EXHIBIT 23.1



INDEPENDENT AUDITORS' CONSENT


To the Board of Directors
Payless ShoeSource, Inc.
Topeka, Kansas


We consent to the incorporation by reference in Registration Statement Nos.
333-25877, 333-28483, 333-30371, and 333-67684 of Payless ShoeSource, Inc. on
Forms S-8 of our report dated April 1, 2004, (which report expresses an
unqualified opinion and includes explanatory paragraphs relating to (i) the
adoption of a new accounting principle and (ii) the application of procedures
relating to certain other disclosures and reclassifications of financial
statement amounts related to the February 2, 2002 consolidated financial
statements that were audited by other auditors who have ceased operations and
for which we have expressed no opinion or other form of assurance other than
with respect to such disclosures and reclassifications) appearing in this Annual
Report on Form 10-K of Payless ShoeSource, Inc. for the year ended January 31,
2004.



/s/ DELOITTE & TOUCHE LLP


Kansas City, Missouri
April 9, 2004