ATHLETE'S FOOT OUTLET

1237 Marina Boulevard, Marina Square (next to Talbots), San Leandro.

(510) 895-9738. M-F 10-9, Sat 10-7, Sun 11-6. MC, VISA, AE, DiS. Parking: lot.

(Other outlet: Great Mall, Milpitas.)

Most parents cringe at the prospect of outfitting their children with new shoes, especially the Nike, Reebok, and Adidas types. Athlete's Foot Outlets carry the major high-profile brands of shoes for crosstraining, tennis, soccer, football, basketball, aerobics, running, track, and all-around everyday wear. Prices at this self-service store are reduced 15-60% off retail, averaging about 30% off retail, plus occasional super markdowns. Sizes for the whole family start with Infant 0-8; Children's 1 1/2-6; Youth 10 1/2-13; Women's 5 1/2-11; Men's 6 1/2-15. Also, T-shirts, shorts, sweats, and warm-ups. Refunds or exchanges within 30 days with receipt.

BANISTER SHOE STUDIO

Great Mall of the Bay Area, Milpitas.

(408) 956-9928. Daily. MC, VISA, AE, DIS. Parking: lot.

(Other outlets: Folsom, Gilroy, Pacific Grove centers.)

These outlets are part of the Nine West Group and showcase all its labels. Women's fashion shoe collections from Calico, Bandolino, Easy Spirit, Evan-Picone, Amalfi, Pappagallo, and others are moderately discounted every day. Prices are more enticing during special sale times. The shoes are nicely displayed in sizes 6-10 (a few 11 s).

BASS SHOE OUTLET

Prime Outlets at Gilroy, Gilroy.

(408) 842-3632. Daily. MC, VISA, DIS. Parking: lot.

(Other outlets: Lake Tahoe, Pacific Grove, Petaluma, Truckee, Vacaville centers.)

Finding the perfect vacation walking shoe is difficult, especially if you're trying to find a style that won't get you arrested by the fashion police. Bass provides the comfort and style to take you through hours of museums and miles of city streets. You'll find the original Bass Weejuns, Sunjuns, and Saddles, as well as the latest fashion footwear to take you from the beach to the boardroom. Prices reflect 15-30% discounts on most styles and up to 50% discounts on some seconds. Also, belts, duffels, totes, wallets, shoelaces, mink oil, and more at discount prices. A few stores showcase Bass's weekend sportswear nes for men, women, and kids. If you'd like, they offer free shipping to your home on special offers.

BIRKENSTOCK FOOTPRINT

Prime Outlets at Gilroy, Gilroy.

(408) 848-1602. Daily. MC, VISA, AE. Parking: lot.

Those funny-looking shoes are no longer considered funky. Mainstream America has embraced he comfort of the contoured footbed. It helps hat Birkenstock now makes so many styles that here's one for every personality and situation. There are Birkenstocks to slip on, buckle up, or ace, with open or closed heels and toes. You'll ind styles for beachcombing or for wearing into he office on dress-down Fridays, and you'll find professionals"—shoes for those who stand on their feet or walk on the job. This is the only outlet in the country, and here prices are reduced 30-50% off original retail on discontinued styles or seconds. (The seconds have cosmetic imperfections.) All shoes in European sizing—refer to wall charts for translation. American sizes: Men's 5-17 1/2; Women's 4-13 1/2; Kids 7-3. Options are expanded with the unisex styling of many shoes.

BOOT & SHOE OUTLET

2810 Bay Road, Redwood City.

(650) 369-5675. M-F 11-7, Sat 11-5. MC, VISA. Parking: street or lot.

I'm sworn to secrecy on this brand name. One hint I can give you, people come from miles around to buy this line. You won't be disappointed if comfort, quality, style, and price are your hallmarks of a savvy buy. Prices at 50-70% off original retails are posted on discontinued styles, colors, and blems (usually minor imperfections on the leather). The great looking collection of shoes and boots (for working hard or just loafing and looking chic) are destined to become classic wardrobe favorites. The boots have an advanced design that ensures stability, support, and comfort. The footbed provides exceptional internal cushioning. Gel inserts at the forefoot and heel cushion and protect small bones and nerves. These same technical advances have been incorporated into a collection of "lifestyle" shoes that are showing up in the shoe departments of status stores. Sandals, slip-on loafers, slides, classic oxfords, and half boots are some of the shoe styles geared for casual wear. Men's sizes 7-13; Women's sizes 5 1/2-11 1/2 (occasional 12s). A caveat: don't expect complete size or color ranges in any particular style. During one visit, everyone except those wearing size 10 had to pass up a fabulous $200-plus boot marked down to $49 (no other sizes were available). This situation repeats itself in some version or the other throughout the outlet's inventory; however from what I've observed at the outlet, no one leaves empty-handed.

BOOT FACTORY

Factory Stores at Vacaville, Vacaville.

(707) 449-6429. Daily. MC, VISA, AE, DIS. Parking: lot.

(Other outlets: Gilroy, Shasta/Anderson centers.)

Take the whole family up to the Boot Factory for rompin', stompin' Western-style boots, and serious work and outdoor boots. You'll find cosmetic irregulars or discontinued styles from a famous Texas-based maker of traditional boots and its Western-inspired, more contemporary label. Prices $40 to $400; most average $75 to $100. About half the shelf space is devoted to sturdy and heavy casual boots; insulated, waterproof, and leather hiking boots; and some steel-toe work boots for men. Catch these labels: Wolverine, Doc Martens, and Caterpillar in steel or nonsteel toes. Take a hike in Hi-Tec, HH, Texan Boot, J. Chisholm, Yukon, and Brown. Kids love the cowboy/cowgirl boots! Sizes: Women's 5-11; Men's 7-13; some wide widths for men and women. Most boots appear discounted about 35-40% off original retail (during special sales prices to 60% off).

BROWN BROS. SHOES

848 Lincoln Avenue (at Ninth Street), Alameda.

(510) 865-3701. M-Sat 9:30-6. MC, VISA. Parking: street.

Brown Bros.' shoes are all first quality, in up-to-date styles from Florsheim, Kenneth Cole, Stacy Adams, Dexter, and Rockport. It's strictly a men's shoe store with sizes 6-15 to EEE widths. It sells athletic shoes for solid discount prices and has some of the lowest-priced work boots that I've found, which is why so many hardworking fellas come here from miles around. You'll always find a good shoe at a reasonable price, usually 25-35% off retail. Exchanges and refunds allowed.

CAROLE'S SHOE RACK

851 Cherry Avenue, San Bruno.

(650) 869-5300. M-F 10-7, Sat 10-6, Sun 11-5. MC, VISA, AE, DIS. Parking: lot.

Carole's is a self-service operation displaying an intriguing selection of shoes warehouse-style. There are funky, fashion, conventional, and sporty styles—occasionally including a few dogs. Buying liquidations, overruns, and clearance inventories yields an extensive variety of dress heels (includ-ing chic imports from Italy and Spain), boots, and casuals. Men can buy nice Italian dress and casual shoes (average price $40 to $80). Savings 30-60% off retail (average discount 40-50% off). Sizes: Women's 5 1/2-12; Men's, a few 5s to 13. The racks of women's apparel offer some unpredictable and surprisingly good buys—worth a peek.

COLE-HAAN

Napa Premium Outlets, Napa.

(707) 258-0898. Daily. MC, VISA, AE, DIS. Parking: lot.

If you love Cole-Haan shoes but hate the price tags, you'll find a measure of savings at its elegant factory store. Collections of shoes for women and men are about one season behind and priced 20-50% off retail. In addition to its signature shoe styles, Cole-Haan stocks nicely executed luggage, hand-bags, belts, and small leather goods. Those seeking shoes in narrow or wide widths, small or extra-large sizes, will want to splurge when they find these shoes available—an unpredictable occurrence. Those wearing medium or narrow widths have the most options when shopping. Sizes: Women's 5-11 AAAA-W; Men's 7-15 B-D (a few Es).

DEXTER FACTORY SHOES

Petaluma Village Premium Outlets, Petaluma.

(707) 773-3802. www.dexterfactorystores.com. Daily. MC, VISA, AE, DIS. Parking: lot.

(Other outlets: Folsom, Gilroy centers.)

If you're a "Buy American" consumer, then head to this Maine-based manufacturer (one of the few American shoe manufacturers left) to get fitted for work and casual shoes. Dexter concentrates on the classics in casual and conservative dressier shoes and leaves the trendy stuff to others. Expect comfort footwear (hiking, golf, and bowl-ing shoes, too) in a wide range of sizes that includes a double-wide. Keep an eye peeled for color-coded tags leading to extra 20-50% discounts off everyday discount prices. Sizes: Men's 7-14; Women's 5-11.

EASY SPIRIT

1253 Marina Boulevard, Marina Square, San Leandro.

(510) 352-8804. Daily. MC, VISA, AE, DIS. Parking: lot.

(Other outlets: Gilroy, Vacaville.)

If you're standing on your feet all day, in uniform or out, then comfy shoes are essential. Easy Spirit shoes have gained great popularity for their comfort-enhancing features. At the outlet you'll find serious work, dress, and casual styles, flats and heels, reduced about 20-30% every day with frequent promotions that bring prices down even more. I also spotted a few Selby, Capezio, and Amalfi labels in the selection. Sizes: Women's 4 1/2-12 (occasionally 13s), widths AA-EE.

ENZO ANGIOLINI

Great Mall of the Bay Area, Milpitas.

(408) 934-1349. Daily. MC, VISA, AE, DIS. Parking: lot.

This label is made by Nine West. It's a more expensive line for women, European-inspired, featuring Italian leathers in a more tailored collection of shoe styles. Retail prices range from $68 to $150; at this outlet you'll save 20-40% every day. The shoe styles convey classic silhouettes with contemporary fluidity and they're destined to outlast the season. Casual boots, booties, flats and loafers, daytime heels (in beautiful leathers and nubuck), fabric shoes (for evening), and a few metallics define the collection. The store is pretty posh—complementing this quality selection nicely. Sizes: Women's Medium width 5-11, Narrow and Wide 7-10. Returns and refunds.

ETIENNE AIGNER

Factory Stores at Vacaville, Vacaville.

(707) 452-1385. Daily. MC, VISA, AE. Parking: lot. (Other outlet: Gilroy center.)

This is a real winner for women's shoes, an elegant factory store beautifully merchandised with upscale-quality shoes, handbags, leather accessories, gloves, and leather jackets. Those familiar with this line will not be disappointed with the extensive selection of classic, tailored, and dress shoes. Sizes: Women's 5 1/2-10 (a few 5s and 11s); widths: Narrow to Wide. Prices on handbags (all leather) vary from $39 to $110, with the average price nesting at $63. Discounts are 33% off retail across the board. During special sale promotions many groups are posted with additional 20% markdowns. Add your name to the mailing list; it's your only pipeline to special promotions and discount coupons. Exchanges only allowed within 14 days with receipt.

FAMOUS FOOTWEAR/FACTORY BRAND SHOES

JOAN & DAVID

Petaluma Village Premium Outlets, Petaluma.

(707) 763-7109. Daily. MC, VISA. Parking: lot.

(Other outlets: Milpitas, Pacific Grove, St. Helena centers.)

Most Joan & David loyalists buy these shoes as an investment. The line's popularity is due in part to its classic styling, even though each season "the classics" reflect a new interpretation of fashion trends and colors. The prices are higher than other outlet stores that focus on American brands. You'll usually save 40-50% off original retail. Expect to pay at least $79 to $89, up to $169 (original retail $325). Boots are $129 to $269 (original retail to $450). Sizes: Women's 5-10 (occasionally larger sizes and some Narrows are available). Handbags and belts are an extra plus. At outlet center stores, discriminating shoppers appreciate the exquisitely made updated sportswear collection from Joan & David. Beautiful fabrics and quality construction justify the high prices on this line.

JOHNSTON & MURPHY FACTORY STORE

Factory Stores at Vacaville, Vacaville.

(707) 446-4652. Daily. MC, VISA, AE, DIS. Parking: lot.

(Other outlet: Napa center.)

A 25% discount off a $10 item isn't much, but 25% off $200 is $50, an entirely different prospect. So I'm satisfied with the 20-40% discounts here. You'll find discontinued styles, past-season shoes, and occasional slight imperfects, plus markdowns on current-season men's shoes. Johnston & Murphy's quality is a given in its lines of classic dress, dress casuals, comfort dress, modern classic (more Italian), or athletic casuals. Expect classic wingtips retail-priced at $195 to be about $129, or golf shoes at $170 to be $139. Sizes: Men's 7-15 A-EEE. Sign up for mailing-list specials. No-hassle refunds and exchanges.

KENNETH COLE

Prime Outlets at Gilroy, Gilroy.

(408) 848-2026. mvw.kencole.com. Daily. MC, VISA, AE. No checks. Parking: lot.

(Other outlet: Napa center.)

I love this line of footwear for men and women. Its best customers are 20- to 30-year-olds who seek comfort, plus some flash, glamour, and sexiness in their lives. Kenneth Cole's line is a forerunner of fashion and trends—the line is trendy without being extreme. The quality is great. Many women's shoes are menswear-influenced (oxfords, chukka boots, ghillie-laced shoes, and kiltie shoes), yet there are more feminine styles. At retail the shoes are usually priced from $89 to $160. Good selection of men's shoes. I wish the company would be more aggressive with its discounts. Discounts of 18-30% are unlikely to increase the pulse rate of seasoned bargain hunters, but a few shelves post 40%-off specials. Look for mailings announcing annual sales when prices are 50% off outlet prices. Men's ties, hosiery, luggage, briefcases, small leather goods, eyeglasses, and handbags add spice to the shoe collection. Sizes: Women's 5 1/2-12; Men's 7-13 (some Wide)

.

LIZ CLAIBORNE SHOE OUTLET

Factory Stores at Vacaville, Vacaville.

(707) 446-7112. Daily. MC, VISA, AE, DIS. Parking: lot.

(Other outlet: Gilroy center.)

Think of all the shoes you see in department stores and specialty shoe stores with the Liz label and you'll have a fair idea of what to expect. True, the shoes are not current with retail stores, but they're not far behind. Discounts start at about 25% off original retails, and dive from there as the season's progress. Very nice stores with a first-class selection!

NATURALIZER OUTLET

Factory Stores at Vacaville, Vacaville.

(707) 452-1083. Daily. MC, VISA, DIS. Parking: lot.

(Other outlets: Milpitas, Gilroy centers.)

If Naturalizer, Life Stride, Connie, or Natural Sport are your brands, then stop in for 30-50% discounts on a wide selection for women of all ages. Lots of no-nonsense comfort shoes! Very good choices of in-season styles; great markdowns on slightly past-season goods. Sizes: Women's 5-11 (some 4s and 12s); widths: Slim (AAA) to Wide (WW) in some styles.

NIKE FACTORY STORE

Prime Outlets at Gilroy, Gilroy.

(408) 847-4300. Daily. MC, VISA, AE. Parking: lot.

(Other outlet: Folsom, Vacaville centers.)

You won't find the latest, hippest, or hottest styles from Nike here. However, you may find fairly recent popular styles priced about 30% off retail as blems. The selection of blems, closeouts, and discontinued styles covers just about all of Nike's sport shoes. Sizes: Infant 2-8; Preschool 8 1/2-13; Girls 1-6; Boys 1-6; Women's 5-12; Men's 6-15. Discounts are 20-40% off retail. Half of the store is devoted to many styles of first-quality discontinued apparel for active sports or simple leisure for men, women, and children. Discounts average 30% off retail. Exchanges only; no cash refunds.

NINE WEST FACTORY STORE

1251 Marina Boulevard, Marina Square, San Leandro.

(510) 614-0758. M-F 10-9, Sat 10-7, Sun 11-6. MC, VISA. Parking: lot.

(Other outlets: Folsom, Gilroy, Milpitas, Petaluma, Tracy, Vacaville centers.)

Nine West offers a mixed bag of bargains, from hardly worth noting to dazzling. You'll save just $5 on some current women's styles, but more like 30-60% on last season's regular prices. The selection covers a little of everything Nine West. Look for two-for-one price offers on absolutely going, going, gone past-season styles! Sizes: Women's 5 1/2-10 (a few 5s and 11s). The outlets accept returns and give refunds within 21 days on unworn shoes with receipt.

REEBOK FACTORY STORE

Factory Stores at Vacaville, Vacaville.

(707) 452-0235. Daily. MC, VISA, AE. Parking: lot.

(Other outlets: Gilroy, Pacific Grove, Petaluma, Tracy centers.)

The Reebok stores are upbeat and energizing, but for me that doesn't make up for the fact that the discounts are often downright chintzy. However, you may find a shoe that addresses your needs on the more deeply discounted closeout tables. If you're lucky you'll find a special promotion like the frequent "buy one. get a second pair at half off." The stores also carry Reebok activewear for the whole family. Shoes in sizes for tiny tots, kids, teens, women, and up to great big lugs (Men's sizes 15-16).

ROCKPORT OUTLET

Prime Outlets at Gilroy, Gilroy.

(408) 848-8837. Daily. MC, VISA, AE. Parking: lot.

(Other outlets: Pacific Grove, Tracy, Vacaville centers.)

If this is your label, then this is the place to shop. You'll find a combination of discontinued styles, current overruns, and some blems (cosmetic only) sold at average 30% discounts. Not all sizes available in each style. Note: Vacaville's Reebok Outlet has a respectable Rockport selection. Sizes: Women's 5-11; Men's 7-15.

SAS FACTORY SHOE STORE

Prime Outlets at Gilroy, Gilroy.

(408) 842-2185. Daily. MC, VISA, DIS. Parking: lot.

If you spend hours on your feet each day, the prospect of so many comfort-oriented shoes will be exciting. If you're a true bargain hunter, you'll be a little disappointed at the discounts that range from a teensy 10 to a maximum of 25% off retail. Most SAS shoppers find compensation in the depth of the first-quality selection and extensive size range. Sizes: Women's 4-12 Slim-WW; Men's 6-15 Slim-DD.

SHOE DEPOT

280 Metro Center, 43 Colma Boulevard, Colma.

(650) 755-0556. M-F 10-9, Sat-Sun 10-6. MC, VISA. Parking: lot.

When a steel-toe boot or heavy work shoe is necessary for OSHA's safety requirements on the job, Shoe Depot is the place; it has more work shoes than I've seen anywhere, starting at hard-to-find small sizes (6) and going up to 14, in widths D-EEE. The discounts are decent. You'll also find athletic-style, casual, dress comfort, and traditional dress shoes. Some famous brands: Nunn Bush, Stacy Adams, Florsheim, Rockport, Dexter, Gorilla, Wolverine, and Georgia. Also, you can pick up some everyday duds, work wear from brands like Carhartt and Ben Davis.

SHOE PAVILION

899 Howard Street, Yerba Buena Square (at Fifth Street), San Francisco.

(415) 974-1821. Daily. MC, VISA, AE, DIS. Parking: street/pay lots.

(Other stores/outlet centers: Eighteen Bay Area stores; see Geographical Index.)

Shoe Pavilion describes itself as the "leading off-price retailer of quality brand-name footwear on the West Coast," offering women's shoes with 30-70% discounts daily on major brands. Although I feel the rapid expansion of this company has led to a decrease in the selection of "better" shoe brands, for the most part, the styles are very current and service is very accommodating. Prices range from $10 to $89 for shoes. Most discounts on current styles are in the 35% range. Check the displays that highlight the latest arrivals in full size ranges. Even shoes on the self-serve racks are often backed by additional sizes in the stockroom, so don't hesitate to ask for your size. Good selection of men's shoes, too!

SKECHERS

Great Mall of the Bay Area, Milpitas.

(408) 719-8155. www.skechers.com. Daily. MC, VISA, AE, DIS. Parking: lot.

(Other outlet: Gilroy center.)

Skechers caught the attention of the MTV generation and teen fashion hounds with its platform sandals and sneakers. Skechers, now mainstream and emulated by almost every shoe manufacturer, has expanded its line to offer shoe styles for guys and gals in versions that look for inspiration in everything from classic oxfords to space age foot-wear. Save 15-50% on current- and past-season styles on Men's sizes 6 1/2 to 13; Women's sizes 5 to 11; and 5 Toddler to 4 in Girls, to 6 in Boys.

STRIDE-RITE

Prime Outlets at Gilroy, Gilroy.

(408) 842-1011. Daily. MC, VISA. Parking: lot.

Closeouts, slight irregulars, and past-season styles from Stride-Rite's shoe divisions are offered at 30% off every day. Specials on the "dump" tables take discounts down to 50-60% off retail. Sperry Top-Siders, Keds, and Stride-Rite shoes come in all sizes for everyone in the family.

TIMBERLAND

Napa Premium Outlets, Napa.

(707) 259-1191. Daily. MC, VISA, AE. Parking: lot.

(Other outlet: Gilroy center.)

Timberland has been a rising star in the shoe industry. Its rugged outdoor shoes have become as fashionable as everyday streetwear. With success comes excess, and that leads to outlet stores. Discontinued styles and factory blems (cosmetic flaws) are discounted 30-50% off retail. There's a little of everything made by Timberland in the selection and it's all guaranteed. Sizes: Women's 5-10; Men's 7-13. About half the space at Timberland's outlets is devoted to its apparel (sportswear and outerwear) and accessory divisions for men and women. Just like the shoes, many styles of its weathergear are waterproof. Handbags, backpacks, duffel bags, gloves, and caps provide customers with head-to-toe cover options.

VANS

Factory Stores at Vacaville, Vacaville.

(707) 447-8368. Daily. MC, VISA. Parking: lot.

(Other outlets: Anderson/Redding, Folsom, Gilroy, Petaluma, Tracy centers.)

Vans updates the classic canvas boat shoe with bold colors and prints. Entire families can choose comfortable fun shoes at this outlet; irregulars and discontinued styles keep the racks well stocked. Both lace-up and slip-on styles are available, plus some in suede. Vans fills a special niche with its snowboots and skateboarding shoes. Because the styles are more or less unisex, you can purchase by fit, or stick to Toddler 5-10 1/2; Boys 2 1/2-6; Youth 11-3; Women's 4-10; Men's 6 1/2-13. Discounts 30-65% off original retail.

WALKING CO./MEPHISTO OUTLET

Great Mall or the Bay Area, Milpitas.

(408) 262-5105. Daily. MC, VISA, AE, DIS. Parking: lot.

Before going on vacation, stop by this outlet, which is owned by the reliable Walking Company specialty shoe chain (eighteen retail stores). The Mephisto brand is the headliner here, with discount prices (30-50% off) on men's and women's discontinued styles and surplus inven-tory. These shoes are noted for the durability, comfort, support, and breathability of the natural materials used in each handmade pair of shoes. Other popular brands of walking shoes are carried: Rockport, Teva, Clark's, Ecco, Rieker, and Timberland at closeout prices. Sizes: Women's 5-11 1/2; Men's 5 1/2-13 1/2.