10 photos that show the glory days of Payless ShoeSource

Payless is about to meet the same fate as some of America’s fallen companies.

Like Toys “R” Us, Payless ShoeSource announced it will be liquidating and closing all of its stores in the US and Canada. As sales dipped to dangerous lows and a declaration of bankruptcy came, it’s easy to forget that Payless was once one of the most popular shoe retailers in the country.

Here’s what Payless was like from its humble beginnings to its glory days.

Vote Now! WindowsWear Awards 2026!

00DAYS: 00HOURS: 00MINS: 00SECS Expired

You're Invited to the WindowsWear Awards 2026 on February 3rd in New York City!

Win a Summer 2026 Internship at Coach in New York City! Submit Your Project by February 27th