Shopping online is a lot like everything else on the Web--sometimes you have to wade through a ton of garbage before you get to the good stuff.

Take this month's column topic, for example. Ever try searching the Web for something as generic as shoes? It can be a nightmare. In my online search for the ultimate footwear, I encountered everything from faux shoes (don't even ask) to sites packed with nothing but raunchy platform stilettos and leather accessories (and I don't mean shoelaces).

To keep you from getting lost in the online equivalent of the blue-light special lane, I've taken it upon myself to clue you in.  I'll give you the low-down on the best sites so you can bypass the faux and the raunchy for the things you might actually want. You can thank me later.

The best of the best
When we need a new pair of party shoes, who do we turn to first? Nordstrom, of course.  Leave it to the company that built itself on expert shoe service to come up with the most beautiful, efficient, pleasant online shopping experience.  Of course, the site features other merchandise, but the shoe department is easy to find: from the home page, just choose the Shop Online option, then choose Men's or Women's, and then choose Shoes. 

Even though Nordstrom's entire inventory doesn't appear on the site, you still get a pretty good selection here (more in the women's section than the men's, but how many pairs of shoes does your average guy actually need?).  Men won't be overwhelmed by one page with several shoe options, while women will appreciate several sections--a page each for active, flats, sandals, boots, and pumps).  Click the shoe you like for a bigger picture and the option to buy.  Each page has a handy "All the details" box, which includes links to more information about fit, fabric, and features. And the style mavens at Nordy's even recommend (subtly, of course) other items you might consider to go along with your new sculpted, monkstrap pumps or pebble-grain, open-toe mules.

Nordstrom's site also includes one rare feature that we love--your "shopping basket" contents are listed in the bottom frame of your browser window.  So no matter how many pages you go to, you can always see a list of what you've ordered.  Other perks: registering with the site allows you to store your address information for easy retrieval; a gift reminder feature will send you e-mail to remind you to buy for all those important dates; the address book lets you keep information about all the people you buy for--from favorite colors to favorite brands; and you can check your order history at any time.

The bottom line: This site reeks of good taste.

Our rating:

Jock heaven
One of the best sites around claims to be the Web's biggest shoe store, and New Balance's number one online retailer: The Online Shoe Store.  They specialize in athletic and outdoor/hiking shoes.  When I say "specialize," I mean they even define those high-tech terms that shoe companies are using to describe their latest gimmicks, like ASICS Gel^® and New Balance Abzorb^® , among others. 

You can search the site by brand or by category (athletic, walking, casual, dress, hiking, and even socks), which makes it pretty easy to find what you need. If you're not sure about how a shoe will fit, they do their best to tell you how each style of shoe runs and if you should buy your regular street shoe size, or go up or down the scale a bit. 

I noticed a little inconsistency in the navigation on certain pages, but all in all, it's a really friendly, easy-to-use site.  Biggest bonuses:  Free shipping and a $50 gift certificate give-away every week.

Our rating:

Bargain Birks
If you're a Birkenstock fan, then you know it's rare to find the shoes you love on sale. Welcome to nirvana: BIRKSonSALE.com updates their catalog every weekday with out-of-season styles for cheap. The site itself is nothing special, but it's secure, it works, and the deals are great.

Our rating:

These boots were made for line dancing
If you're a little bit country (and aren't we all?), check out Cowtown Boots. Who knew that cowboy boots were so complicated? It's not as easy as simply picking out a specific boot.  Many styles allow you to choose the toe shape, heel shape and heel height that fit you best.  Cowtown manages to make all these choices available in a way that makes sense.

The site features ropers and traditional boots in everything from Ostrich to Python. They also carry work boots and children's boots.  It's straightforward, easy to navigate, and got this filly in the mood for a little Texas two-step.  Oh yeah.   

Our rating:

Don't sell yourself short
There are hundreds of other shoe sites out there, so if you don't find what you want right away, keep looking. It's a lot more fun to browse without the crowds.

 
Thanks to e-commerce, Molly Dempsey may never set foot in a mall again.