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

Wooooooooo hoooooooooo for Rabat.I just am static when I go to Rabat.They have great selection of really unique shoes from all over and they carry HOBO purses as well.HOBO is totally my style ,soft leather ,vibrant colors.How can you not love that.They also carry some locally made jewelry.Support local artist people.....A woman is always on a look out for great shoes and peanuts, Rabat never disappoint. 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

Nice shoe selection but my attention was on a pair of Puma Anjans in lead gray/navy blue color. Unfortunately they didn't have my size and the other 3 locations were sold out as well. The sales lady was friendly and very helpful. She wrote down the style for me so I can hopefully find them somewhere else -- maybe even the Puma store! read more

A little pricy but as my mom always said, you get what you pay for!!! This store has nothing but quality shoes! I bought a pair of cute short black boots before a cold location trip and they were just perfect! So glad I can go to a store and find exactly what I was looking for and then some ;) 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

SNOOT CITY! Honestly I have not been treated with such condescention by sales ladies in a shoe store since Tootsie Plohound in NY and there at least the shoes were of consistently high quality so I put up with the attitude. At Rabat today the sales ladies (a misnomer! Lady, hrumph!) were whispering to each other about the customers right in front of us and I was spoken to rudely from the moment I walked in and asked one woman, "do you work here?" The shoes I liked were made in china and had glue smeared around the edges of all the seams very visibly, and they were still charging $180 for them. Please! Some of their shoes were cute but they were sold out of my size in almost every spring style and will not be getting another shipment until fall shoes come in. It's May 19. read more

I really dislike giving bad reviews. I have worked retail, maybe its a bad day. This place is always a bad day! Every time I have walked into rabat wearing very expensive shoes, they freakin eye ball me. Girl my purse cost more then your stupid shoes. No serious though, I like the selection, I have stood unattended with a shoe in my hand for more then 15 minutes. Its all good, I can spend elsewhere. I will not be back, some classes in customer service would go a long way though. read more

I love this place. Everything in here is expensive, from $150 and up, with the median being around $200, but everything is also well made, comfortable, and beautiful. They do have one of those screwy store-credit-only return policies but I feel okay with that simply because they are such a small chain and because I know I'll always find something I love here. Often they are sold out of the size and color that you might need, but they have always been able to find it at another store for me and it arrives the next day when they do. I don' think I've ever swung by here without finding something wonderful, even if I couldn't afford it that day. read more

7-day exchange/return limit, very strictly observed - zero exceptions. You can't give a gift from here - if your loved one would rather have a different pair of shoes, even with the receipt and only 8 days later, too bad. Nice shoes - these are the ones worth paying A LOT for, and wearing forever. But there are other people selling them, too. I'd say some serious snootiness in the tone....in my perception. read more

last summer i fell in love with a pair of cydwok sandals but they didn't have my size in the color i wanted. when the saleswoman saw that i could not pull myself away from that shoe, she began calling all their other stores trying to track it down. no one else had it so she ended up special ordering it direct from the company for me. yay! not only did i get the shoe, i got it straight from the small factory where it is handmade using the finest leather--no other feet touched them before mine. they were perfect. over the following months, as the sandals conformed to the shape of my feet, i grew to love them even more. this summer, our puppy decided they were a great chew toy. i could've killed her, but i guess it was my fault for leaving such a tempting treat lying around. in the end, i'm still rocking them. read more

I like this store. It is pricey but worthwhile quality wise, nothing in the least shoddy or ill made here. I see some people complained about the sales help.... I think they don't get Berkeley's style. People here don't like to be fawned on or followed around a store and pressured. I sure don't. The help here waits till you ask them, they are perfectly polite and patient. I take a long time to make up my mind about things... usually leave without buying anything since it is in fact more pricey than my budget dictates, but they never try to pressure me or ask if they can put something on hold... it is just a laid back style and I am sure the one the management dictates to them. They have as nice leather bags there as margeret oleary across the street and at 1/5 the price, also they have a nice small selection of cool locally made jewelery... read more

ONce again, I found the shoes, the trousers, and the sales rack very appealing at this urban haven for clothing , jewelry, and especially VERY COOL FOOTWEAR!!! Hit the sales rack when you feel like being frugal! read more

I was really disappointed by the service at Rabat. I had just come from Nordstrom where I had a wonderful service experience. I was not greeted nor acknowledged in any way. I knew the purse I wanted to purchase so I picked it up and approached the register. Still I was not acknowledged. I had to ask someone if I could purchase the purse. The lady I asked glared at me before she proceeded to help me. I think she was the manager. She didn't even finish my transaction, but handed it off to another employee! I thought about walking out & purchasing the purse on zappos, but instant gratification got the best of me. I could have purchased a wallet at Rabat, but instead I did order this from Zappos. I like the merchandise at Rabat, but I will not be shopping there again until they learn a thing or two about service. read more

I came all the way to 4th street to buy some comfortable high heels. I used to work on 4th street when I didn't have any money and was treated less than because I didn't dress like I could afford the items I guess. (Except at Bette's diner they were always cool) anyway they started at me and did not help me and I was ready to buy a few pairs of shoes. Like really? And I even asked the lady who worked there " are you going to help me please?" And she just smiled and said thanks for coming in. I definitely let the women outside who also worked there know their behavior lost them money and a future customer. So unfortunate!! read more

The customer service was pretty shabby for this high end shoe store. Once in a while, I find a great pair of Giraudon shoes...otherwise, I usually skip this place and head to Kenneth Cole SF to satisfy my shoe craving. read more

Awesome shoes. Expensive price. Take your chances with the service: I know 4th Street isn't exactly the most laid-back place in Berkeley, but I'm sorry, unless I'm shoe-shopping in Paris I don't need the attitude. Does the other review of Rabat seem a bit shady? read more

Love the shoes enough to put up with the pretentious air of the store (the brands they sell are not so exclusive anymore and pretty easy to find these days, so I don't know who they think they are). Hate the return policy enough not to go back. "Store credit only-- within 7 days." When you're paying $200 for a pair of shoes, you should be able to get a full refund if you decide to return them. And I understand that they wouldn't want to be stuck with a shoe from last season or even last month, but a two-week policy seems reasonable, or at least ten days. People are busy and seven days goes by very quickly. Their policy is stingy and disrespectful to their customers. Like someone else here said, I'll go there to see the shoes in person, then buy online. read more

All I can say is make sure that you understand that when a salesperson encourages you to take the shoes home, try them out and then reassure you that you can return them...don't think that you are getting a refund! Even after asking what the return policy is and asking it not just once but twice, the word credit not a refund was never uttered by any of the sales help. Getting any kind of satisfaction about my return involved protracted negotiations. I felt like I was given the runaround, the upside down and a dose of "therapy" in between. My initial purchase was for over $1700 worth of shoes, boots and a purse. When competition from the internet is so intense, I would have hoped that Rabat would keep the old saying that the customer is always right in mind. I have never dealt with such a difficult retailer. I will never shop there again and have made sure to tell everyone I know of my story. Does NOT deserve even one star. read more

I love shoes, I could look at shoes for hours. Rabat's shoes are hot, but they are also super comfortable and that's one perfect mixture that's really hard to find. I went to them for their Campers, they used to be the only ones with them in the East Bay, but I have since found lots of new and interesting labels, alongside DKNY's and Puma's that I can't imagine seeing anywhere else. They don't get the full star line because there must be some way to make the shoes more affordable all the time (even if you they just had a bigger range) instead of making us all salivate at SALE time. But otherwise a sure bet for the comfy/ hot shoe. read more

It took me awhile to like Rabat-style shoes. They aren't Nine West, that's for sure. Pumps have wide toe boxes, sculptured heels, cutouts in odd places. But these shoes are the closest you'll find to what everyone is wearing in Europe. Rabat isn't the shoe floor of Printemps, but it's the best we can do here in the U.S. Unfortunately, the Arche shoes I have been salivating over for the past 4 months are still woefully unaffordable to me. Somehow I can't justify plopping down $300+ for an object that will, inevitably, be in direct contact with dog poo, phlegm, and old chewing gum. So for me, Rabat is just a good place to window shop. read more

If you're looking for unusual shoes with style, that are also comfortable, check out Rabat. They carry brands not found in other shoe stores in the area. Some of their shoes are pricey, but worth it. They also carry some great purses and other accessories read more

Every time I go in to this store I feel as though I have accidentally walked through the rat hole - otherwise known as the tunnel to walnut creek. read more

I'm sorry to read all the negative reviews regarding their customer service. I've shopped here tons of times (true my checkbook hates ths store) and have always had great service. read more

The bad reviews don't reflect this place at all. If you've had any experience working in retail you'll understand not to bother with what some people have written. They have a range of quality shoes (yes quality = $$$$) and there are multiple women I've encountered that are eager to help and explain the difference between the different brands they have. They also nicely give space for when Id like to just wander and browse. The return policy is strict so one should ask if there are any hesitations but for people who are upset... It's a small local store C'mon now that's normal. read more

Whenever I'm depressed I head down to Rabat. I too love Biviel's. I've bought many a shoe here over the years and have never really been insulted by the customer service or lack there of. However, the other day I encountered an unusually nice and friendly blond there who was more helpful than others have been so kudos to you blond lady! I'm sure you check out yelp every night before you brush your teeth. read more

Great shoes, but pricey. If you find exactly what you want it can be worth it though, b/c the quality is great and they have always lasted me a long time. read more

Great shoes but mediocre to poor service except for Marta (I think that's her name). This store is on it's period if she is not there that day. No joke. WTF! Ask for her ... if she's not there, walk out. She's old fashioned service with contemporary style and taste. At first I hated her because she is GORGEOUS but then she made ME feel gorgeous and now I am a Marta fan. She touches me - women just don't do that - she's personable, confident and listens, her taste is impeccible and she is honest. Hard not to buy from her. She sent me down the street for a mani-pedi and I returned and bought a pair of summer sandals. Stores on sale right now but not very good selection. Call ahead to see if they actually have top quality shoes they list on their website. They do fast transfers from other stores which is cool. read more

Very poor customer service, insulting comments about how inexpensive product I was buying ($150 which I didn't know that's cheap), asked for my ID even though I gave her my debit card and I was buying a very "inexpensive" pair of shoes, so why even bother, right? hesitant to check for another pair since they wanted to get rid of that pair with glue marks on them. Cheap attitude, cheap customer service. read more

very rude sales person. i was excited to find hobo at a local store and at competitive prices. when i started to ask the sales woman questions, she not only seemed uninterested but outright offended that i was in her store asking questions. i would love to support a local store, but not at the price of being made to feel bad. i definitely won't be spending my money there. read more

Poor customer service here today. My daughter and I were browsing on Fourth Street today and I'm looking for some shoes, so we stopped in. No friendly greeting and the three staff members looked bored and unapproachable. I found a pair I liked and the sales person checked my size and came back and said they didn't have it. She may have been able to help me find another shoe I might have liked or made some suggestions, but her whole attitude was unfriendly and not helpful. So many of the other stores on Fourth street had very friendly and helpful staff. This store's employees need a lesson in good customer service. read more

This place didn't seem cold or snooty at all. I had some of the best service at a shoe store that I've ever experienced--so good, in fact, that I walked out with three pairs of shoes when I went in firmly resolved to buy one pair. Marta is exceptional at understanding people's tastes. She converted me to Cydwoq's--shoes that I never thought I would wear. I compared their prices to Zappos, Endless, and Shoes.com, and Rabat was as competitive with their pricing. I only wish that their return policy allowed refunds for unworn merchandise. They have to compete with the online sellers, and the refund factor is significant. I'll be back, though/ read more

I absolutely love the shoes. They are a bit unusual in style, but that's what I like. And they are so very comfortable. As for the service, it stinks with one exception....well, maybe two. Kay is absolutely the best. She works on the weekend, and I love her. I suffer with RA and must have comfy shoes. While I was ignored by everyone the day I went through the doors, she approached me with a plasant greeting and smile. She has an impressive knowledge of the shoe brands and knew exactly what would work for me. I have bought four pairs of shoes from her, and only her. There is one other woman, whose name now escapes me. I guess she really wasn't that impressive. So, ask for Kay. Cute, petite, blonde. read more

Interesting, stylish shoes! One of the salespeople, Susanna, is extremely helpful finding the right shoes for my rather peculiar feet. She is insightful, funny, and knowledgeable. Great assistance! read more

Terrible service, and my shoes fell apart in less than a year! I've bought a few pairs of shoes here. Their styles are incredible. Every time it's a bit too obvious that they're only interested in my buying the shoes. With comments like "those look fabulous on you!" being dropped every few minutes to every woman in the store. gross. Nonetheless, I was totally sucked in to buying a pair of dressy sandals and a gorgeous pair of red boots... I buy both, and my sister a pair of Frye cowboy boots. $600 later... Now, months later, with only a couple weeks wear on them total, the soles of my red boots are completely worn through & cracked in half! I bring them in to have a conversation with the manager about the store paying to do the repair or replace them. I get some BS about how I should know, these are fine Italian boots, and I've clearly worn them too much. She actually says that expensive Italian boots like these are not meant to be worn the way I have, and that it is 'tradition' to have shoes mended when they've been outworn like this. Everyone who's anyone knows that. !!!! What a load! I had to hold back, but really ~ If I'm buying $300 boots, you should really warn me that I won't actually be able to wear them. Please! I'm not interested in paying that kind of money for shoes that fall apart faster than my $5 china town flats. Even more than that, it was the attitude, the complete disinterest in customer satisfaction. I get the feeling (and have heard) this happens all the time, and they'd be out of business if they actually paid for it. read more

I have been in here numerous times and usually disappointed with the lack of friendliness and customer service by the staff, but was willing to try it out again. Recenty, I went in to look at some shoes and hats. I did end up buying a hat, but will not be back due to the very poor customer service. It doesn't take much to acknowledge customers while in the store or ask if they need help...but, sometimes you're busy and I understand..but, to not even say hello when checking somone out, look at them or say thank you and the end of the purchase is uncalled for! Also, I noticed after my purchase how much they mark up hats...next time I'll go straight to the Goorin hat store! I won't be back, due to the bad customer service and will tell all of my friendly friends to not shop there...it doesn't hurt to be friendly! read more

My experience in this store has been the worst ever. I would recommend that one just go online and order directly from the manufacturer. I bought a pair of Gabor boots almost $400 specifically to have them in Paris! I had the boots two months wearing them 3 times and while in Paris the shoe seam on the bottom came apart. Once home took them back to the store was told they would repair not replace. I asked to have the manager call me! After 4 days very rude sales person told me the she's we're sent out for repair! Apparently no one told the manager to call me. One week later the "manager" another very rude person calls to tell me the boots are back from repair!!! I asked for the number for Gabor and she said to look it up online! How helpful is that?!!! Should have bought them directly from the manufacturer. Not only are the sales people rude this manager is the worst!!! I will never ever return to this store. I will write the company! The merchant association and will tell anyone considering purchase from this company to go anywhere but here!!! There's so much more to this but I will not bore you with rude business practices run do not stop here! Is it any wonder Nordstroms is the leading shoe sales store! Customer service, return policy....and to think they started out as a small shoe store!!! Rabat could never evolve to more than a store carrying many unique shoes that doesn't stand behind product quality and absolutely no customer service skills!!!!! read more

Shoes look cool, but I can't get over that someone from the store asked 3 cute kids playing holiday music outside the store to move. I over heard her say, "Your music is bothering my co-worker, could you please move.". Unbelievable! read more

My mother and I have been shopping here for years, Rabat has a great selection and great service. I find it sad that the previous reviewers admit to making their purchases on line after trying on shoes at a small store like Rabat. If small local businesses close down, where will you go to torture people? read more

A good place to see pretty shoes in person before you go home and buy them online. The service is sad.