“Give a girl the right shoes, and she can conquer the world.”- Marilyn Monroe

On a rainy day on Del Mar, two ladies from Michigan were trying on shoes. “We’re in Tootsies in San Clemente. You can’t walk out of here empty-handed,” says the customer from Michigan talking on her phone. These women come to San Clemente twice a year and are regular shoe-purchasers.

Owners, MT Waters Zaninovich and Karen Meech have owned the affordable shoe boutique for six years. Originally from San Diego, MT and Karen have been friends for over 30 years. 

Tootsies is not at a mall off the 5 freeway. It’s on a quaint street that leads to the beach where MT lives with her husband, Vince, and Karen lives with her husband, Randy, just a beach-break away from each other. The couples enjoy the beachy San Clemente lifestyle. 

The rainy-day customers were treated to a boutique filled with stylish backpacks, handbags, leggings, socks, candles, jewelry, stem less stainless steel wine cups and canteens, and, of course, the shoes. When asked the difference between a shoe boutique and a shoe store, MT affirmed that the shoes in their shop offer updated fashion, colors, and textures in a friendly atmosphere. 

She’s excited about the new colors for the spring season, which include muted coral, eucalyptus, and mustard. Shoe colors constant in Tootsies are black, slate, saddle and cognac. The shoes range from current styles plus the classics. She reveres the Bernardo sandals and remarked that she just sold black patent leather shoes and bag to match. 

The Tootsie’s customer ranges from high-schoolers to fashion-conscious women of all ages. Men are also comfortable buying for their wives. Karen notes that not only do summer tourists frequent their boutique but women have been known to come in from events on Del Mar like Puttin’ on the Glitz and the car show. 

“A woman from Kentucky came in to buy classic shoes while her husband was showing his classic car,” says Karen.

It’s obvious that everyone enjoys the welcoming vibe in Tootsies. It’s a great shopping experience, and becomes a destination with a wide choice of shoes from casual to dressy. 

Who would have guessed that stylish shoes can be incredibly comfortable, and while shopping, a patron can enjoy a free Tootsie Roll Pop available in a bowl on the counter.