If you're looking for a new pair of shoes that combine fashion, trend‑forward styling and a well‑known Australian name, the store Betts may be on your radar. In this detailed review we’ll explore what Betts offers, what makes it stand out, where it may fall short, and whether it could be the right fit for you.
The story behind Betts
Betts has a long history in Australia’s footwear scene. Founded in 1892 and originally launching a store in Perth in 1912, the brand grew nationally and today operates more than 70 stores across Australia. From its family‑business roots to its current positioning, Betts markets itself as a heritage brand that stays on‑trend, offering shoes designed in Australia and drawing inspiration globally. What this means is you’re buying into more than just a pair of shoes you’re also buying part of a legacy of Australian footwear retail.
What the collections look like today
Looking at the current range, Betts offers a wide variety of styles. You’ll find heels, flats, boots, sandals, casual shoes, and a selection of both women’s and men’s footwear. On their website, you’ll see items like the “Selene Square Toe Wedge Sandals” and “Greece Jelly Mesh Ballet Flats” showing a mix of trend‑led designs and price points. They also have a more sustainable sub‑range called Zeroe, which uses recycled or eco‑friendly materials including algae biomass and water‑based glues. So if you’re looking for stylish shoes and also care about more responsible materials, Betts has options.
What works well
There are several strong points in Betts’ favour:
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Heritage and presence: Because Betts has been around for decades and has physical stores, many shoppers feel confident they’re dealing with a known brand.
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Wide variety: Whether you’re after heels for an event, boots for going out, or everyday flats, the collections cater to many occasions.
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Trend responsiveness: The brand’s product developers travel globally for inspiration and bring seasonal looks to Australia.
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Sustainable options: The Zeroe range is a positive step towards more eco‑friendly footwear, which is increasingly important.
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Online and in‑store flexibility: You can shop the full range on betts.com.au and visit stores to try on in person, which helps with sizing and fit decisions.
Some things to watch out
As with any brand, Betts is not perfect and there are some caveats worth keeping in mind:
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Quality and durability concerns: On review sites, some customers have complained that certain shoes wore out faster than expected or that service around returns was disappointing. For example, one review noted that boots “are peeling and scraped as if they’re two years old” though owned only a short time.
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Online delivery and service issues: Some online shoppers reported delays or lack of communication when ordering, especially with pre‑orders or limited stock items.
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Returns policy and customer experience: A number of reviews suggest that Betts’ returns and exchange policy may be less flexible than other online shoe retailers. It’s worth checking the terms before you buy.
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Price vs value: While the styles are trendy, some customers feel the price doesn’t always match long‑term wear or build quality compared to higher‑end shoes.
Who Betts is a good fit for
Based on all of the above, Betts could be a strong option if you fall into one of these groups:
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You’re looking for a fashionable pair of shoes for an occasion (party, event, going‑out) and want trendy styling rather than investment footwear built for decades.
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You like the idea of shopping a familiar Australian brand with physical stores you can visit to try on shoes and confirm fit.
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You’re interested in exploring more sustainable options (e.g., the Zeroe line) but still want stylish designs.
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You’re comfortable checking sizing carefully, reading return policies, and accepting that you may have to invest in care or be realistic about longevity.
Final thoughts
In conclusion, Betts offers a compelling blend of style, legacy and accessibility. With more than a century of history, a large national footprint and a broad collection of footwear, it’s a brand that many Australians know and trust. At the same time, you should approach with realistic expectations: the shoe industry in the mid‑price fashion space is competitive and durability may vary. If you’re buying for trend and style rather than lifetime use, Betts could well deliver what you need. Just make sure to check the fit, materials, return/ exchange policy and timing so that you get the pair you’ll be happy with.
By doing your homework and aligning the brand with your needs, you can step out in style with Betts confident that you know both the strengths and the limitations.
