MA 02465, USA
Phone:	+1 617-332-6300
Site:	thebarnshoes.com
Rating:	4.6
Working:	9:30AM–6PM 9:30AM–9PM 9:30AM–9PM 9:30AM–9PM 9:30AM–9PM 9AM–6PM 12–5PM

Location

Photos 100

Reviews 6

A Private User

Ive recently begun running seriously again and needed some good, solid shoes to train in. I live in the city, and to be honest, the selection of shoes is limited, and most of the sales people are inexperienced, and just trying to up sell me a pair of shoes that will serve me no function and still cost a fortune. Ive known about the Barn for some time, but never made my way out there, until now. It was by far the best place I have ever gone to get shoes. I walked in and was warmly greeted (which, lets face it, is always a nice feeling!), and right away I was meet by a sales associate who kindly asked what I was looking for. It was obvious I was overwhelmed by the sheer quantity of selection, but he helped me out no problems. I was asked what kind of surfaces Id be training on, number of miles, etc etc, and then I was fitted for a shoe. Turns out Ive been wearing a half size too small for years. The staff was so helpful and knowledgeable about every model and different technologies, it was great! All my questions were answered, and it was refreshing to see how patient the staff was. I must have spent a good 40 minutes trying to decide on the right pair. You just cant beat that kind of service! But the best part was having a sales associate who wasnt solely trying to up sell me a brand name pair of shoes. I was told which models would best suit me according to my need, without prejudice to price or fashion of the shoe. The selection I had was more than I could have expected. Everything from Asics, Brooks, New Balance, Mizuno and Saucony! As a runner, that was so great! I have never had such awesome customer service when buying shoes- or anything else! It was absolutely, totally worth making the drive, especially when they are open until a relatively later hour (9pm) which really suits my work schedule. Im only sorry I never went prior.

Eryn Johnson

I have been a loyal customer at The Barn for years. It is one of the few places that I can get my childrens feet measured and purchase quality shoes. This past spring I purchased some Dansko sandals for myself and was shocked when the buckle started to fall off after only a few months. I called the manufacturer and they directed me back to The Barn. I called and spoke with a Manager. I explained what had happened and that I no longer have the receipt. The Manager I spoke with was impatient and rude with me from the beginning of the conversation. She repeated multiple times that I needed to bring the shoes in and they would make an assessment. I dont live close to the store and a very busy working mom. Before I decide to come there, I wanted to get a sense of how they assess the shoes - what are they looking for - and what is my recourse if they decide not to replace them. She refused to answer my questions or to pass the phone to someone else. The combination of her refusal to help me understand what their policy is and how they make decisions, and, in general, how to deal with the manufacturer if they cant help was shocking and dismaying to me. I have, in general, had very good experience with the clerks there, but have never had to deal with the management. I am, or was, a loyal customer. The Barn should ensure that they have someone helpful and patient in their management positions. Their shoes are expensive and in my eyes, I am willing to pay because of the quality and the service. If the service is going to be so sub-par, I prefer to buy my shoes online where they have a more transparent return policy and people who are better trained in customer service.

Becka Traite

My family and I have gotten shoes here since I was very small, and 95% of the time weve had great experiences. Knowledgeable, friendly staff, and high quality products. Finding them is hard if you dont know what youre looking for, and parking is an interesting experience. But all together, a great establishment. This last time though, it was slightly different. I went to the womens boot section asking for some steel toed workboots. "We dont sell womens work boots." Ok... Im still looking for some steel toed work boots. "Go to the mens section." We head over there, and repeat the exact same thing with the next sales associate. Work boots are gender neutral!! If I wanted pink work boots, then this might have been an issue. But I just needed some good protective boots so Id stop breaking toes on the job! After we explained that to the second associate, he was very friendly and we ended up buying a great pair of Timberland boots. And a different woman helped me with the perfect pair of insoles for my needs. But the fact that they were rather rude in the beginning of this expierence would have put a new customer off and likely lost a sale.

Stacey Roozeboom

A store should stand behind the products they sell. I spent $160.00 at this store two weeks ago buying back to school shoes for my kids. My daughter wore her new tennis shoes three times and the stitching holding the velcro tab on the shoe began to rip. When I took it back and asked for an exchange she said I could choose from the clearance section because the shoes were marked as final sale. While its true that this pair was a clearance item, the clearance selection today had only 2 pairs of shoes in my daughters size and they were boy shoes. The result is that Ill have to go purchase some new shoes for my daughter somewhere else. I have never written a negative review before, but the woman who refused to remedy the obvious product defect was not apologetic, helpful, or understanding.

A Private User

I walked into the Barn just before Christmas 2008 to get a pair of winter boots for one of my children. The store was quite busy Prior to my arrival, I called to ask if they had the pair/model I was seeking, they did and they kindly set it aside. When I arrived I went straight to the counter, inquired about my held pair and the cashier greeted me with e cheery smile and asked me immediately if this was the pair I was seeking. She asked if there was anything else she could do for me. I was in and out of the Barn in less than 4 minutes. It was a very pleasnt experience and the selection is fantastic!! I would highly recommend the Barn.

A Private User

I grew up in West Newton and always went to the Barn as a child with my mother. Now that Im grown up and have been living in Cambridge and Boston for many many years, I still go to the Barn to shop for athletic shoes and equipment. It is quicker for me to get in my car and drive 10-15 minutes to the Barn than to walk or drive to a store in Boston where I have to find a parking space. I am fairly petite and have a small shoe size, so I sometimes even go to the Kids store at the Barn which is excellent. Ive never seen a bigger selection of kids shoes and all kinds of athletic equipment. Great service and friendly people.