Cool East Market

I’ve ordered three pairs of shoes now from Cool East Market (Lems, Be Lenka and Barebarics) and had a great experience! I’m not local, so the sizing recommendations and descriptions on the website are super helpful, especially the considerations for people new to minimal shoes. Also appreciate the flexible return policy, though I haven’t had to return anything yet. Shipping is inexpensive and quick. Awesome to have a barefoot/minimal shoe retailer in Canada! If I’m in Toronto, I’ll definitely make a trip to the shop.

Top notch customer service! I tried on over a dozen pairs of shoes/sandals and Owen was extremely patient and helpful. He was very informative about the different brands and the different types of shoes. I never felt pressured to buy anything and I appreciated his honest opinions. This store can also make special orders for shoes that are not in stock.

So Cool East Market violated human rights law on several fronts. The owner, Ivan, ‘believes they didn’t’ but the fact is that it was videotaped, and …. They did. The clutching of the pearls from Ivan is a bit much. He has a legal obligation to inform himself of the law. More people have brain injuries than cancer and the total ignorance and aggressive attempts to humiliate me for a well formed, legitimate Human Rights Accommodation request based on evidence based medicine and diagnosis is unconscionable. The fact that he clearly has not bothered to read the law at all demonstrates apathy in action, not fairness. The bias based on ignorance of equality is not kind or fair or thoughtful and his follow up has not resulted in any policies or education of his staff. 1. Denying service on the basis of disability. 2. Mocking a disabled person and humiliating them (on camera) because of an auditory processing disorder. 3. Bullying and intimidation. 4. Zero follow up to meet me in person or to make things right and educate himself by reviewing the video. 5. Presumptive self importance does not equal fairness under the law, nor does it result in equality. 6. Zero follow up from the owner to see if I had processed the experience or COULD ever feel safe on his store’s premises. The apathy and disregard for having multiple staff members berate me and attack my character because of a processing disorder is unfair and a violation of law. The owner has not bothered to talk with a disability consultant or to read the law.

I recently got myself a pair of Xero Prio Women's Lightweight Running and Fitness shoes from Cool East Market, and the whole experience was simply fantastic. What stood out most about this store was their laid-back and honest atmosphere. As a newbie to barefoot shoes, I valued their personalized service. The staff took the time to understand my needs and budget while providing invaluable advice on transitioning to these kicks. I wanna give a special shout-out to one of the staff members. I didn't catch your name, but you had that cool centipede tattoo on your forearm. You know who you are. You are amazing!! thanks a bunch! I highly recommend paying a visit to the store and trying the shoes on for yourself because, as many other reviewers have mentioned, you really need to feel and see how they fit on your unique feet. I've been enjoying my Xero Prio for over a month now, and I absolutely love them. If you're on the lookout for excellent barefoot shoes and a store that offers a friendly, no-pressure approach and expert guidance, Cool East Market is the place to be. They are a dedicated and honest business that truly cares about their customers.

I was previously searching for a pair of minimalist shoes for everyday wear. I found a pair of Lems that I liked, but shipping on the Lems website to Canada was expensive! Not to mention customers are responsible for the cost of returns. Thankfully, Lems directed me to Cool East Market! I am from out of town so I utilized the online size guide and placed an order with Cool East Market through their website! My new Lems arrived this morning in less than 48 hours! I even saved $15+ by ordering with Cool East Market :) Thanks for having exactly what I was looking for and for providing a user friendly website for easy accessibility and a great experience. I hope I can visit the store some day!

I am very excited to recieve my first pairs yes plural i just purchased two since #1 wicked deals #2 i need new shoes soooo badly, im not buying from corporate anymore they suck haha i love small biz

Totally awesome minimalist shop! They have what you want and if not they order it. I bought the Xero Kit sandals, tremendous and absolute freedom in my feet! Plus I had fun tightening the laces 😁 Thanks guys for the amazing service! 👍

I've been ordering my shoes exclusively from Cool East Market for the last few years, I've finally found someplace to buy shoes and boots that work well with my feet. I've dealt primarily with Leslie and she is very friendly and helpful. The first time I purchased I went directly to the store just to see what they had to offer and they had a great selection, and it was a great way to see what the sizing of the different brands were like. I LOVE every singe pair that I have.

Ordered first time from cool east market. Used their sizing info. All good and they fit. Super fast delivery even though I'm not in the GTA. Thank you.

Always a great experience with this store, good advice from knowledgeable staff, love the foot classes that have been offered in the evenings. Sometimes takes a while to order in sizes and colors but worth the wait.

I've been fighting with my feet my whole life and didn't know it. Hannah at Cool East Market is passionate about foot health/comfort and it shows. Outstanding service. Life changing purchases (3 pairs of Xero shoes/boots - my feet were happy, happy, happy on the hour-long walk home). (Oh, and I forgot my little toe protectors at the store and she figured out who they belonged to, sent me an email and offered to mail them to me!)

I really wanted some sky blue Jikatabi to wear with my wedding dress. Did a lot of searching and this seemed to be a bit tough. Finally found Cool East Market, and was able to order my hand-dyed Jikatabi. Leslie Padorr kept me informed and in the first two emails I noticed that the size was questionable. When I asked her about it, she gave me explicit instructions on how to be sure they fit. (Good thing she sent me that first "check in" email.) She had me stand on a piece of paper, have someone trace my foot, and measure in CM's from longest toe to heel. Turns out I needed a larger size than I originally thought. She was very thorough and clear about this process and was patient while I figured out what the heck she was talking about. Once I figured it out (this isn't rocket science, I realize), she gave me a final, clear email about what I would be receiving. Two days later I got exactly that - and they are BEAUTIFUL, comfy, and so well-made. I love them. Cool East has lots of cool things. From the East. So cool. (And East.) Check them out.