Payless ShoeSource closed all U.S. stores in 2019

Payless ShoeSource, the discount shoe chain that operated for nearly 50 years, shut down every store in the United States in 2019 after filing for bankruptcy. The company had been a familiar sight in shopping malls and strip centers since 1956, known for selling affordable shoes for the whole family. If you shopped there regularly or are looking for similar options now, you'll need to know where to find comparable retailers.

The closure happened quickly. In February 2019, Payless announced it would liquidate all 2,100 stores worldwide, including roughly 800 in the U.S. The company had struggled with changing shopping habits — more people buying shoes online and fewer visiting physical stores — and couldn't recover from the debt it carried. By September 2019, every location had closed.

Key Takeaways

  • Payless ShoeSource permanently closed all U.S. stores in 2019 and no longer operates anywhere.
  • Discount shoe retailers like Shoe Carnival, Famous Footwear, and DSW offer similar price ranges and shoe selection for families.
  • Online retailers including Amazon, Zappos, and Target ship shoes quickly and often have lower prices than physical stores.
  • Outlet malls and clearance sections at department stores carry brand-name shoes at reduced prices if you want to shop in person.

Where to find affordable shoes now

Several retailers have filled the gap Payless left behind. Shoe Carnival operates hundreds of stores across the U.S. and carries budget-friendly shoes for men, women, and children — often in the $20 to $60 range. Famous Footwear, owned by Brown Shoe Company, has a similar footprint and price point, with frequent sales and clearance sections. Both chains are found in shopping centers and malls in most states.

DSW (Designer Shoe Warehouse) carries more brand names but also runs regular sales where shoes drop to Payless-like prices. Payless-adjacent shoppers often move to Target and Walmart, which stock basic shoes for the whole family at comparable prices, though selection is smaller than a dedicated shoe store.

If you prefer to shop without leaving home, Amazon, Zappos, and Shoebuy all offer free returns and ship within days. Zappos, owned by Amazon, is known for fast shipping and a wide range of budget brands. Target and Walmart also ship shoes to your home with free returns on many items.

Outlet malls and clearance sales

Outlet malls often have shoe stores with permanent discounts — Nike Factory Store, Adidas outlet, and brand-specific locations typically mark shoes 20 to 40 percent below regular retail. If you have an outlet mall near you, these stores can match or beat Payless's old prices on name brands.

Department store clearance sections — Macy's, Kohl's, and JCPenney all have shoe clearance areas, both in stores and online. These sections change frequently, but you can find deals on last season's styles. Sign up for email alerts from these stores to know when new clearance inventory arrives.

How to compare prices across retailers

Since Payless is gone, you'll want a way to find the best price on a specific shoe. Use Google Shopping or Shopzilla to search a shoe name or style number and see which retailers have it in stock and at what price. These tools show you shipping costs and return policies side by side, so you can see the true total cost.

Many retailers offer price-match guarantees — if you find the same shoe cheaper elsewhere, they'll match it. Check the website or ask in-store before you buy. Shoe Carnival and Famous Footwear both have price-match policies, though the details vary by location.

Loyalty programs and sales timing

Shoe retailers run sales on predictable schedules. Most have clearance events at the end of each season (January and July), and many offer discounts around major holidays. Sign up for email lists at Shoe Carnival, Famous Footwear, and DSW to get notified of sales before they're advertised in stores.

Payless used to offer a rewards program, and similar programs exist now. Shoe Carnival has a rewards card that earns points on every purchase. Famous Footwear has a VIP program. These programs are free to join and typically give you early access to sales or bonus points on certain days.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I still find Payless shoes anywhere?

No — Payless ShoeSource no longer exists as a company or brand. The shoes that were sold under the Payless label are no longer manufactured. However, you can find similar budget shoes at Shoe Carnival, Famous Footwear, Target, and Walmart, which carry comparable styles and prices.

Did Payless ever reopen after 2019?

Payless did not reopen in the U.S. The company attempted a small comeback in 2020 with a few pop-up stores, but those closed quickly. The brand is permanently gone from American retail.

Where can I find kids' shoes at the lowest prices?

Walmart and Target have the cheapest kids' shoes in-store, often $15 to $30 per pair. For slightly more selection, Shoe Carnival and Famous Footwear run frequent sales on children's sizes. Online, Amazon and Zappos often have lower prices than physical stores and free returns.

Are there any other discount shoe chains like Payless?

Shoe Carnival and Famous Footwear are the closest equivalents — both are national chains with hundreds of locations and prices in the $20 to $70 range. Payless-style budget shopping has largely moved online, where retailers like Amazon and Zappos compete on price without the cost of physical stores.