Exhibit 23

Consent of Independent Registered Public Accounting Firm

We consent to the incorporation by reference in the following registration statements of Brown Shoe Company, Inc. of our reports dated March 23, 2009, with respect to the consolidated financial statements and schedule of Brown Shoe Company, Inc. and the effectiveness of internal control over financial reporting of Brown Shoe Company, Inc., included in this Annual Report (Form 10-K) for the year ended January 31, 2009.

Form Number	Registration Statement Number	Description
Form S-8	33-58751	Stock Option and Restricted Stock Plan of 1994, as amended
Form S-8	333-60671	Stock Option and Restricted Stock Plan of 1994 and 1998
Form S-8	333-83717	Incentive and Stock Compensation Plan of 1999
Form S-8	333-65900	Brown Shoe Company, Inc. 401(k) Savings Plan
Form S-8	333-89014	Brown Shoe Company, Inc. Incentive and Stock Compensation Plan of 2002
Form S-8	333-134496	Brown Shoe Company, Inc. Incentive and Stock Compensation Plan of 2002, as amended
Form S-8	333-147989	Brown Shoe Company, Inc. Deferred Compensation Plan
Form S-8	333-151122	Brown Shoe Company, Inc. Incentive and Stock Compensation Plan of 2002, as amended

/s/ ERNST & YOUNG LLP

St. Louis, Missouri

March 26, 2009