Buying shoes is a common and practical topic for English conversation practice. Whether in a shopping mall or a local shoe store, customers often ask about sizes, prices, colors, and comfort. This dialogue helps learners become more confident when shopping or role-playing real-life situations.
For ESL learners, such conversations improve vocabulary, question forms, and polite expressions. It’s also excellent for classroom role-play, teaching students how to speak clearly, make choices, and respond appropriately in everyday English settings.
Key Phrases for a Dialogue About Buying Shoes
Phrases Commonly Used by the Customer
| Phrase | Meaning |
|---|---|
| I’m looking for a pair of shoes. | Asking to buy shoes |
| Do you have this in size 9? | Asking if a specific size is available |
| Can I try these on? | Asking for permission to test the shoes |
| Are these available in black? | Asking about color options |
| What’s the price of this pair? | Asking about the cost |
Phrases Commonly Used by the Shopkeeper
| Phrase | Meaning |
|---|---|
| What size are you looking for? | Asking the customer’s shoe size |
| We have that in multiple colors. | Informing about color availability |
| You can try them on over there. | Showing the customer where to test the shoes |
| These are currently on discount. | Informing about a special price |
| Would you like to see something else? | Offering other choices |
Bonus Vocabulary
- Size – A measurement for fitting shoes
- Try on – To wear something to check the fit
- Pair – Two matching shoes
- Comfortable – Feels good to wear
- Sole – The bottom part of a shoe
- Discount – A reduced price
- Receipt – Proof of purchase
Dialogue Between Shopkeeper And Customer Buying Shoes
Dialogue 1: Looking for Sports Shoes
Customer: Hello. I’m looking for a good pair of sports shoes.
Shopkeeper: Sure, sir. What size are you looking for?
Customer: I usually wear size 9.
Shopkeeper: We have several options in that size. Any brand preference?
Customer: Not really, just something durable and comfortable.
Shopkeeper: These here are very popular and come with a cushioned sole.
Customer: They look nice. Are they available in black?
Shopkeeper: Yes, we have them in black, white, and grey.
Customer: Great. Can I try the black ones in size 9?
Shopkeeper: Of course. The trial area is just over there.
Customer: Thanks. I’ll check the fit and comfort.
Dialogue 2: Asking About Price and Offers
Customer: Excuse me, how much is this pair of formal shoes?
Shopkeeper: That pair is ₹2,500.
Customer: Is there any discount on it?
Shopkeeper: Yes, there’s a 10% discount going on right now.
Customer: That’s good. Do you have it in size 8?
Shopkeeper: Let me check in the stock room… Yes, we do.
Customer: Perfect. I’d like to try them.
Shopkeeper: Go ahead. You can sit here.
Customer: They fit well. I’ll take them.
Shopkeeper: Would you like a paper or cloth bag?
Customer: A cloth bag, please. Also, I’d like a receipt.
Dialogue 3: Choosing Shoes for a Gift
Customer: Hi, I need to buy a pair of shoes as a gift.
Shopkeeper: Alright. Do you know their shoe size?
Customer: Yes, they wear size 7.
Shopkeeper: Is it for a man or woman?
Customer: It’s for my sister. Something stylish, maybe casual wear.
Shopkeeper: These new arrivals are quite trendy and comfortable.
Customer: I like the blue ones. Do they come in size 7?
Shopkeeper: Yes, we have that size available.
Customer: Can I exchange them later if the size doesn’t fit her?
Shopkeeper: Absolutely. Just keep the bill safe.
Customer: That’s great. I’ll take these, please.
Dialogue 4: Comparing Two Pairs
Customer: I’m confused between these two pairs.
Shopkeeper: No problem. What are you mainly looking for—style or comfort?
Customer: A mix of both. I want something good for walking but also looks smart.
Shopkeeper: In that case, this one has better arch support and softer soles.
Customer: And the other one?
Shopkeeper: It’s lighter and more breathable, good for casual outings.
Customer: Hmm. Which one is more durable?
Shopkeeper: The first one is made with stronger stitching and has a better grip.
Customer: I’ll go with the first one then. It seems better for daily use.
Shopkeeper: Great choice. Shall I pack it for you?
Customer: Yes, please. And can I pay by card?
Dialogue 5: Not Finding the Right Size
Customer: Do you have this shoe in size 10?
Shopkeeper: Let me check… I’m sorry, we’re out of size 10 in this model.
Customer: Oh, that’s too bad. It’s really nice.
Shopkeeper: We do have a similar style in another brand.
Customer: Okay, can I see it?
Shopkeeper: Sure. Here’s a black one with a similar design and fit.
Customer: Looks good. Do you have it in size 10?
Shopkeeper: Yes, we do. Want to try it on?
Customer: Yes, please.
Shopkeeper: How does it feel?
Customer: Very comfortable. I’ll take this one instead. Thanks for the help!
Dialogue Writing Tips
Writing a dialogue between a shopkeeper and a customer is a great way to practice polite conversation, question forms, and decision-making in English. Below are some useful tips to help you create realistic and helpful dialogues for this shopping scenario.
1. Set a Clear Scene
Start with a simple setting: a shoe store, a market stall, or a shopping mall. Clearly define the roles—one is a customer, the other is a shopkeeper.
Example: A customer walks into a shoe shop to buy a pair of formal shoes.
2. Use Polite and Practical Language
Customers usually use polite questions and requests, while shopkeepers offer help and suggest options. Keep the tone friendly and service-oriented.
Instead of:
“I want shoes.”
Say:
“I’m looking for a pair of shoes.”
Useful expressions:
- “Can I try this in a different size?”
- “We have a special offer on this brand.”
3. Let the Dialogue Flow Naturally
Follow a simple structure:
- Beginning: Customer enters and makes a request
- Middle: Discussion about size, price, colors, features
- End: Customer makes a decision, asks for a bag or bill, and leaves
Example Flow:
“Do you have this in size 9?” → “Yes, please try them on.” → “They’re perfect. I’ll take them.”
4. Include Common Shopping Vocabulary
Using topic-related words makes your dialogue more useful and realistic.
Examples:
- Size
- Try on
- Comfortable
- Price
- Discount
- Brand
- Exchange policy
5. Show Realistic Customer Behavior
Good dialogues include real situations like asking for a lower price, checking different sizes, or wanting to return/exchange shoes.
Example:
“I bought these last week, but they’re too tight. Can I exchange them?”
6. Add Emotion and Courtesy
A shopkeeper should be helpful, and a customer should be polite. Add expressions of satisfaction, confusion, or gratitude.
Example:
“These shoes are really comfortable—thank you for helping me find them.”
Practice Exercises
Exercise 1: Fill in the Blanks
Instructions: Use the words from the box to complete the sentences.
Word Bank: pair, discount, try on, size, comfortable, receipt, brand, exchange, color, bag
- I’m looking for a good __________ of walking shoes.
- What __________ do you usually wear?
- Can I __________ these shoes before buying?
- These feel really __________ on my feet.
- Is this shoe available in a different __________?
- This __________ is known for high quality products.
- Do you offer any __________ on this item?
- Could I get a plastic or cloth __________, please?
- May I __________ them if the size doesn’t fit?
- Don’t forget to take your __________ at the counter.
Answer Key:
- pair
- size
- try on
- comfortable
- color
- brand
- discount
- bag
- exchange
- receipt
Exercise 2: Sentence Rewriting
Instructions: Rewrite each sentence to sound more natural in a shoe shopping context.
- “Give me shoes in 8.”
- “I wear big number.”
- “Where try?”
- “Price this?”
- “I want black color shoes only.”
- “This not fit.”
- “Shoes hurt me.”
- “I take these now.”
- “More style have?”
- “No bag. I go.”
Sample Rewritten Answers:
- “Do you have shoes in size 8?”
- “I wear a larger size.”
- “Where can I try these on?”
- “What’s the price of this pair?”
- “Do you have these in black?”
- “These don’t fit me well.”
- “These shoes are a bit uncomfortable.”
- “I’d like to buy these.”
- “Do you have more styles available?”
- “No bag, thank you—I’m heading out.”
Exercise 3: Multiple Choice Questions
Instructions: Choose the most natural response.
- “Do you have this in size 10?”
a) Shoes is not here.
b) I check stock.
c) Let me check if we have that size. - “Can I try these shoes on?”
a) Yes, the trial area is over there.
b) No time.
c) Must fast. - “These shoes are too tight.”
a) Sorry, we eat them.
b) Would you like to try a larger size?
c) Wear longer. - “Are there any discounts today?”
a) No always.
b) Yes, 10% off on selected items.
c) Money more. - “Do you have this in blue?”
a) This is black.
b) Yes, we have it in blue and brown.
c) Shoe color is gone. - “What’s the return policy?”
a) Bring back with receipt in 7 days.
b) Never.
c) Shoe is final. - “Are these good for running?”
a) Yes, they’re made for that.
b) Shoe run itself.
c) You should not run. - “Can I pay by card?”
a) No money.
b) Yes, we accept cards.
c) Cash card not okay. - “Do you have something more formal?”
a) Yes, we have a formal collection here.
b) Shoe only casual.
c) No different. - “Thanks for the help.”
a) Okay go.
b) You’re welcome—happy to help!
c) Money take.
Answer Key:
- c 2. a 3. b 4. b 5. b 6. a 7. a 8. b 9. a 10. b
Exercise 4: Dialogue Building
Instructions: Complete the mini-dialogues with natural responses.
- Customer: Do you have size 9 in this model?
Shopkeeper: ______________________________________ - Customer: These feel a bit loose.
Shopkeeper: ______________________________________ - Customer: Can I try the black pair?
Shopkeeper: ______________________________________ - Customer: What’s the price of this one?
Shopkeeper: ______________________________________ - Customer: Is there any discount today?
Shopkeeper: ______________________________________ - Customer: I’m not sure which one to pick.
Shopkeeper: ______________________________________ - Customer: These shoes are perfect.
Shopkeeper: ______________________________________ - Customer: Do you have a matching belt?
Shopkeeper: ______________________________________ - Customer: Can I return this if it doesn’t fit?
Shopkeeper: ______________________________________ - Customer: Thanks for helping me choose.
Shopkeeper: ______________________________________
Sample Answers:
- Let me check the stock for you.
- Would you like to try a smaller size?
- Of course. Please go ahead and try them on.
- That pair is ₹2,000 with a 10% discount.
- Yes, selected items are on sale today.
- I can help you compare the features.
- I’m glad you like them!
- Yes, we have some right over here.
- Yes, just keep the receipt with you.
- You’re welcome—happy shopping!
Conclusion
Shopping for shoes is a practical and common situation where English learners can build confidence in everyday conversations. Through realistic dialogues, essential vocabulary, and helpful phrases, students can learn how to ask about size, price, color, comfort, and even make polite requests or decisions.
These dialogues between shopkeeper and customer also teach how to interact in a service setting, handle exchanges, and express preferences. With the practice exercises and writing tips included, learners can easily role-play real scenarios, improve fluency, and enjoy more natural English-speaking experiences.