Panza Shoes
January 4th, 2008
My mom loves comfortable shoes and one of the few things she doesn’t mind paying ”good money” for are quality, comfortable shoes. For her Hanukkah gift, I got her a gift certificate to Panza Shoes (downtown across from Town Hall).
Mom usually looks for a wide shoe and Panza specializes in special sizes like narrow, wide etc…
When I went in there to get the gift certificate the guys working there were really nice and 30 minutes after I came in there I found myself sitting down with them in the customer chairs comparing notes on Framingham restaurants.
When I said I was pleasantly surprised that this place seemed to be doing well, the manager said they get regular people that come from all over metrowest, newton and further because of their shoe selection. He said old ladies that bought their shoes here 50 years ago now bring their grandchildren. I noticed the whole time I was there that they knew every customer by name and would ask how their families are. The guys said they think of it as “Cheers” because people come in and don’t just buy shoes, they sit for a while and tell them about all sorts of things going on in their life.  The manger said Panza prides it’s self on this and that “This is a sit down, take your time and find the right shoe kind of place. If you just want a pair of shoes, go to the mall”.   They seem to be so confident in their product and service that they don’t feel the need to update their decor. They joked about that and said the only thing that changes in the store are the shoes.
 
 
It’s funny that this should be such a unique experience but I really feel like this is a little time capsule gem that we’re lucky to have downtown. I’m looking forward to going with my mom to get the whole shoe fitting experince : )
This reminds me of Shuler Shoes in Minneapolis! It seems like there’s got to be at least one good independent shoe store in a major city, the kind that carries the odd sizes. Let’s hope these places all keep staying in business.
Comment by Megan — January 4, 2008 @ 3:20 am
My grandmother has been a loyal Panza Shoe customer since she and my late grandfather moved to Framingham over 40 years ago. Every time we drive by the downtown storefront, she absolutely MUST make a comment on Panza’s excellent service and selection. Now that I’m in my mid-twenties and fully outgrown the “too cool to shop at my grandmother’s favorite stores” phase, I might just have to go check this place out. Besides, my feet are kind of wide, anyway.
Thanks for another great post!
Comment by Kathryn — January 4, 2008 @ 4:53 am
I’ve gone to Panza for years. They place hasn’t changed and, in some cases, neither have the employees. Some have been there for over 20 years. It’s a great place to shop and the parking around back (with the rear entrance) is very handy.
Comment by Susie — January 4, 2008 @ 6:32 pm
I have to admit I buy my shoes there, even though it’s a bit more expensive, just because the people are so great and it’d be a shame to lose one of our last old stores. The owner is a regular in my store and is very nice. He helped my grandmother who has leg problems and need special shoes!
The shoe repair place next to it is very convenient!
As an added bonus, next to CVS there’s a door to a little walk way to the back parking lot. Look at the doors inside and there are pictures of where it was and how it looked like decades ago!
Comment by Hygor — November 12, 2008 @ 11:07 pm