Looking for reliable, good-value footwear without the fuss? Number One Shoes is a familiar stop for Kiwi shoppers who want everyday styles, school shoes, work boots, and weekend sneakers that don’t break the bank. This guide explains what Number One Shoes is, how shopping works across New Zealand, the main types you’ll find, the pros and cons, and a simple step-by-step process to choose the right pair the first time.
What is
Number One Shoes is a well-known New Zealand footwear retailer focused on practical, affordable shoes for the whole family. You’ll find a wide range in-store and online: school shoes for term time, jandals and sandals for summer, ankle and Chelsea boots for winter, slippers for chilly mornings, and sneakers for everyday wear. The brand is popular for value, frequent promotions, and easy access across Aotearoa, from big city malls to regional centres.
For many households, Number One Shoes is the quick answer to “We need shoes today.” It offers seasonal ranges suited to New Zealand weather and lifestyles—wet commutes, beach holidays, casual offices, and weekend DIY jobs included.
How it works
Shopping with Number One Shoes is straightforward whether you prefer browsing racks or scrolling at home.
- In-store: Try sizes on the spot, compare styles, and get help from staff. Handy when you need school shoes or work boots in a hurry.
- Online: Filter by size, colour, price, and category. Stock availability, delivery options, and sizing advice are shown at checkout.
- Click & Collect: Order online and pick up at a nearby store once the shoes are ready. This saves shipping time and helps if you want to try on before taking them home.
- Delivery: Orders are shipped across New Zealand, with timeframes shown during checkout based on your address.
- Payment: Expect common options such as major cards and buy now, pay later providers listed on the site. Gift cards may also be available.
- Returns and exchanges: Change-of-mind returns depend on the retailer’s current policy, while faulty goods are covered by the Consumer Guarantees Act. Always check the latest terms online or in-store.
- Sizing: Many NZ retailers use US sizing. Use the site’s size guide, and read fit notes if provided (e.g., runs small/large) before you check out.
Number One Shoes frequently runs deals—clearance sales, seasonal offers, and back-to-school specials—so it pays to check the promotions page or sign up to emails if you’re deal hunting.
Types / examples
Number One Shoes covers most everyday needs. Here are common categories you’ll find and where they shine in a New Zealand context.
Everyday sneakers and trainers
- Best for: Daily errands, casual offices, weekend walks
- Why they work: Comfortable cushioning, easy styling with jeans or chinos
- Look for: Breathable uppers, non-marking soles if you’re indoors a lot
School shoes
- Best for: Primary and secondary students needing uniform-friendly styles
- Why they work: Durable uppers, sturdy soles, options like lace-up, T-bar, and Mary Jane
- Look for: Reinforced toe, non-slip sole, easy-polish leather, uniform-compliant design
Work and safety boots
- Best for: Trades, warehousing, farm and workshop use
- Why they work: Protective features like steel or composite toes, slip-resistant soles
- Look for: Safety certifications required by your workplace, waterproofing, ankle support
Boots for winter
- Best for: Cold snaps, wet commutes, weekend wear
- Why they work: Weather-ready materials and traction for slippery pavements
- Look for: Lugged outsoles, water-resistant uppers, warm lining
Sandals and jandals
- Best for: Summer holidays, beach trips, backyard BBQs
- Why they work: Easy, breathable, fast-drying options for coastal life
- Look for: Quick-dry straps, arch support if you’re on your feet a lot
Dress shoes and heels
- Best for: Events, office wear, interviews
- Why they work: Clean silhouettes that lift a weekday outfit or complement formalwear
- Look for: Stable heel, cushioned insole, grippy forefoot
Kids and toddlers
- Best for: Playgrounds, kindy, school sports days
- Why they work: Value-focused pairs that can handle growth spurts
- Look for: Easy on-off closures (Velcro), toe protection, flexible soles
Comfort and orthotic-friendly
- Best for: Long days on your feet, or when you use custom insoles
- Why they work: Removable footbeds, wider fits, shock absorption
- Look for: Roomy toe box, midfoot stability, replaceable insoles
Comparison: picking the right style for NZ conditions
| Shoe type | Ideal use | Key features | Pros | Watch-outs |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Everyday sneaker | City errands, casual office | Foam cushioning, breathable mesh | Comfortable, versatile, budget-friendly | Basic support in some budget models |
| School shoe | Term-time uniform wear | Leather upper, reinforced toe | Durable, uniform-compliant | Break-in may be needed |
| Work/safety boot | Trades, farming, warehousing | Toe cap, slip-resistant sole | Protection, traction, ankle support | Heavier, warmer in summer |
| Winter boot | Wet commutes, cold snaps | Water-resistant upper, lug outsole | Warmth, grip on slick surfaces | Can run hot indoors |
| Sandals/jandals | Beach, bach, casual summer | Open design, quick-dry straps | Breathable, easy to clean | Limited support on long walks |
| Dress shoe/heel | Events, formal office | Polished upper, stable heel | Sharp look, timeless styles | Less forgiving on long days |
| Comfort/orthotic-friendly | All-day wear, retail/hospitality | Removable insole, wider fit | Supportive, foot-health focus | Chunkier look in some models |
Pros and cons
Here’s a balanced look at shopping with Number One Shoes so you know what to expect.
Pros
- Value for money: Competitive pricing and frequent promotions.
- Range for the family: From kids’ school shoes to adult boots and sandals.
- Nationwide access: Stores in many centres plus an online shop.
- Season-ready styles: Practical picks for NZ’s wet winters and hot summers.
- Fast decisions: Simple categories and clear filters help you find a match quickly.
Cons
- Performance niche: If you want advanced running tech or specialist hiking gear, you may need a performance-focused retailer.
- Material trade-offs: Budget styles can use synthetic materials that may not last as long as premium leather.
- Fit variation: Sizing can vary by brand and style; trying on or checking reviews helps.
- Stock turnover: Popular sizes sell fast during seasonal sales.
How to use or choose
Use this quick step-by-step to pick the right pair at Number One Shoes and avoid returns.
- Define the job: Daily commute, school, hospitality shift, DIY, or weekend wear? Purpose drives features.
- Measure your feet: Length and width, ideally at day’s end when feet are slightly swollen. Check the site’s size guide.
- Pick materials: Leather for longevity, synthetics for light weight and quick dry. For winter, aim for water-resistant uppers.
- Match the sole: Grippy lug patterns for wet pavements, flexible soles for kids, non-marking soles for indoor work.
- Check support: Look for arch support, heel counters, and cushioning if you stand all day. Orthotic users need removable insoles.
- Plan for socks: Try with the socks you’ll wear (thicker work socks, school socks, or no-show socks).
- Walk test: In-store, do laps, try inclines if available. At home, test on clean surfaces to keep return eligibility.
- Confirm policy: Review returns and exchanges before you remove tags or wear outside.
- Maintain: Waterproof winter boots, polish leather school shoes, and clean sneakers regularly to extend life.
Quick tips for Kiwi conditions
- Rain-ready: Choose water-resistant uppers and non-slip soles for wetter regions.
- Beach life: Go for quick-dry sandals or jandals and rinse off saltwater after use.
- Uniform rules: Stick to plain black school shoes with the required closure type.
- Work safety: Confirm the exact safety standard your employer needs before buying boots.
- Comfort first: If you’re on your feet all day, prioritise cushioning and stable heel counters over looks.
FAQ
What is Number One Shoes?
Number One Shoes is a popular New Zealand footwear retailer offering affordable shoes for men, women, and kids, available both in-store and online.
Does Number One Shoes ship across New Zealand?
Yes. Delivery options and timeframes are shown at checkout based on your location.
Can I Click & Collect from my local store?
In many areas, yes. You can order online and pick up from a selected store once notified your order is ready.
What sizes does Number One Shoes use?
Many styles use US sizing. Always check the size guide and any fit notes for the specific product.
Are returns accepted if I change my mind?
Change-of-mind returns depend on the current store policy, while faulty goods are protected by the Consumer Guarantees Act. Review the latest returns information before purchasing.
Do they sell school shoes?
Yes. You’ll find uniform-friendly black school shoes in various styles such as lace-up, T-bar, Mary Jane, and slip-on.
Can I find wide-fit or orthotic-friendly options?
Many ranges include comfort-focused designs, wider fits, or removable insoles. Filter the online catalog or ask in-store.
What payment options are available?
You’ll typically see major cards and buy now, pay later providers at checkout. Gift cards may also be offered.
How do I make my shoes last longer?
- Waterproof winter boots before the first wear and reapply seasonally.
- Let damp shoes dry naturally; avoid direct heaters.
- Rotate pairs to reduce wear and odour.
- Use a leather conditioner or polish on dress and school shoes.
- Brush dirt off outsoles; hand-wash uppers as recommended by the care label.
Is Number One Shoes good value?
If you want everyday, family-friendly footwear at accessible prices, Number One Shoes is a solid place to start. For specialist performance gear, compare options at technical retailers before deciding.
Bottom line
Number One Shoes keeps Kiwi shoppers moving with practical styles for school runs, work shifts, wet winters, and sunny summers. Know what you need, check the size guide, test the fit, and choose materials made for our climate. Do that, and you’ll walk out with the right pair at the right price—no blisters, no surprises.
