Cookie Policy

This Cookie Policy describes how ShoesTruth ("we," "our," or "us") uses cookies and similar tracking technologies on our website at www.shoestruth.com (the "Site"). It explains what these technologies are, why we use them, and your rights to control our use of them.

This policy should be read together with our Privacy Policy, which explains how we handle your personal information more broadly.

1. What Are Cookies?

Cookies are small text files that are placed on your computer, smartphone, or other device when you visit a website. They are widely used to make websites work more efficiently, to provide a better user experience, and to give website owners information about how their site is being used.

Cookies typically contain:

• The name of the domain that set the cookie
• The lifetime of the cookie (how long it stays on your device)
• A unique identifier or value

Cookies do not contain viruses, malware, or programs that can harm your device. They cannot access other files on your computer or read personal information you haven't provided.

2. How We Use Cookies

ShoesTruth uses cookies for several purposes, which fall into the following categories:

2.1 Strictly Necessary Cookies

These cookies are essential for the Site to function properly. Without them, certain features — such as remembering your cookie consent preference — would not work. These cookies do not collect personal information for marketing purposes.

2.2 Performance and Analytics Cookies

These cookies help us understand how visitors interact with the Site by collecting information such as page views, time spent on pages, and traffic sources. We use this data in aggregate form to improve our content and user experience. For example, Google Analytics uses cookies to track site usage.

2.3 Advertising and Targeting Cookies

These cookies are used by third-party advertising networks, such as Google AdSense and Amazon Associates, to display advertisements that are relevant to you. They may track your browsing activity across different websites to build a profile of your interests. This is known as "behavioral advertising" or "targeted advertising."

2.4 Functionality Cookies

These cookies allow the Site to remember choices you make — such as your language preference or region — to provide a more personalized experience. They may also be used to remember changes you've made to customizable parts of the Site.

3. Specific Cookies We Use

The following table lists the main cookies that may be set when you visit ShoesTruth. Please note that third-party cookies may change over time as our partners update their practices.

4. Third-Party Cookies

Some cookies on the Site are set by third parties, not by ShoesTruth. These include:

4.1 Google Analytics

We use Google Analytics to analyze traffic and user behavior. Google Analytics sets cookies such as _ga, _gid, and _gat to collect anonymous usage data. You can learn more and opt out by visiting Google Analytics Opt-out.

4.2 Google AdSense

We use Google AdSense to display advertisements. AdSense uses cookies to serve ads based on your prior visits to our Site and other websites. You can opt out of personalized advertising by visiting Google Ads Settings.

4.3 Amazon Associates

As a participant in the Amazon Services LLC Associates Program, we use Amazon affiliate links. When you click on these links, Amazon may set cookies to track the referral for commission purposes. For more information, please review Amazon's Privacy Notice.

5. How to Manage Cookies

You have the right to decide whether to accept or reject cookies. You can exercise your cookie preferences through the following methods:

5.1 Browser Settings

Most web browsers allow you to control cookies through their settings. You can usually:

• Block all cookies
• Block third-party cookies only
• Delete cookies when you close your browser
• Allow cookies from specific websites

To manage cookies in your browser, refer to the help documentation of your specific browser:

• Google Chrome
• Mozilla Firefox
• Safari
• Microsoft Edge

5.2 Opt-Out Tools

You can also use industry opt-out tools to manage advertising cookies:

• Digital Advertising Alliance (DAA)
• Your Online Choices (EU)
• Network Advertising Initiative (NAI)

6. Your Rights Under GDPR and CCPA

Depending on your location, you may have specific rights regarding cookies and tracking technologies:

6.1 For Residents of the European Economic Area (GDPR)

Under the GDPR and the ePrivacy Directive, you have the right to:

• Be informed about the use of cookies before they are set
• Give or withhold consent for non-essential cookies
• Withdraw consent at any time
• Access, rectify, or erase your personal data collected via cookies

6.2 For Residents of California (CCPA)

Under the CCPA, you have the right to:

• Know what personal information is collected via cookies
• Opt out of the sale of your personal information (note: we do not sell personal information)
• Request deletion of your personal information
• Not be discriminated against for exercising your privacy rights

To exercise any of these rights, please contact us.

7. Updates to This Cookie Policy

We may update this Cookie Policy from time to time to reflect changes in technology, legislation, or our data practices. When we make material changes, we will update the "Last Updated" date at the top of this page. We encourage you to review this page periodically to stay informed about how we use cookies.

8. Contact Us

If you have any questions or concerns about this Cookie Policy or our use of cookies, please contact us. For broader privacy-related matters, please also review our Privacy Policy.