Love this store! Great deals today 2/7/23; better than I've ever seen and I've been a customer for 10+ years. Marta is my favorite - she knows her shoes. Can be pricey, but 100% worth it for amazingly stylish well made shoes. read more

This store closed back in December 2024. Although it was sad to see a local store close, they attributed it to the owner retiring and decided not to renew their lease. I shopped there for at least 15 years. The service was always hit or miss, mainly and consistently a miss. During their close out days, I purchased two knitted hats. And the service was well, awful. read more

Used to be my favorite but I heard it's closed sadddd this is truly a loss for the city.

I tried on a pair of shoes at this store. I wear a 7 1/2. The shoes fit and I liked them, so I bought them. When I got home, I opened the box and found a size 10 pair of shoes. The store refused to take them back or exchange them. AVOID this store! read more

Marta was absolutely lovely to me today. I left with these gorgeous pumps made in Spain I'd eyed a few months back. She was such a joy could have talked to her for hours! She has style and definitely knows her stuff which is so rare nowadays, so miss the 2000s with real people like her! Thanks lady:) read more

Buyer beware. I went in yesterday looking for shoes for an upcoming trip. Service was actually great and the woman helping me brought me a pair of shoes to try that I hadn't picked out. They were good for what I needed them for. Comfortable and sturdy but could still be worn for a night out. Sounds great so far right? Well this is where I take issue. All of the shoes I had picked out were around $100-$150 price point. The shoes she had me try on didn't have a price on them and I failed to ask (yes that's on me). I didn't hear the price until she already had my card in hand and it was over $300. She swiped my card and handed me a receipt that said no refunds before I could wipe the shocked look of my face. Honestly it felt pretty predatory. I know they offer store credit or exchanges but the whole thing doesn't sit right with me. Def don't get duped like I did. read more

I have no idea how this place stays in business they've been there for years and I've gone in several times thinking I was going to buy shoes because the shoes and boots are usually pretty cool. However the service throughout the years has been either snarky, dismissive or just plain weird. I hate the way they glare at you as you try on sample shoes (I just happen to fit what's on the shelf) while chatting with each other. I would like to assume it's because they want to make sure they're available for me but it doesn't feel like that. even if they don't like customers trying on the display shoes it's just really no reason to glare or stare. I also hate the way they ignore me on any given day when I'm the only person in the store. Another reviewer mentioned that this was discrimination because she is a person of color. I am caucasian. read more

Amazing day at Rabat!!! Exceptional service with an outrageous gorgeous inventory. This is on the 4th street in Berkeley, it's a beautifully decorated simplicity store, truly loved all of the inventory so much I wanted it all!!!! Customer service was exceptional, I saw some previous negative feedback however I have been here many times, I always have experienced great service and seen excellent customer service provided to other customers. They are following all Covid-19 guidelines and this store is beautiful clean and well organized. read more

See all

I'm giving two stars for the beautiful shoes, I love Chie Mihara and Lofina. However, please remember In this day and age we can pretty easily order items online usually for free shipping. The customer service here is horrid. Even though I've spent much money over the years I'm holding off on buying anything here again. They treat their customers awful and are just rude and snooty. No thanks. read more

OMG! I am so so sorry I imposed on the sales person with my request to try on a pair of shoes. How rude of me!! But, she did make me work for it! Putting those shoes three feet behind me on the bench so I had to turn around to see she had left them there so I could reach for them! Oh, and then GASP! I had the audacity to ask for a shoe horn. I am so sorry my requests put the sales person out so horribly. And then, insult on top of insult, I actually wanted to buy the shoe! OH MY! No eye contact, not conversation. She may have been blind because she didn't seem to see me, but then she did use the credit card machine to check me out. I did try to be polite and give her the benefit of the doubt and assumed she said "thank you" as is customary. I cheerily said "your welcome". This was THE most bizarre, even hostile, buying experience I have ever had. read more

Beautiful shoes, exceptional staff! Today I witnessed both clerks being extremely patient with a rude husband and wife team. Kudos to both for exercising patience. read more

I find their shoes to be a rather smart collection...stylish.. and unique...better than most buyer's of men's shoes. I made a small purchase and am about to purchase another, (hat). I found the employees nice, and respectful.... An employee with a name starting with "Y' has been most helpful on more than (1) occasion. read more

Appalled and shocked; there's no other response to the treatment I received at this shop today. I've shopped at and purchased many pairs of shoes and boots over the years at Rabat. Customer service had never been their strong suit but that seems the norm in many Berkeley stores, unfortunately. Rabat has a unique product. They also have a very restrictive return policy. I'm cautious about my purchases with that in mind. It's probably been six-eight months since I last tried shoes on in the store. I don't believe I take an excessive amount of time (whatever that might be). Today I was the only shopper in the store when I was trying on shoes and boots. They did not have my size in the boots I was most interested in. I tried on two sizes. I did not like another pair and found two others not comfortable. I looked at another pair without asking to try them. I said "thank you" to the two women, one of whom I believe to be the manager when another few women wandered in. To the best of my knowledge no one else asked to try on shoes. As I was about to walk out of the store I heard the "manager" speak to me. Frankly I couldn't believe I'd heard her correctly saying "Have you EVER bought a pair of shoes here?!" The other woman stopped and looked at me. I responded that I had and she was welcome to look my name up. But that, needless to say I wouldn't be returning. It was tempting to post photos of the eight pairs of shoes and boots I was able to quickly identify as purchased from Rabat (including those for my daughter's wedding) but frankly there's no reason. This is harassment. And it was humiliating. I urge everyone to think carefully before considering purchasing anything from Rabat. read more

Appalled by the service (or lack thereof) I received at this store today. I cannot tell if the owner was under the impression that I wasn't about to drop $1000+ on two pairs of boots and a pair of shoes today or if she just didn't want to help a person of color (I'm leaning toward the latter), either way there is no excuse for her complete lack professionalism and discrimination. I have bought several pairs of shoes from this store in the past, I will never return there again. I've heard a lot of people professing that Black Lives Matter, I hope you read this and take pause before shopping at a store that is so blatantly discriminatory toward it's customers. read more

I have often walked by and admired the beautiful selection of shoes this store has, but I have never made it into the store to make a purchase. This last Sunday I was in the neighborhood running errands & thought I would go in & take a closer look. I had recently received a well deserved raise at work & thought it would be a great treat to splurge on a fabulous pair of shoes & felt good about spending my hard-earned money locally as opposed to at a department store. I immediately fell I love with a pair of sandals that I wanted to take home with me. They were $340.00. I can honestly say I have never spent this much on a pair of shoes before. I was skeptical at first because I wasn't familiar with the brand, but the sales girl assured me the manufacturer was reputable. So after trying them on for fit I took them home & felt excited about my purchase. A couple of days later I wore them for the first time: I packed them up in my work bag (I commute in tennis shoes or flip-flops) after trying them on at home with my outfit. When I got to work I slid them on. It wasn't until I headed to my first meeting that morning that I noticed the squeaking coming from my right shoe. I thought I had something stuck to the bottom or had stepped in something sticky. I had not. The $340.00 pair of shoes I had purchased was squeaking!!! I had no alternative than to wear the squeaking shoes all day long. Instead of feeling luxurious in my new beautiful shoes I was embarrassed. But I laughed it off with a colleague & went about my day. The next day I called the store to inquire about my options for resolving my issue with the squeaking. I laughed when she suggested baby powder would help. I assured her that would not help. Then she said to bring them in within 7 days of purchase & they would exchange them. That was until she learned that they had been worn for a day. Then she changed her tune. From that point forward, I could tell I was going to be stuck with an expensive pair of squeaky shoes. The next day I called again hoping that I had gotten a grumpy associate the day before but the same thing happened. I despise confrontation so I have decided to see if I can have my cobbler fix the squeaking. But I can tell you I will never set foot in Rabat (any location) ever again & will tell everyone I know about my experience. PS: I had to select a star to post this, but given a choice I would give them none. read more

It is very hard for me to buy one pair of shoes at a time, especially here. Sometimes I wish I were like most guys, and could say, "Gee, I think I want a new pair of basketball shoes," go to the store, and get exactly that, no more, no less. But no. It's on that second X chromosome - the shoe gene. That said, I usually can't afford to shop here. But DANG, they have some cute stuff. When the money truck pulls up, it's going to be, "Hey, cn I have one of each?!?" One star off for 4th St in general. read more

Quality shoes, no doubt, and shopping on 4th St. is fun -- once you get there. However, small selection, and nasty return policy that is NOT printed anywhere but on the receipt once you've purchased the shoes. BUYER BEWARE! You have just 7 days to return the shoes for store credit ONLY. No refund. So once you plunk down a couple of hundred bucks, you've invested in the store. This is very very annoying, considering the small selection of shoes. But what's worse is the snarky service. It reminds me of an old Lily Tomlin routine where as Ernestine, working for the phone company, she held all the cards and would merely laugh and snort at the hapless customers calling for assistance. No assistance! Attitude, yes. Unfortunately, I now have to return to Rabat every month or so to look for replacement shoes and deal with the snarks. read more

I love Rabat's shoes and though I can only afford them when they're on sale they are something to drool -- and dream -- about.

Though the shoes *are* expensive, for the past two years, I have managed to catch a SALE at the 4th Street location. Yes, I have gotten $200 and $300 pair of shoes for no more than $40/pair (after its been marked down multiple times.) I wear a size 10-11 if that matters. I know I've probably been very lucky, but I do have a hard time finding affordable, comfortable, cute shoes otherwise. Cheaper shoes from stores like Nine West, Aresoles, etc always KILL my feet. Get on their mailing list and catch a sale. read more

Rabat, you've never let me down. Cute, well-made shoes, and good customer service. It completes my 4th street shopping experience. Minus one star, because I'd have to choose between the shoes and rent. Rent always wins. One day... read more

Shoes, shoes and more shoes!! Fun, stylish shoes and handbags. Look for the excellent sales at the first of the year. They have clothing too, but it's a bit pricey and too eclectic for me. Update 3/17/2008 - shopped at the Chestnut Street location on Friday and noticed that they have started carrying some brands that are a bit cheaper than their past inventory. Most notable are the brands called All Black and Bievel, heels and flats. Their price range is $115 to $145. Super cute styles! read more

Pros: beautiful shoes. Beautiful, beautiful shoes. Cons: helpful but somewhat pushy salespeople. Prices that are higher than I want to pay. Too many beautiful shoes, so that when I walk out my shopping bag is heavier and my wallet is lighter than it ought to be. Oh well, at least I'm walking around with some killer kicks. read more

Rabat is a great place to see shoes, try on shoes, and dream about the next purchase of shoes! Contrary to what some other Yelpers have written, I have always had very positive experiences with the staff here (ie: no snoot factor!). The variety of shoes is extensive, pricing reflective of a variety of differing brands AND where they are made (despite trying to clean up their act, China still has cheap labor, so the shoes are less expensive to buy. BUT, there's nothing like well made Italian shoes, and I'll gladly pay the price). I have gotten several pairs of shoes and boots here over the years as well as a few bags and a wallet replacement when my dearly departed vintage rose-colored leather Hobo wallet was stolen (am I bitter?? Well, yes, but I do now have a nice Hobo replacement). The quality has always been exceptional. The staff are always sweet to my sons and are more than a little tolerant whenever the pooch is along for the excursion (he howls when outside, so they always invite him in!). Of course, this endears them to me all the more! 4 Stars because sometimes 4th Street is just too much, and, quite frankly, Rabat has proven to be a temptation more than once which has caused a certain...shall we say...strain...in the budget and further challenging conversations with The Big Man. Still, not their fault. I like this shop. Too much. While I'm no Imelda Marcos, I could be if I allowed myself the luxury of a few too many trips to Rabat! read more

It's not easy to find stylish shoes in Berkeley, but Rabat on Fourth Street delivers! The ladies who work there are always helpful, kind and knowledgeable. I've bought so many beautiful pairs of shoes over the years, especially with their fantastic sales that happen twice a year. I love their selection of Chie Muhera and Coclico shoes and their Hobo bags and wallets. read more

Most of the shoes only come in one or two sizes and/or colors. I tried on several pairs to find comfortable ones. When I finally found a few I liked the prices were $100 $200 $400 dollars...brands I have never seen or heard of and MADE IN CHINA... I'm sorry I can't pay $200 or more for a pair of shoes made by some unknown brand manufactured probably in a sweatshop in China! What kind of quality is that? The worst part though: the workers act like they are selling exclusive items worn by royalty! SO STUCK UP! read more

Went in with my sister. Despite it being near closing time, the gal was super nice and friendly and we got some great deals on sale sandals and shoes. Appreciate the warm customer service! read more

Boo on the Customer Service! I LOVE the store on Chestnut. But this one ... maybe I had the bad luck of going when the not-so-friendly sales women were on duty but jeez! Talk about night and day! At Chestnut, they are so sweet and friendly. I went to the Berkeley location last Wednesday during lunch and I didn't even get so much as a glance. The two women working just went about their task of putting things away. Ah-hmm! I have $$ to burn on some fantastic items! But no, I refuse to patron a place that doesn't even acknowledge my existance. BOO! ------------------------------- 4/21/08: OK, I can't be a hypocrite. While this store has terrible customer service, I was in the area again (visiting the glorious MAC store) and couldn't resist peeking into Rabat. Despite the fact I gave a really bad review. Again, CRAPPY CUSTOMER SERVICE! There was a woman doing inventory or something like that at the counter and didn't even acknowledge any of us in the store! Luckily there was a woman who breezed back in from the storage room and asked all of us if we needed help. I found a shoe in the Sales section that caught my eye and asked her for my size. She gave me decent service considering she was helping out two other customers at the same time. I did buy the shoes and that's why I had to add one more star (even though I didn't want to!) and made this a two star boutique. But if any of you managers read this, please note: I understand you are busy and need to get work done. Reality check - the store isn't that big and you will be able to be a good manager and help customers at the same time. Like this: At the very very very least, you acknowledge a customer when they come in. That mean a greeting of some sort. Give it a try, I promise it won't hurt. Then, if you want to kick it up a notch in customer service, you at least tell the customer that someone will be with them shortly. Maybe there's no way in hell it's going to be you but if you tell me someone will eventually help me, fan-flippin'-tastic. And then if you just want to go from good to great, you freakin' stop what you're doing and HELP the customer. Seriously, I was in retail for six years ... this isn't rocket science. You should further note that Miss. L, Seong, Leslie, Vera AND I have all remarked on your bad customer service. (I do not know any of them but I'm glad this complaint wasn't just from me.) Your store could learn from your Chestnut location where customers are treated very well. read more

Be very careful purchasing shoes here. They have an extremely conservative exchange policy. I purchased a $400 pair of ankle boots that were very comfortable for a few minutes in the store but after an hour of wearing them, the seam at the top part of the shoe became extremely uncomfortable. I did not wear them until two weeks after their purchase so it was too late to exchange them for something that worked for me. A HUGE DISAPPOINTMENT. I will never purchase shoes from them again. read more

I've been a long time shopper at Rabat. First in SF and then 15 years ago when I moved to Berkeley I began shopping at the 4th Street Store. I love shoes and as a teacher I always buy myself a pair at the end of every school year as a reward . This year I splurged on a beautiful pair of Thierry Rabotin sandals($400) at the beginning of June. Imagine my disappointment when after about 10 wears they had a tear. This hAppened on vacation and I brought them back to Rabat in early July. Marta, the manager, was so incredibly rude and condescending. Rather than apologize she questioned my 10 wears and said they looked like I'd worn them more than that. I don't keep receipts as I NEVER return shoes. She was so horrendous I will never shop there again on principle. I got them repaired and was reimbursed by the office but my requests to speak to the owner have been ignored. I will be buying my shoes through ped.com , a local woman owned shoe company that carries amazing brands and don't disrespect their longtime clients by insinuating they're lying. Good tiddanxe- Never heard from the owner - I can't believe the blatant disregard for a longtime customer's horrible customer service experience at her store. Oh well I can't care more than she does. read more

A very good experience today at the 4th St store. I'd read several "poor customer service" reviews so I was on guard, but to my delight, Jenny was the best representative you could ask for! While I was paying, I asked was she aware of the lousey yelps the store was getting and she was surprised to hear. But then again - this was her 5th day! Well, I told her, I'm going home to post a yelp about your fine service today. So ladies - something has changed and the new blood in the house wants to make you feel special all over again! It's safe to go in. read more

Cute shoes. Terrible service. Or shall I say, a complete and utter absence of service. I went in today looking for some good walking but stylish shoes. Both of the women there, one sweeping and one at the register, did not acknowledge my existence. I was the only person in the store. I walked around the store slowly to give either of them time to say hello and ask me if I needed help. Absolutely no acknowledgment. I left. Perhaps I didn't have the "right look" to seem worthy or approaching. Or maybe the employees just don't give a shit. Either way, not a place I felt I wanted to be in or spend my money. read more

Fancy shoes for both men and women in a little boutique on 4th street. Great selection, very chic. Service is a little stand offish, but the quality of the goods is high. read more

Worse customer service: cranky and unhelpful staff. I was met by a snarky response from one staff working today Sunday, 6/15. If you want your store to thrive, please tell your associate that customers is what makes the business, not assholes for salespeople. read more

The customer service at the Berkeley store has definitely gone downhill. The salespeople act as if it is a privilege to shop there. With so many other online options, one would think these salespeople would try even a little bit harder to show some enthusiasm and respect to customers who are trying to patronize small, local businesses. Shame on you... read more

They have better customer service at in and out burger. I don't now what is going on w the ownership here but they really need to train their staff better. The staff made me feel like I was putting them out asking for a shoe size. I am a strong supporter of buying from small business owners but not this place. They made me feel very uncomfortable. It a shame because they have nice product but they are not getting my business. read more

I've never written anything less than postive in a review. I'm really sorry to write this. I loved, loved this just over the ankle boot, Brako 8205 that I bought from Rabat. Dec 20th, I fell for the third time in this pair of boots from Rabat. The three places I've fallen in since I wore them are the kitchen yesterday, in Whole Foods and on the side walk during other times out all on dry surfaces. It seems these falls involve some kind of sliding on all these surfaces. I've only worn these boots 3 or 4 times since I bought them late on December 9th in about 10 days. I own Camps and Donald Pliner approx 3 inch heels for example and have never fallen in these. It was hard for me to decide to return these, because I liked them so much. When I got out of my denial about it, I called a shoe repair shop where they recommended that I take them back, Then I went to the store (the day after the third fall) to return these boots Dec 21st. Rabat people had no interest in my safety or taking them back. I think this is not a good business practice. read more

Great selection of unique and hard to find shoes and expensive (but somehow average) prices. Brands not to miss: Camper, Lisa Nading (Gentle Souls), Adidas, Giraudon, Kaju by Giraudon, Cydwoq, and many more. They also have a nice purse collection, but it's way out of my price range. Twice a year, at least, Rabat has a huge sale and I luck out with the "last pair" sizes that no one else can wear. The staff has always been friendly and helpful for me. They also sell fingerless gloves, which are very comfortable and hard to find. read more

During the holidays I stopped at Rabat to find a pair of nice boot socks for a friend. When I told the sales person that I needed socks for someone who wears size 8 shoes, she showed me a pair that would work. The person who received my gift said that they were too large. I called Rabat to explain the issue. Unbelievably, they actually suggested that the person REGIFT the socks because they could not exhange them. The socks were unworn and had its band around the socks. Obviously, this store is clueless about the art of generating goodwill among clients. I should have heeded the warning of a book group member who said that she had a bad experience at Rabat when the pricey shoes shoes she purchased didn't fit properly and Rabat would not take the shoes back, and only offered store credit. They fitted the shoes. It was their error. I will never darken their doorway again. read more

Randomly walked into this shoe establishment after being at the next door apple store. I entered the store because near the entrance was a pair of Frye boots that I have been wanting to purchase. In fact, I decided if they had them in the color and size I wanted, I would have bought them. Would have, if the ladies working there werent so bad at their job. Now, I will just be ordering them online. There is nothing more off putting than a rude, unwelcoming, store representative. read more

Heed the warning of the one star reviews. I am pretty sure the others are not about the 4th St store and the rest are fakes. YOU ARE WISE TO STEER CLEAR OF THIS STORE. I don't care how nice the shoes are. When you are going to pay top dollar for a pair of shoes you should should get excellent service too. They are so rude and/or inattentive I wouldn't shop here if they sent me a gilded invitation! Every time I have visited while shopping on 4th St., (5 times!) I have been ignored by sales people. I have no idea how this store sells shoes with such rude service. Never again. read more