Akira Footwear

I went in Akira a few days ago to see if a style was in my size, fast forward to today I came in and the employee Madison remembered me plus the style and size I asked about. The item I was exchanging was the same brand but a little a less and if you receive a store credit you must use it the same day because the store will not issue one to use at a later time.
I mainly shop here due to convenience; however, the employees are always helpful and some very friendly + helpful!
Please note that this store does have a strict return policy. You have 14 days for an exchange and if there’s a difference you will not be issued a credit on a card or receipt, the credit you receive will need to be used at the time of exchanging.

I would just like to echo previous reviewers’ complaints about the return policy. Even if you are within the 15 day exchange window, they won’t give your money back. Plenty of other shoe stores in Chicago.

Had a bad experience here with a very snobby and rude sales person. I was in here on a recent night looking at snow boots. The salesperson brought me a couple of different pairs that were not my usual size, so one pair was too big and the other too small. I told her very nicely that neither pair were going to work out for me, and she literally rolled her eyes, gave me a dirty look, and said, «maybe you’ll find what you’re looking for next year.» I know that was meant to be an insult, but I chose to smile and ignore her. I literally took up 5 minutes of her time and she acted like I was such an inconvenience.
What I did next was go home, find the exact pair I wanted on
in the right size with no tax and free shipping. Voila! I’d rather order online than be treated like crap in person.

Inability to return your item, that you purchased the same day, for money is simply robbery.

I used to go to Akira shoes a lot, nearly every weekend when I lived in Lincoln park a couple years ago. Since then the quality went way down, shoes are cute/​well priced but overall cheap.
I purchased a pair of $ 200 boots recently only because it wasn’t available yet at the steve madden store. I wanted the black, but Akira only carried the brown. After 4 days I decided to return the shoes as I really wasn’t in love with the color. To my surprise regular full priced items are only available for exchange in first 15 days. The sales person Claire didn’t mention this to me at all when I purchased them. Btw their sign that says this is half hidden behind other things in the register, which is didnt even see because i was too busy talking and looking at the other things for sale on the counter. This is ridiculous considering I can buy any of the shoes they have in their store from other retailers and get my money back if I’m not satisfied with my purchase. Will not shop at Akira shoe locations again, and I suggest you don’t either.

I love the selection and the workers! I have never met such friendly workers. I mean sure, they were probably trying to sell me stuff, but even besides that, they were actually very talkative and would have real conversations with you. They seemed like real people, not the kind of workers who just follow you around until you buy something, which I personally really liked. The price range is about average in comparison to other stores, but their sale deals are pretty awesome. I’ll definitely be back soon!

My friend and I wandered in here after a dinner next door at Matisse. The staff at Akira was very attentive and knowledgeable of trends. A really cool guy (mid-​20s, Asian, I forgot his name!) was especially great to chat with. He liked my Black Milk Clothing leggings and we talked about the brand and how Chicago better get ready for them! Everyone was totally cool. They didn’t rush us out of the store even though it was near closing, and they didn’t push us to make a purchase. My shopping experience felt a lot like hanging out and I really enjoyed that. Will definitely be back! Lots of killer fashion-​forward brands like Jeffrey Campbell and lots of dupe brands as well for a variety of budgets!

Shopped here with my daughter yesterday. Fun selection at a variety of price points. The best part was the service. The store was busy, but nevertheless, three friendly and helpful saleswomen assisted us and made the experience more fun and more efficient.