Bata Shoe Museum - All You Need to Know BEFORE You Go (2024)
Bata Shoe Museum
Bata Shoe Museum
4.5
Speciality MuseumsHistory Museums
10:00 AM - 5:00 PM
Monday
10:00 AM - 5:00 PM
Tuesday
10:00 AM - 5:00 PM
Wednesday
10:00 AM - 5:00 PM
Thursday
10:00 AM - 5:00 PM
Friday
10:00 AM - 5:00 PM
Saturday
10:00 AM - 5:00 PM
Sunday
12:00 PM - 5:00 PM
About
The Bata Shoe Museum: For Every Shoe There's a Story The Bata Shoe Museum is home to the world's largest, most comprehensive collection of shoes and footwear-related objects. The mission of the BSM is to contribute to the knowledge and understanding of the role of footwear in the social and cultural life of humanity. Through acquiring, conserving, researching, communicating and exhibiting material evidence related to the history of footwear and shoemaking, the Museum illustrates the living habits, the culture and the customs of people from every corner of the world.
Duration: 1-2 hours
Suggest edits to improve what we show.
Improve this listing
Admission tickets
from $11.44
All you need to step foot in the door.
What is Travelers’ Choice?
Tripadvisor gives a Travelers’ Choice award to accommodations, attractions and restaurants that consistently earn great reviews from travelers and are ranked within the top 10% of properties on Tripadvisor.

Top ways to experience Bata Shoe Museum and nearby attractions

The area
Address
Neighborhood: Old Toronto
How to get there
  • St. George • 2 min walk
  • Spadina • 4 min walk
Reach out directly
See what travelers are saying
  • Infinitepig
    Minneapolis, Minnesota22 contributions
    5.0 of 5 bubbles
    Go an hour before closing
    I had a really enjoyable experience on a Friday afternoon at around 3:45 and spend about an hour and a half in the museum. It was not crowded at all. Shoes and left leaning social commentary from ancient times to modern times. A bit more thought provoking than I thought it would be. Highly recommend if there are no crowds. Would love to see HOKAs make their way into the museum.
    Visited July 2023
    Traveled solo
    Written July 22, 2023
  • AmarilisVos
    Jabbeke, Belgium2,297 contributions
    4.0 of 5 bubbles
    Shoes, shoes, ... shoes
    We visited the museum on June 26. The museum has four floors. Although you can visit the museum in any order, we think it's best to start in the basement with the history of the shoe and why the museum exists. In the basement there is also a place where you can put on different shoes so that you can feel like a clown or a hipster.
    Visited June 2023
    Written August 18, 2023
  • margatemensch2016
    Coconut Creek, Florida799 contributions
    5.0 of 5 bubbles
    A Fascinating Foray Into The Study of Shoes
    In the middle of August,I had an interesting visit to the Bata Shoe Museum.I learned about the history of footwear from Period of the Prehistoric Otzi Man (5300 years ago in what is currently the Czech Republic-replica of sandals)to the present day.I saw Indian Shoes with metallic toe rings(1840),Asante African Sandals,Pope Benedict IV's Shoes(1914-1922),Chestnut Crushing Clogs from France(1914),Moravian Dance Boots,and 20th Century Peter Max designed shoes,among a plethora of others. At the temporary"Flower in Bloom"exhibit,I saw impressive shoes with floral designs by the Wardat Nation("Persian Buttercup"),iconic shoe designer,the late Beth Levine("Iris"),Yves Saint Laurent("Phulkari Acanthus Shoe"),and "Strawberry Shoes",among others. Going to the Bata Shoe Museum was a unique experience for me.The staff of this museum was very helpful.I was a newcomer to the study of shoes.
    Visited August 2023
    Traveled solo
    Written August 26, 2023
  • TYsadventures
    Brooklyn, New York791 contributions
    5.0 of 5 bubbles
    Stepping Out in Toronto
    I loved stepping into History. The Mesmerizing World of the Bata Shoe Museum was a captivating realm where fascination, intrigue, and a wealth of information await every visitor. From ancient footwear to contemporary styles, the museum provides a thought-provoking journey through the evolution of shoes across time. With three floors dedicated to the diverse world of footwear, the experience is nothing short of extraordinary. The Bata Shoe Museum takes you on a captivating journey, unraveling the stories woven into the soles of shoes from different eras. The exploration from historical footwear to modern trends serves as a source of provocative food for thought, offering a unique perspective on culture, fashion, and craftsmanship. I was immersed in a world of shoes, shoes, and more footwear across three floors of the museum. The sheer variety and artistry displayed make it a treasure trove for shoe enthusiasts and those intrigued by the evolution of fashion and style. My visit left me both amazed and curious, as the Bata Shoe Museum exceeded my expectations. The intriguing exhibits and the diverse array of shoes on display captured my imagination, making it a must-visit for anyone with a penchant for history and fashion. The Bata Shoe Museum prides itself on being accessible to all. With a fully roll-in automatic door entry and elevators, the museum ensures that everyone can partake in the fascinating journey through the history of footwear. What's even more delightful is the reasonable pricing, making this cultural gem accessible to a broad audience. What began as a visit turned into a prolonged exploration, as the captivating exhibits and immersive displays held my attention for much longer than I anticipated. The Bata Shoe Museum offers a rich experience that invites visitors to linger and absorb the fascinating narratives embedded in each pair of shoes. Conveniently located just two blocks from the Royal Ontario Museum (ROM), the Bata Shoe Museum complements Toronto's cultural landscape. Consider combining visits to both museums for a day filled with diverse perspectives on history, fashion, and human expression. The Bata Shoe Museum is a hidden gem that seamlessly weaves together history, art, and culture through the lens of footwear. From its accessible design to the rich narratives within, this museum promises an enriching experience that transcends expectations. Step into the Bata Shoe Museum, where every shoe tells a story waiting to be discovered. #meandmywhill #bknomadnesstraveltribe #bktyontheroadagain #toronto #BataShoeMuseum
    Visited January 2024
    Traveled solo
    Written January 6, 2024
These reviews are the subjective opinion of Tripadvisor members and not of TripAdvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.

Most Recent: Reviews ordered by most recent publish date in descending order.

Detailed Reviews: Reviews ordered by recency and descriptiveness of user-identified themes such as wait time, length of visit, general tips, and location information.

Popular mentions

4.5
4.5 of 5 bubbles1,363 reviews
Excellent
604
Very good
549
Average
173
Poor
31
Terrible
6

Sherry C
White Plains, NY133 contributions
4.0 of 5 bubbles
Aug 2021
If you think a museum of shoes would appeal only to fashionistas, think again. This one does a stellar job of giving historical context to the shoes on display with engaging, informative, and never stuffy commentary. A visit is an ideal way to spend 60-90 minutes, see some fascinating artifacts, and learn about much more than shoes.
Written August 21, 2021
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.

Getaway21469
Toronto, Canada9 contributions
5.0 of 5 bubbles
May 2019
I know it's shoes.... but.... you'll be amazed by their amazing collection. There are many century old shoes, rare finds, and many interesting stories that go with them. They also offer great exhibits of more contemporary artists such as Manolo Blahnik, with his exquisite sketches. It is worth the visit.
Written March 6, 2020
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.

TYsadventures
Brooklyn, NY791 contributions
5.0 of 5 bubbles
Jan 2024 • Solo
I loved stepping into History. The Mesmerizing World of the Bata Shoe Museum was a captivating realm where fascination, intrigue, and a wealth of information await every visitor.

From ancient footwear to contemporary styles, the museum provides a thought-provoking journey through the evolution of shoes across time.

With three floors dedicated to the diverse world of footwear, the experience is nothing short of extraordinary.

The Bata Shoe Museum takes you on a captivating journey, unraveling the stories woven into the soles of shoes from different eras.

The exploration from historical footwear to modern trends serves as a source of provocative food for thought, offering a unique perspective on culture, fashion, and craftsmanship.

I was immersed in a world of shoes, shoes, and more footwear across three floors of the museum.

The sheer variety and artistry displayed make it a treasure trove for shoe enthusiasts and those intrigued by the evolution of fashion and style.

My visit left me both amazed and curious, as the Bata Shoe Museum exceeded my expectations. The intriguing exhibits and the diverse array of shoes on display captured my imagination, making it a must-visit for anyone with a penchant for history and fashion.

The Bata Shoe Museum prides itself on being accessible to all. With a fully roll-in automatic door entry and elevators, the museum ensures that everyone can partake in the fascinating journey through the history of footwear.

What's even more delightful is the reasonable pricing, making this cultural gem accessible to a broad audience.

What began as a visit turned into a prolonged exploration, as the captivating exhibits and immersive displays held my attention for much longer than I anticipated.

The Bata Shoe Museum offers a rich experience that invites visitors to linger and absorb the fascinating narratives embedded in each pair of shoes.

Conveniently located just two blocks from the Royal Ontario Museum (ROM), the Bata Shoe Museum complements Toronto's cultural landscape.

Consider combining visits to both museums for a day filled with diverse perspectives on history, fashion, and human expression.

The Bata Shoe Museum is a hidden gem that seamlessly weaves together history, art, and culture through the lens of footwear.

From its accessible design to the rich narratives within, this museum promises an enriching experience that transcends expectations. Step into the Bata Shoe Museum, where every shoe tells a story waiting to be discovered.
#meandmywhill #bknomadnesstraveltribe #bktyontheroadagain #toronto #BataShoeMuseum
Written January 6, 2024
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.

mikez_nj
New York City, NY61 contributions
4.0 of 5 bubbles
Aug 2022
Interesting, fun museum. I'm a bit of a sneakerhead, so this was the type of quirky museum that appealed to me (though it is decidedly NOT a sneaker museum). Only knock on it (hence the 4 stars vs 5) is that it's not that big! I was expecting to spend at least an hour or two going through everything, but we were done in about 45 min.

It is a great deal, though, if you're going with a family. The family package was incredibly affordable, especially compared to the other attractions Toronto has to offer.
Written August 14, 2022
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.

margara7
Toronto, Canada108 contributions
5.0 of 5 bubbles
Dec 2022
The Bata Shoe Museum is worth visiting even if you live in Toronto. It's conveniently located near St. George Subway Station, and the information provided is fascinating and educational. This is not a big museum, so you won't get overwhelmed while visiting the exhibits. You could easily spend over two hours here and don't even notice. I went there on a Tuesday morning, and there was only a hand full of people, which was great because I could enjoy my visit. Highly recommended!
Written December 14, 2022
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.

LSQRD1
Kent, OH798 contributions
4.0 of 5 bubbles
Feb 2020
I as staying nearby and had some time to fill so I decided to check out the shoe museum. The building is interesting and the displays of the history of shoes were informative. I ended up spending less than an hour but it is worth a stop if you are in the area.
Written February 9, 2020
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.

Infinitepig
Minneapolis, MN22 contributions
5.0 of 5 bubbles
Jul 2023 • Solo
I had a really enjoyable experience on a Friday afternoon at around 3:45 and spend about an hour and a half in the museum. It was not crowded at all. Shoes and left leaning social commentary from ancient times to modern times. A bit more thought provoking than I thought it would be. Highly recommend if there are no crowds. Would love to see HOKAs make their way into the museum.
Written July 22, 2023
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.

cheryl w
Ontario, Canada28 contributions
5.0 of 5 bubbles
Apr 2023 • Solo
A very complete history of the shoe well displayed in chronological order. Interesting exhibit of the future of shoes. And currently featuring bloom-displaying shoes of various decoration of each flower type. Was a lack of children in the museum as they may not find this their style. It's nice to see people reading the panels and not spending 30 minutes pacing through a museum like I sometimes do.
Written April 25, 2023
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.

AmarilisVos
Jabbeke, Belgium2,297 contributions
4.0 of 5 bubbles
Jun 2023
We visited the museum on June 26. The museum has four floors. Although you can visit the museum in any order, we think it's best to start in the basement with the history of the shoe and why the museum exists. In the basement there is also a place where you can put on different shoes so that you can feel like a clown or a hipster.
Written August 18, 2023
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.

margatemensch2016
Coconut Creek, FL799 contributions
5.0 of 5 bubbles
Aug 2023 • Solo
In the middle of August,I had an interesting visit to the Bata Shoe Museum.I learned about the history of footwear from Period of the Prehistoric Otzi Man (5300 years ago in what is currently the Czech Republic-replica of sandals)to the present day.I saw Indian Shoes with metallic toe rings(1840),Asante African Sandals,Pope Benedict IV's Shoes(1914-1922),Chestnut Crushing Clogs from France(1914),Moravian Dance Boots,and 20th Century Peter Max designed shoes,among a plethora of others.
At the temporary"Flower in Bloom"exhibit,I saw impressive shoes with floral designs by the Wardat Nation("Persian Buttercup"),iconic shoe designer,the late Beth Levine("Iris"),Yves Saint Laurent("Phulkari Acanthus Shoe"),and "Strawberry Shoes",among others.
Going to the Bata Shoe Museum was a unique experience for me.The staff of this museum was very helpful.I was a newcomer to the study of shoes.
Written August 26, 2023
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.

…
Showing results 1-10 of 1,167
Is this your Tripadvisor listing?
Own or manage this property? Claim your listing for free to respond to reviews, update your profile and much more.
Claim your listing

Bata Shoe Museum - All You Need to Know BEFORE You Go (2024)

All Toronto HotelsToronto Hotel DealsLast Minute Hotels in Toronto
All things to do in Toronto
Day Trips in Toronto
RestaurantsFlightsVacation RentalsTravel StoriesCruisesRental Cars
© 2024 Tripadvisor LLC All rights reserved.

This is the version of our website addressed to speakers of English in the United States. If you are a resident of another country or region, please select the appropriate version of Tripadvisor for your country or region in the drop-down menu.