I like quirky things, I like weird things, I like to learn about things that most people don't care about. This is why I enjoyed this museum.
I learned about chopines (essentially crazy-high platform shoes from the 16th century) and that there was a time when both men and women wore high heels. And I saw a GIANT cowboy boot and teeny tiny shoes from Coraline. I marvelled at Shaq's size 23 high top sneaker and Elton John's gayest of the gay footwear. I read A LOT about various kinds of women shoes and how they demonstrate femininity in various time periods and other parts of the world. (Maddening, yes. But also educational and you get to start to see trends).
Some of the exhibits were less interesting and less marvelous but I still dutifully read most of the little signs describing spiritual footwear and chestnut crushing boots.
Don't go with someone who is easily bored, don't go when you yourself are feeling boring. Go when (or if) you thirst for random facts and trivia about footwear.
I don't particularly like shoes (with the exception of colourful and comfortable sneakers) so I am proof that you don't have to love shoes to enjoy this place. Hell, maybe I enjoyed this place more because I don't like shoes (if you just want to see pretty shoes, this is not for you - there is actual history education happening in this museum!).
All of the floors and exhibits were open when I was there, they seem to change occasionally and like any museum there will be times when some are closed. So call ahead or check the website if that sort of thing would bother you.
When to go? I would recommend going on Pay-What-You-Can Thursday nights. For those of you who dislike screaming children on field trips, there weren't any when I was there. And while I'm clearly a fan of this museum, I don't know if I would have felt I really got my moneys worth if I had paid $12. The $5 suggested donation felt just about right.
I seemed to miss the gift shop (or they don't have one) which is sad, because I tend to love browsing museum gift shops.