Here are the best places to shop for comfortable footwear in Australia, grouped by type and with what they’re best for — plus tips on fitting and returns.

Major online retailers (wide selection, easy returns)

• The Iconic — huge range of athletic, casual and dress shoes (many brands, fast AU delivery and free returns options). (au.ECCO.com)
• David Jones & Myer — department stores that carry comfort-focused brands (ECCO, Clarks, New Balance, Birkenstock, Skechers, etc.) and offer in‑store try-on plus online shopping. (news.com.au)

Specialist comfort / performance retailers

• The Athlete’s Foot — sports and walking shoes, trained fitters, gait analysis at many stores (good for runners/walkers). (news.com.au)
• Brand specialty stores (ECCO, Skechers, Clarks, ASICS, New Balance) — buy direct for full size ranges, technologies (cushioning, arch support) and warranty/returns. Examples: ECCO Australia, Skechers Australia. (au.ECCO.com)

Iconic Australian/utility brands (durable, comfortable everyday & work footwear)

• Blundstone — famous Aussie Chelsea/work boots with a reputation for comfort and durability (good for all‑day standing/horse‑to‑city use). (blundstone.com.au)
• Birkenstock — contoured footbeds for arch support; widely stocked by Australian retailers and speciality shops. (beechworthemporium.com.au)

Comfort sandal & casual specialists

• Archies / FitFlop / Teva / Hoka / Allbirds — look for brands noted in Australian buyer guides for walking and sandal comfort (good summer/active options). (news.com.au)

Orthotics, custom fitting & podiatry-friendly shops

• Footwear stores offering podiatry/orthotic services (look for “gait analysis”, “orthotic-friendly”, or Footbalance/clinic partnerships) — useful if you need arch support, custom insoles or have foot pain. Ask about returns, trial periods and in-store gait or pressure analysis. (news.com.au)

Where to try or buy in person

• Department stores (David Jones, Myer), The Athlete’s Foot, specialty brand stores (ECCO, Blundstone) — best for measuring, trying different widths and testing walk comfort before buying. (blundstone.com.au)

Quick shopping/fitting tips

• Get measured (length and width) in the afternoon (feet swell during day). (news.com.au)
• Bring the socks you’ll wear with the shoes and walk for 5–10 minutes in-store. (news.com.au)
• Prioritise fit/support over style; look for cushioning, heel cup, and adequate toe box. (news.com.au)
• Check return policies (The Iconic, brand sites and major department stores usually have reasonable returns). (au.ECCO.com)

If you tell me what kind of shoe you need (walking/running, work, sandals, dress) and your usual size/any foot issues (wide feet, plantar fasciitis, high arch), I can give a focused short list of models and stores to try.