<PAGE>   1

                       SECURITIES AND EXCHANGE COMMISSION
                             Washington, D.C. 20549

                                    FORM 10-Q

                QUARTERLY REPORT PURSUANT TO SECTION 13 OR 15 (D)
                     OF THE SECURITIES EXCHANGE ACT OF 1934

                  For The Quarterly Period Ended August 4, 2001


                         Commission File Number 1-14770

                            PAYLESS SHOESOURCE, INC.
             (Exact name of registrant as specified in its charter)

                DELAWARE                                    43-1813160
   (State or other jurisdiction of                       (I.R.S. Employer
   incorporation or organization)                     Identification Number)


 3231 SOUTHEAST SIXTH AVENUE, TOPEKA, KANSAS                 66607-2207
 (Address of principal executive offices)                    (Zip Code)

                                 (785) 233-5171
                         (Registrant's telephone number,
                              including area code)

Indicate by check mark whether the registrant (1) has filed all reports required
to be filed by Section 13 or 15 (d) of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934
during the preceding 12 months and (2) has been subject to such filing
requirements for the past 90 days.

                                                   YES  X     NO
                                                       ----      -----

Indicate the number of shares outstanding of each of the issuer's classes of
common stock, as of the latest practicable date.

                          Common Stock, $.01 par value
                    22,261,579 shares as of September 7, 2001



<PAGE>   2

                         PART I - FINANCIAL INFORMATION

ITEM 1 - FINANCIAL STATEMENTS

                    PAYLESS SHOESOURCE, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES
                      CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED BALANCE SHEET

<TABLE>
<CAPTION>

         (Dollars in millions)
                                                              AUGUST 4,           JULY 29,              FEB. 3,
         ASSETS                                                 2001                2000                 2001
         ------                                              (UNAUDITED)         (UNAUDITED)           (AUDITED)
                                                             -----------         -----------           ---------
<S>                                                         <C>                 <C>                 <C>
         Current Assets:
              Cash and cash equivalents                       $     51.3          $     13.5          $     10.4
              Merchandise inventories                              382.2               364.0               355.6
              Current deferred income taxes                         15.9                 8.3                14.9
              Other current assets                                  61.6                49.4                53.8
                                                              ----------          ----------          ----------
                 Total current assets                              511.0               435.2               434.7

         Property and Equipment:
              Land                                                   8.0                 7.2                 7.4
              Buildings and leasehold improvements                 795.9               746.6               782.4
              Furniture, fixtures and equipment                    370.2               322.7               343.0
              Property under capital leases                          7.3                 7.3                 7.3
                                                              ----------          ----------          ----------
                 Total property and equipment                    1,181.4             1,083.8             1,140.1
              Accumulated depreciation
                 and amortization                                 (659.9)             (588.6)             (621.4)
                                                              ----------          ----------          ----------
                 Property and equipment, net                       521.5               495.2               518.7

         Deferred income taxes                                      32.1                36.9                27.1
         Other assets                                               19.0                 9.8                22.3
                                                              ----------          ----------          ----------

                 Total Assets                                 $  1,083.6          $    977.1          $  1,002.8
                                                              ==========          ==========          ==========

         LIABILITIES AND SHAREOWNERS' EQUITY

         Current Liabilities:
              Current maturities of long-term debt            $     45.3          $      0.8          $     16.4
              Accounts payable and accrued expenses                206.9               231.0               212.3
                                                              ----------          ----------          ----------
                 Total current liabilities                         252.2               231.8               228.7

         Long-term debt                                            278.5               323.7               309.2
         Other liabilities                                          63.6                47.9                53.1
         Minority Interest                                           4.6                --                   1.4

         Total shareowners' equity                                 484.7               373.7               410.4
                                                              ----------          ----------          ----------

                 Total Liabilities and Shareowners' Equity    $  1,083.6               977.1          $  1,002.8
                                                              ==========          ==========          ==========
</TABLE>

            See Notes to Condensed Consolidated Financial Statements.


                                       1
<PAGE>   3

                    PAYLESS SHOESOURCE, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES
                  CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED STATEMENT OF EARNINGS
                                   (UNAUDITED)

<TABLE>
<CAPTION>

         (Dollars and shares in millions, except per share)
                                                                         13 WEEKS ENDED                   26 WEEKS ENDED
                                                                         --------------                   --------------
                                                                 AUGUST 4, 2001    JULY 29, 2000    AUGUST 4, 2001  JULY 29, 2000
                                                                 --------------    -------------    --------------  -------------
<S>                                                            <C>              <C>              <C>            <C>
Net retail sales                                                    $   806.0        $   816.9        $  1,574.3     $  1,525.4

Cost of sales                                                           547.9            545.3           1,072.8        1,027.1

Selling, general, and administrative expenses                           192.0            183.7             379.6          353.2

Non-recurring item                                                         --               --                --            8.0
                                                                    ---------        ---------        ----------     ----------

Operating profit                                                         66.1             87.9             121.9          137.1

Interest expense, net                                                     7.2              8.0              15.2            9.6
                                                                    ---------        ---------        ----------     ----------
Earnings before income taxes, minority interest,
     and extraordinary loss                                              58.9             79.9             106.7          127.5

Provision for income taxes                                               22.6             31.1              40.9           49.6
                                                                    ---------        ---------        ----------     ----------

Earnings before minority interest and                                    36.3             48.8              65.8           77.9
extraordinary loss

Minority interest                                                         0.1               --               0.3             --
                                                                    ---------        ---------        ----------     ----------

Earnings before extraordinary loss                                       36.4             48.8              66.1           77.9

Extraordinary loss related to early extinguishment of debt,
     net of income taxes                                                   --               --                --            3.6
                                                                    ---------        ---------        ----------     ----------

Net Earnings                                                        $    36.4        $    48.8        $     66.1     $     74.3
                                                                    =========        =========        ==========     ==========


Diluted Earnings per Share:
 Net earnings before extraordinary loss                                  1.60             2.16              2.90           3.04
 Extraordinary Loss                                                        --               --                --           0.14
                                                                    ---------        ---------        ----------     ----------

Diluted Earnings per Share                                          $    1.60        $    2.16        $     2.90     $     2.90
                                                                    =========        =========        ==========     ==========

Basic Earnings per Share:
 Net earnings before extraordinary loss                                  1.64             2.19              2.98           3.07
 Extraordinary Loss                                                        --               --                --           0.14
                                                                    ---------        ---------        ----------     ----------
Basic Earnings per Share                                            $    1.64        $    2.19        $     2.98     $     2.93
                                                                    =========        =========        ==========     ==========

Diluted Weighted Average Shares Outstanding                              22.8             22.6              22.8           25.6
                                                                    =========        =========        ==========     ==========

Basic Weighted Average Shares Outstanding                                22.3             22.3              22.2           25.4
                                                                    =========        =========        ==========     ==========
</TABLE>

            See Notes to Condensed Consolidated Financial Statements.


                                       2
<PAGE>   4

                    PAYLESS SHOESOURCE, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES
                 CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED STATEMENT OF CASH FLOWS
                                   (UNAUDITED)

<TABLE>
<CAPTION>

    (Dollars in millions)
                                                                         26 WEEKS ENDED
                                                                         --------------
                                                             AUGUST 4, 2001           JULY 29, 2000
                                                             --------------           -------------
<S>                                                        <C>                    <C>
Operating Activities:
   Net earnings                                                   $  66.1                $   74.3
   Adjustments for noncash items
   Included in net earnings:
       Extraordinary loss related to early
          extinguishment of debt                                     --                       3.6
       Depreciation and amortization                                 51.0                    49.9
       Amortization of unearned
          restricted stock                                            2.8                     1.6
       Deferred income taxes                                         (5.9)                   (4.9)
Changes in working capital:
   Merchandise inventories                                          (26.6)                  (14.3)
   Other current assets                                              (7.8)                   (5.8)
   Accounts payable and accrued expenses                             (5.4)                   29.2
Other assets and liabilities, net                                     7.2                    (1.2)
                                                                  -------                --------

Total Operating Activities                                           81.4                   132.4
                                                                  -------                --------

Investing Activities:
   Capital expenditures                                             (58.7)                  (63.7)
   Disposition of property and equipment                              4.8                     1.6
                                                                  -------                --------

Total Investing Activities                                          (53.9)                  (62.1)
                                                                  -------                --------

Financing Activities:
   Issuance of long-term debt                                        --                     400.0
   Repayment of long-term debt                                       (1.7)                 (207.0)
   Payment of debt issuance costs                                    --                      (8.9)
   Net issuances (purchases) of common stock                         12.0                  (405.1)
   Other investing activities                                         3.1                    --
                                                                  -------                --------

Total Financing Activities                                           13.4                  (221.0)
                                                                  -------                --------

Increase (Decrease) in Cash and Cash Equivalents                     40.9                  (150.7)
Cash and Cash Equivalents, Beginning of Year                         10.4                   164.2
                                                                  -------                --------
Cash and Cash Equivalents, End of Period                          $  51.3                $   13.5
                                                                  =======                ========

Cash paid during the period:
   Interest                                                       $  16.7                $   13.2
   Income Taxes                                                      27.8                    45.3
</TABLE>


            See Notes to Condensed Consolidated Financial Statements.

                                       3
<PAGE>   5
                    PAYLESS SHOESOURCE, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES

              NOTES TO CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS


NOTE 1. INTERIM RESULTS. These unaudited Condensed Consolidated Financial
Statements of Payless ShoeSource, Inc. (the "Company") have been prepared in
accordance with the instructions to Form 10-Q of the United States Securities
and Exchange Commission and should be read in conjunction with the Notes to
Consolidated Financial Statements (pages 20-25) in the Company's 2000 Annual
Report. Certain information and footnote disclosures normally included in
financial statements prepared in accordance with generally accepted accounting
principles have been condensed or omitted pursuant to such rules and
regulations. In the opinion of management, the unaudited Condensed Consolidated
Financial Statements are fairly presented and all adjustments (consisting only
of normal recurring adjustments) necessary for a fair statement of the results
for the interim periods have been included; however, certain items are included
in these statements based upon estimates for the entire year. The results for
the three-month period and six-month period ended August 4, 2001 are not
necessarily indicative of the results that may be expected for the fiscal year
ending February 2, 2002.

NOTE 2. INVENTORIES. Merchandise inventories are valued by the retail method and
are stated at the lower of cost, determined using the first-in, first-out (FIFO)
basis, or market.

NOTE 3. REVOLVING CREDIT LINE. As of August 4, 2001, no amounts were drawn
against the Company's $200.0 million line of credit. The availability under the
line of credit has been reduced, however, by an $11.4 million outstanding letter
of credit.

NOTE 4. ACCOUNTING FOR DERIVATIVE INSTRUMENTS AND HEDGING ACTIVITIES. In order
to mitigate the Company's exposure to fluctuations in interest rates, the
Company has entered into a series of interest rate swap agreements whereby the
Company will receive interest at the three-month LIBOR rate on a $240.0 million
notional amount and pay a weighted average rate of 6.9%.

Effective February 4, 2001, the Company adopted Statement of Financial
Accounting Standard (SFAS) No. 133 "Accounting for Derivative Instruments and
Hedging Activities." The Company's interest rate swap agreements have been
designated as cash flow hedging instruments. Such instruments are those, which
effectively convert variable interest payments on debt instruments into fixed
payments. For qualifying hedges, SFAS No. 133 allows derivative gains and losses
to offset related results on hedged items in the consolidated statement of
operations. As the critical terms of the Company's interest rate swap agreements
match those of the related hedged obligations, the Company has concluded that
there is no ineffectiveness in its hedges, and as a result, the adoption of SFAS
No. 133 has no impact on net earnings.

The Company's interest rate swap agreements are recorded in the consolidated
balance sheet at August 4, 2001 as a liability measured at fair value. In
connection with the adoption of SFAS No. 133, the Company recorded an after-tax
loss of $4.7 million ($7.7 million pre-tax) to other comprehensive income as a
cumulative effect of change in accounting principle during the first quarter of
2001.


                                       4
<PAGE>   6

Changes in the fair value of interest rate swap agreements designated as cash
flow hedging instruments are reported in accumulated other comprehensive income.
During the three months ended August 4, 2001, the Company recorded an after-tax
loss of $1.2 million ($1.8 million pre-tax) to other comprehensive income
representing the decline in fair value of its interest rate swap agreements. At
August 4, 2001, the Company had a cumulative after-tax loss of $5.8 million
($9.3 million pre-tax) included in other accumulated comprehensive income
related to cash flow hedging instruments. The amounts are subsequently
reclassified into interest expense as a yield adjustment in the same period in
which the related interest on the floating rate debt obligations affects
earnings. During the three months ended August 4, 2001, $0.9 million of
after-tax losses ($1.5 million pre-tax) included in accumulated other
comprehensive income related to interest rate swap agreements was reclassified
to interest expense. For the year to end February 2, 2002, approximately $3.5
million of after-tax losses ($5.7 million pre-tax) in accumulated other
comprehensive income related to interest rate swap agreements are expected to be
reclassified into interest expense as a yield adjustment on the Company's
variable-rate long-term debt.

NOTE 5. COMPREHENSIVE INCOME. The following table shows the computation of
comprehensive income:

<TABLE>
<CAPTION>

  (Dollars in millions)
                                                                            13 WEEKS ENDED                   26 WEEKS ENDED
                                                                            --------------                   --------------
                                                                    AUGUST 4, 2001   JULY 29, 2000   AUGUST 4, 2001  JULY 29, 2000
                                                                    --------------   -------------   --------------  -------------
<S>                                                                <C>             <C>             <C>             <C>
  Net Income                                                             $ 36.4          $ 48.8          $ 66.1         $ 74.3

  Other Comprehensive Loss:

       After-tax cumulative effect of a change in accounting for             --              --            (4.7)            --
       derivatives
       Change in fair value of derivatives                                 (1.2)             --            (2.0)            --
       Derivative losses reclassified into interest expense                 0.9              --             0.9             --
       Foreign currency translation adjustments                             0.7              --            (0.6)            --
                                                                         ------          ------          ------         ------
          Total other comprehensive loss                                    0.4              --            (6.4)            --

   Total Comprehensive Income                                              36.8            48.8            59.7           74.3
                                                                         ======          ======          ======         ======
</TABLE>

NOTE 6. EARNINGS PER SHARE. Basic earnings per share are computed by dividing
net earnings by the weighted average number of shares of common stock
outstanding during the period. Diluted earnings per share include the effect of
conversions of stock options.

NOTE 7. RECLASSIFICATIONS. Certain reclassifications have been made to prior
year balances to conform to the current year presentation.

NOTE 8. FOREIGN CURRENCY TRANSLATION. Local currencies are the functional
currencies for all subsidiaries. Accordingly, assets and liabilities of foreign
subsidiaries are translated at the rate of exchange at the balance sheet date.
Income and expense items of these subsidiaries are translated at average rates
of exchange.

ITEM 2 - MANAGEMENT'S DISCUSSION AND ANALYSIS OF FINANCIAL CONDITION AND RESULTS
OF OPERATIONS

The following discussion summarizes the significant factors affecting operating
results for the quarters ended August 4, 2001 (2001) and July 29, 2000 (2000).
This discussion and analysis should be read in conjunction with the Condensed
Consolidated Financial Statements and Notes to the Condensed Consolidated
Financial Statements included in this Form 10-Q.

REVIEW OF OPERATIONS

NET EARNINGS

Net earnings totaled $36.4 million in the second quarter of 2001 compared with
$48.8 million in the second quarter of 2000. For the first six months of 2001
net earnings were $66.1 million, compared with $74.3 million in the 2000 period.
Excluding the non-recurring item and extraordinary loss, net income for the
first six months of 2000 would have been $82.8 million.

The following table presents the components of costs and expenses, as a percent
of revenues, for the second quarter of 2001 and 2000.


                                       5
<PAGE>   7

<TABLE>
<CAPTION>

                                                                  SECOND QUARTER           FIRST SIX MONTHS
                                                                  --------------           ----------------
                                                               2001          2000         2001          2000
                                                               ----          ----         ----          ----
<S>                                                         <C>           <C>          <C>           <C>
          Cost of sales                                         68.0%         66.8%        68.1%         67.3%

          Selling, general, and administrative expense          23.8          22.5         24.1          23.2

          Non-recurring item                                      --            --           --           0.5
                                                               -----         -----       ------         -----

          Operating profit                                       8.2          10.8          7.7           9.0

          Interest expense, net                                  0.9           1.0          1.0           0.6
                                                               -----         -----       ------         -----

          Earnings before income taxes, minority interest,
             and extraordinary loss                              7.3           9.8          6.8           8.4

          Effective income tax rate*                            38.4%         38.9%        38.4%         38.9%
                                                               -----         -----       ------         -----

         Earnings before minority interest and
             extraordinary loss                                  4.5           6.0          4.2           5.1

          Minority interest                                       --            --           --            --
                                                               -----         -----       ------         -----

          Earnings before extraordinary loss                     4.5           6.0          4.2           5.1

          Extraordinary loss, net of income tax                   --            --           --           0.2
                                                               -----         -----       ------         -----

          Net Earnings                                           4.5%          6.0%         4.2%          4.9%
                                                               =====         =====       ======         =====
          * Percent of pre-tax earnings
</TABLE>

NET RETAIL SALES

Net retail sales represent the sales of stores operating during the period.
Same-store sales represent sales of stores open during comparable periods.
During the second quarter of 2001 total sales decreased 1.3% over the second
quarter of 2000, consisting of a 3.7% decrease in unit volume and a 2.5%
increase in average selling prices. For the first six months of 2001 total sales
increased 3.2% over the same period in 2000, consisting of a 1.4% decrease in
unit volume and a 4.7% increase in average selling prices. Sales percent
increases (decreases) are as follows:

<TABLE>
<CAPTION>

                                                          SECOND QUARTER                   FIRST SIX MONTHS
                                                          --------------                   ----------------
                                                       2001           2000               2001             2000
                                                       ----           ----               ----             ----
<S>                                                 <C>             <C>                <C>              <C>
                    Net Retail Sales                  (1.3)%          6.4%               3.2%             4.7%
                    Same-Store Sales                  (4.1)%          2.8%              (0.1)%            1.8%
</TABLE>

COST OF SALES

Cost of sales includes cost of merchandise sold, buying and occupancy costs.
Cost of sales was $547.9 million in the 2001 second quarter, up 0.5% from $545.3
million in the 2000 second quarter. For the first six months of 2001, cost of
sales was $1,072.8, a 4.4% increase from $1,027.1 million in the 2000 period.

As a percentage of net retail sales, cost of sales was 68.0% in the second
quarter of 2001, compared with 66.8% in the second quarter of 2000. The increase
in cost of sales as a percentage of net retail sales during the second quarter
of 2001 is due to higher occupancy costs including utilities, increased
markdowns and negative leverage of buying and occupancy costs as a result of a
decline in same-store sales. For the first six months of 2001, as a percentage
of net retail sales, cost of sales was 68.1%, compared with 67.3% in the 2000
period. The increase in cost of sales as a percentage of net retail sales for
the first six months of 2001 is due to an increase in markdowns and higher
occupancy costs including utilities.


SELLING, GENERAL AND ADMINISTRATIVE EXPENSES

Selling, general and administrative expenses were $192.0 million in the second
quarter of 2001, up 4.5% from $183.7 million in the second quarter of 2000. For
the first six months of 2001, selling, general and administrative expenses were
$379.6, compared with $353.2 million in the 2000 period, a 7.5% increase.



                                       6
<PAGE>   8


As a percentage of net retail sales, selling, general and administrative
expenses were 23.8% during the second quarter of 2001 compared with 22.5% in the
second quarter of 2000. The increase, as a percentage of net retail sales,
during the second quarter of 2001 was primarily attributed to increases in
payroll costs. For the first six months of 2001, selling, general and
administrative expenses as a percentage of net retail sales were 24.1% in 2001,
compared with 23.2 % in 2000. The increase, as a percentage of net retail sales,
during the first six months of 2001 was primarily attributed to increases in
payroll costs.

INTEREST EXPENSE, NET

Interest expense decreased to $7.2 million in the second quarter of 2001 from
$8.0 million in the second quarter of 2000. The decrease is the result of a
lower average outstanding indebtedness and lower interest rates. For the first
six months of 2001, interest expense increased to $15.2 million in 2001 from
$9.6 million in the same period in 2000. The increase in the first six months of
2001 is the result of additional long-term debt issued during 2000 and
short-term borrowings in the first quarter of 2001 under the revolving line of
credit.

EFFECTIVE INCOME TAX RATE

The Company's effective income tax rate declined to 38.4% in the second quarter
of 2001 from 38.9% in the second quarter of 2000. The decrease reflects benefits
related to the previously implemented tax planning strategies.

LIQUIDITY AND CAPITAL RESOURCES

CASH FLOW

Cash flow from operations during the six months ended August 4, 2001 was $81.4
million. This figure represented 5.2% of net retail sales in the first six
months of 2001 compared with 8.7 % in the first six months of 2000. The
reduction in cash flow in the first six months of 2001 was due to the decrease
in net earnings, an increase in inventory as a result of second quarter 2001
sales results below expectations, and a decrease in accounts payable and accrued
expenses due to the timing of inventory receipts and fewer new store and store
remodeling projects in process. Internally generated funds are expected to
continue to be the most important component of the Company's capital resources;
however, the Company may from time to time draw on its revolving credit line to
fund seasonal cash flow needs.

CAPITAL EXPENDITURES

Capital expenditures during the first six months of 2001 totaled $58.7 million
with an additional $41.3 million estimated to be incurred in the remainder of
fiscal year 2001. Included in the 2001 capital expenditures is $8.1 million
related to the Company's expansion into Central America and the Caribbean, of
which the Company's joint venture partner has funded $3.2 million. The Company
anticipates that cash flow from operations, the revolving credit line, and its
joint venture partner will be sufficient to finance projected capital
expenditures.

FINANCING ACTIVITIES

As of August 4, 2001, no amounts were drawn against the Company's $200.0 million
line of credit. The availability under the line of credit has been reduced,
however, by an $11.4 million outstanding letter of credit.



                                       7
<PAGE>   9

FINANCIAL CONDITION RATIOS

A summary of key financial information for the periods indicated is as follows:

<TABLE>
<CAPTION>

                                                  AUGUST 4,       JULY 29,        FEB. 3,
                                                    2001            2000           2001
                                                    ----            ----           ----
<S>                                              <C>              <C>            <C>
                  Current Ratio                     2.0              1.9            2.0
                  Debt-Capitalization Ratio*       40.2%            46.5%          44.2%
                  Fixed Charge Coverage**           2.7x             3.4x           3.1x
</TABLE>

*   Debt-to-capitalization has been computed by dividing total debt, which
    includes current and long-term capital lease obligations, by capitalization,
    which includes current and long-term capital lease obligations, non-current
    deferred income taxes and equity. The debt-to-capitalization ratio,
    including the present value of future minimum rental payments under
    operating leases as debt and capitalization, would be 71.0%, 75.8% and 74.1%
    respectively, for the periods referred to above. The decrease in the debt to
    capitalization ratio at August 4, 2001 is the result of the increase in the
    Company's shareowners' equity, primarily from the Company's net earnings.

**  Fixed charge coverage, which is presented for the trailing 52 weeks in each
    period ended above, is defined as earnings before income taxes, gross
    interest expense, and the interest component of rent expense, divided by
    gross interest expense and the interest component of rent expense. The
    decrease in the fixed charge coverage ratio at August 4, 2001 is primarily
    the result of the increase in interest expense resulting from the additional
    debt issued in April 2000 and the reduction in net earnings during the first
    six months of 2001.

STORE ACTIVITY

At the end of the second quarter of 2001, the Company operated 4,918 stores
offering quality family footwear and accessories in 50 states, Canada, the
Dominican Republic, El Salvador, Costa Rica, Guatemala, Guam, Saipan, Puerto
Rico, and the U.S. Virgin Islands. The following table presents the change in
store count for the second quarter of 2001 and 2000.

<TABLE>
<CAPTION>

                                                                        SECOND QUARTER    FIRST SIX MONTHS
                                                                        --------------    ----------------
                                                                         2001     2000     2001     2000
                                                                         ----     ----     ----     ----
<S>                                                                   <C>      <C>      <C>      <C>
                    Beginning of quarter                                4,908    4,709    4,912    4,712

                    Stores opened                                          48      257      117      321
                    Stores closed                                         (38)     (98)    (111)    (165)
                                                                        -----    -----    ------   -----

                    Ending store count                                  4,918    4,868    4,918    4,868
                                                                        =====    =====    =====    =====
</TABLE>

ITEM 3 - QUANTITATIVE AND QUALITATIVE DISCLOSURES ABOUT MARKET RISK

INTEREST RATE RISK

Interest on the Company's Credit Facility is based on the London Interbank
Offered Rate ("LIBOR") plus a variable margin as defined in the credit
agreement. Therefore, the Company's future borrowing costs may fluctuate
depending upon the volatility of LIBOR. The Company currently mitigates a
portion of its interest rate risk through the use of interest rate swap
agreements, whereby the Company has agreed to exchange, at specific intervals,
the difference between fixed and variable interest amounts calculated by
reference to an agreed-upon notional amount.


                                       8
<PAGE>   10

FORWARD-LOOKING STATEMENTS

This report contains, and from time to time the Company may publish,
forward-looking statements relating to such matters as anticipated financial
performance, business prospects, technological developments, new products,
future store openings and international expansion, possible strategic
alternatives and new business concepts and similar matters. Statements including
the words "expects," "anticipates," "intends," "plans," "believes," "seeks," or
variations of such words and similar expressions are forward-looking statements.
The Company notes that a variety of factors could cause its actual results and
experience to differ materially from the anticipated results or other
expectations expressed in its forward-looking statements. The risks and
uncertainties that may affect the operations, performance, development and
results of the Company's business include, but are not limited to, the
following: changes in consumer spending patterns; changes in consumer
preferences and overall economic conditions; the impact of competition and
pricing; changes in weather patterns; the financial condition of the suppliers
and manufacturers from whom the Company sources its merchandise; changes in
existing or potential duties, tariffs or quotas; changes in relationships
between the United States and foreign countries; changes in relationships
between Canada and foreign countries; economic and political instability in
foreign countries or restrictive actions by the governments of foreign countries
in which suppliers and manufacturers from whom the Company sources are located
or in which the Company operates stores; changes in trade and/or tax laws;
fluctuations in currency exchange rates; availability of suitable store
locations on appropriate terms; the ability to hire, train and retain
associates; and general economic, business and social conditions in the
countries from which the Company sources products, supplies or has or intends to
open stores. All subsequent written and oral forward-looking statements
attributable to the Company or persons acting on its behalf are expressly
qualified in their entirety by these cautionary statements. The Company does not
undertake any obligation to release publicly any revisions to such
forward-looking statements to reflect events or circumstances after the date
hereof or to reflect the occurrence of unanticipated events.

PART II - OTHER INFORMATION

ITEM 1 - LEGAL PROCEEDINGS

There are no material pending legal proceedings other than ordinary routine
litigation incidental to the business to which registrant or any of its
subsidiaries is a party or of which any of their property is the subject.

ITEM 5 - OTHER INFORMATION

None.

ITEM 6 - EXHIBITS AND REPORTS ON FORM 8-K

(a) Exhibits:

                     NUMBER                  DESCRIPTION
                     ------                  ------------

                      11.1         Computation of Net Earnings Per Share*
    * Filed herewith

(b) Reports on Form 8-K

    None.



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<PAGE>   11

                                   SIGNATURES


         Pursuant to the requirements of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934,
the Company has duly caused this report to be signed on its behalf by the
undersigned thereunto duly authorized.


                                         PAYLESS SHOESOURCE, INC.


Date: September 17, 2001                 By:   /s/ Steven J. Douglass
                                            ------------------------------------
                                                   Steven J. Douglass
                                                   Chairman of the Board and
                                                   Chief Executive Officer








Date: September 17, 2001                 By:   /s/ Ullrich E. Porzig
                                            ------------------------------------
                                                   Ullrich E. Porzig
                                                   Senior Vice President



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