shoe shopping in Leon

[Sue100]

I have never spent any time in Leon but went through on the bus to Guadalajara last week, and was surprised to see all the big brand name shoe outlets. They appeared not to be concentrated in a particular area. I am not really interested in the Zona Piel but would like to go to some outlets. Ideally I would like to do this in one day (bus from GTO there and back), but would be open to spending a night. Can anyone recommend a strategy?

[roberb7]

In my opinion, that big outlet mall east of León is a waste of time. Some of the other stores in the same area are worthwhile. But why are you not interested in the Zona Piel? It's right next to the bus station, so you can easily do it as a day trip.

[peddler665]

Got agree with Robert. I spent almost 20 years in the footwear business. Unfortunately almost all of today's chain stores/major brands are from Asia & made on poor lasts. G & lousy leather.
Go to the shoe mart & stay here IMO.
Here is my post from last year of Leon & the Shoe market.
The Stadium Hotel & Casnio
Since my dear wife Linda seldom gets her fill of Leon's leather market in one day we decided to overnight at this hotel a stones throw away.
It is a nice choice with friendly welcoming employees but with little (None?) English spoken but it is Mexico is it not?
Room comfortable, clean & well furnished with a great king sized bed, good TV & a most excellent shower. Linda appreciated the full length mirror & large closet with built in shelves.
We had lunch at the most excellent restaurant next to the 2 level shoe mall who's name unfortunately escapes me. 4 sopes, fresh table side prepared salsa & two bowls of Azteca soup, Lin two Sangreas (SP?) & I a lemonade. Total cost 385 pesos.
Lin was a bit disappointed with the Sunday 4:00 PM closing of the leather shops but had the next day also to shop.
Back to the hotel for a short rest than to the casino to relive her of 200 pesos burning n her pocket before our long anticipated first ever dinner at the Argentina Restaurant down the street. We arrived just before 7 as they were about to CLOSE! How disappointing. I had forgotten about Google being my friend & it being Sunday.
So back to the hotel checking out several options including the sports bar & grill. pizza cafe, Agave also about to close (does no one stay open Sunday night?) before deciding to "dine" at the hotel regular cafe. Not a good choice! One of the worst Caesar Salads ever, Lin had a so so club sandwich & I a really lousy almost raw hamburger with fries. She also had a undrinkable white wine but my Coke-cola was fine.
So off to bed watching James Bond die again--------No wait he some how survived.
Up at 8:00 to shower, shave etc before trying the hotel breakfast buffet. Decent if not outstanding at 130 pesos per person.
Checked out at noon arranging to have our luggage stored while Lin finished up her purchases. 2 more pairs of handsome leather boots but passing on the leather coats. I being a cheap-skate buying nothing.
So back to the Argentina Restaurant for a most excellent meal.
Linda Fillet Medallions w/mushrooms sauted at the table. I the rack of lamb, we split a mixed salad, she two glasses of California wine & I my standard lemonade. All was excellent for the 685 pesos[/size] plus tip cost. It came with most excellent service. A fine, fine eatery!
Back to the hotel for our luggage, a cab to the bus station & a smooth ride back to GTO.
A most satisfying trip.

[Sue100]

Maybe I have the wrong impression of the zona piel?
I was under the impression that you would not find brand name shoes there. I am looking for brands like (for example) Geoxx, Ecco, Hush Puppies, Clarks, Skechers . . . . in other words, recognized brands that I would find at shoe stores or departments stores in Canada and the U.S.

[DonJuane]

Don't be afraid to hop the OptiBus, a great way to explore this fabulous city! (Leon) Only 9 pesos from point to point and free transfers within the system. Link to OptiBus
dr
Note, if you are coming in on the Metropolitano, you can watch and get off on the corner just before the bus turns right off the main drag (while heading to the station) and then walk back the way you came 1 block and there is the Camioneta stop on the OptiBus route (forgive my spelling).

[pianoheat]

For my feet Flexi make the best shoes in Mexico. I don't know if they are sold in the USA or Canada. I do know all the prices are the same at all flexi stores including the outlets We have a small flexi store on plaza La Paz

[Sue100]

Thank you for your responses.

[roberb7]

Here's another possibility. The second floor of the Poliforum building at the Feria de León is entirely shoes and other leather products. And the prices are very good.