Personalized customer service. Great selection of comfortable shoes, especially Danskos. They rarely have sales which presents a bit of a challenge but they shoes are high quality. read more

I spent $183 today at the store (10/26/25) I am a old customer and I not only buy my shoes my family also purchase from this store. Customer Service was very poor and I was treated poorly. This is not what is expected from neighborhood store. Customer service must be paid attention to for customers regardless of race and color. read more

Yet another five star rating for Sole Terra Shoes (Shoes on Solano). I found my "forever" shoes there. I can walk all day in them with out getting cramps at night and they look fine for walking shoes. And the best thing is This store always carries them! read more

This is the 2nd time I have purchased shoes at this store. They have a nice collection of unique shoes for men and women. The service is wonderful, and I bought another pair of shoes last week! read more

Love the place. It was my favorite when it was Shoes on Solano, and I'm so glad it's still here. Very helpful staff, great selection with lots of classy, comfortable shoes for me to pick from read more

I had a lovely experience during their anniversary sale, when everything in the store is 20% off! I'm in my mid-30s and was shopping for a comfortable, stylish pair of shoes to wear when teaching. My girlfriend spoke highly of a pair of Dansko clogs she had previously spotted at another local shoe shop. They looked lovely on display but I worried about how they'd look on my feet. One of the staff members brought out a pair for me to try on and kindly explained the particular way clogs should fit. I was blown away at how comfortable they were *and* how they looked!! I ended up going down a size and, in the process, spoke with another helpful staff member who was wearing the same pair of Dansko clogs in a different color and spoke so highly of them. Ultimately, both my girlfriend and I had an excellent, top-notch shopping experience here. I'm glad I live nearby because I know where I'll be getting my next pair of shoes when the time comes! read more

Great service and selection and frequent sales! Get on the mailing list for special mark-downs.

Purchased shoes via their website during the Thanksgiving Sale which included free shipping with purchases over $100. Received the wrong size shoes (unclear if this was their error or mine). Sought a simple exchange for the correct size. It's been anything but. Website presented two different shipping addresses (Emeryville and Richmond) for returns. Had to call the store to clarify which was correct. Told they had moved warehouses to Richmond. No worries. Paid to have them shipped back. After receipt on their end, receive an invoice for an additional "exchange shipping fee". When I respond with an inquiry pointing out that shipping was stated as free with my order, and I had already incurred the cost of shipping them back, I receive the following response: "When you purchased the item it was on sale, the item is no longer on sale and is back to its full price. Typically on sale clearance items we do not allow return or exchange. The item is currently priced at $160. In normal scenarios your return would have just been refunded back to you and if you wanted to repurchase for a different size it would be at the current price of the item. I was able to get approval for the exchange as long as the cost of shipping was covered." I responded that their reply made no sense. I further reiterated I was only seeking a straight exchange, not a new purchase, (so a price difference should not apply) and pointing out again that my purchase was over $100 which included free shipping (which my purchase was and they still offer.) With no further reply, I then receive notification of an unauthorized refund. I won't be shopping with them again. * When I shared this experience (to help advise others) under reviews on their Facebook page, I was then blocked. read more

Looking at the positive reviews for this store, I completely understand the enthusiasm. Miranda was absolutely exceptional in her knowledge and assistance today. I had a particular use-case for the shoes I was looking for, and she gave me several styles to try. She described them expertly, and answered all my specific questions about color and helped me find the exact pair I needed. The atmosphere was great- I could tell she was happy to be working there. She is a true seasoned professional, and made the shopping/purchasing experience positive and fun. The music that was on in the store was fantastic, too! They had a wide variety on rotation, and it wasn't just me singing to it, either! Thank you to all the staff who make the store experience what it is. I will definitely be recommending everyone go there if they need shoes, and a bit of good cheer! read more

My favorite shoe store! Great service and I always find what I'm looking for. Well trained staff. read more

Excellent European style comfort shoes that I could wear and walk in right away. The prices were reasonable and the selection covered a wide variety of styles. The people who work here are helpful and treated everyone like a customer. I might be a bit younger than the average customer for these types of stores, but really if someone is walking into a comfort shoe store, they aren't typically "just browsing." I have found great shoes at the Walk Shop but frankly feel embarrassed walking in there because I will be flat out ignored until I ask for help. When I entered this store, I was seen and greeted and was asked what I was looking for and was shown the different lines. I needed extra holes punched into the straps, and the person working there immediately suggested it as something she could do. I am happy to find a great shoe shop with both great product and professional staff. read more

Walked in today with my tall teenager, who has feet that are wide, completely flat, and sized 11.5 women. She plays soccer and walks a lot, but has foot pain. A friend recommended a try out of inserts, so we came by on a saturday. We were greeted warmly, and helped by a young African American woman (I will update if I can find her name because she was awesome!). She understood our feet issues completely, and helped us try on multiple shoe inserts. She was patient, kind, knowledgeable and made my kid (who HATES trying things on) feel comfortable and relaxed. She even proffered some different shoes for her just to try with the inserts. With her kind guidance, we were able to find an insert that felt natural but supportive for my teen. As we were checking out I asked her for further help and guidance and she gave me valuable insight. I appreciate Sole Terra Shoes and will be back to buy more. read more

Having purchased 7 pairs of the Sole Terra boots (truly awesome!) in regard to both color and comfort and numerous Ili New York leather accessories (backpack, wallet, credit card case and eyeglass case), I need to rave about the quality of the goods and the excellent customer service. Such good vibes and awesome employees and owner! read more

Went into the store, and was dreading the experience. I have small, sensitive feet, and I am very fussy as well. Myranda was not at all fazed by this. She listened and brought out several good possibilities, all in my size, which is rare. She is very knowledgeable, and not at all pushy. I bought a pair after trying on many. Whenever I need another pair of shoes, this is the go to place. Thank you Myranda. read more

I am posting an update. I posted a negative review approximately 8 years ago based on very poor customer service. To the owner's credit, she emailed me and asked to elaborate on what happened. She seemed sincerely concerned and stated that she would follow up and talk to the employees. Just for the heck of it I went into the store a few months later but unfortunately I was completely ignored again despite it not being busy. I then decided to completely avoid the place. However less than a month ago I passed by and thought, what the heck? My experience was completely different than several years ago and absolutely positive. The customer service provided by the sales people (different ones than before) was extremely friendly and competent- couldn't have been better. Also I wish to add I was much more impressed by the shoe selection this time around. I don't particularly like writing negative ads and didn't like writing the last one but I do think customers should be aware. Looks like the owner just had a really bad employee problem because I notice a couple other reviews around 2011 had similar complaints as I did. But I do believe in acknowledging when a place improves and want to give credit where credit is due. So five stars it is! read more

Great customer service and they gave a large inventory of shoes for women. Will come back again

Shoes on Solano is the Shoe part of Ideas 4 Elements. I walked in, a bit in crisis mode as all of my shoes are either clogs or made of canvas and not suitable to the rainy weather of the Bay Area. Being an indecisive, picky shoe shopper I was pleasantly surprised that they carried all of my favorite brands (Dansko, Earth, Simple, Clarks) and many that I had yet to own, but had been on my wish list. The staff was very helpful and let me wander around the store in the shoes I tried on to make sure that they were the ones, and help me weigh the advantages and faults to each pair as I made my decision - yes this is why I shoe shop alone, I can't find anyone brave enough to endure the drama with me. When all was said and done, I left with a wonderful pair of boots to brave the Berkeley weather! read more

2 things to review: first off, exactly THREE HOURS AGO, having stepped in after an invigorating workout on the circuit, I saw that they opened up a new store spot (just 2 spots west, down the hill) for women and kids.. with styles and a bit more fashion to kick it up a notch. There is now a barber's shop in between the orig. on the corner of Modoc/Solano, and now this one. Nicely organized, with some purses, still same brands of shoes, Hobo purse/wallet products, watches, some accessories.... I got a very good deal on some marked down high-end arch support shoes.. 2 pairs, to be exact. Customer service was prompt and friendly. I enjoy the fact that it's leisure browsing with no pressure to purchase. But these were a nice find; lucky me, they had my size in stock, for they're clearancing out those styles. read more

Ellen at Shoes on Solano in Walnut Creek is amazing. I needed a new pair of everyday (but lovely) flat soled boots. Most boots have some notion of a heel, which would not work, but Ellen provided me with several options. I now have a wonderful pair of grey, water-resistant, ankle-boot - that accommodate my VERY wide foot. Wore them all day today! read more

I was there about 3 days ago to find a pair of walking shoes. The only person in the store was the store clerk. She coughed the entire time. She did not stop coughing. I want to repeat that she NEVER stopped coughing. I scanned two of the four walls of shoes, which took perhaps 3-4 minutes before it occurred to me to JUST LEAVE. The staff member/clerk/employee did not seem to have any idea her behavior was an issue; coughing nonstop as well as not covering her mouth or coughing into her elbow. A day or two later SF and Berkeley both called for "Shelter in Place". I asked myself: who was more irresponsible: Me (?!?) for being in a store when I knew the situation was dire, or Shoes on Solano for not training their staff how to handle the Coronavirus situation. read more

Love the selection of comfort shoes, and some of them are actually attractive! Caught a few sales, overall prices are reasonable for this level of quality. Bought 3 pairs so far, and all are a great fit and hold up well. Lovely staff, super helpful. read more

I was there within the past two weeks and received exemplary customer service and purcashed 4 pairs of shoes. The staff was welcoming and patient. Great selection of shoes. read more

I was determined to have a comfortable pair of work shoes, so I splurged and bought a pair of pumps here for 2-3 times as much as I usually spend on shoes. They worked out well, so I went back to buy the same pair in brown. Again, I readied myself to splurge. I browsed, I looked, I found other pricier pairs of shoes to perhaps try on. And I waited. And waited. And waited, although there were few other customers in the store, and salespeople standing at the counter, not working with customers. The lack of service was so noticable, I waited for awhile, curious as to when a sales rep would offer to help me. I finally asked if the pumps I was looking for came in brown. The answer: "no". No other offers came to help or guide me. So I went home, looked up zappos.com, found the original pumps in the color I wanted for more less half the price at this store, ordered them, and 2 days laters have what I want at the price that I want. Shop local, except when the service stinks. read more

It's my first time exploring the area and spotted Shoes on Solano. I went inside to check it out and loved the shoes and other merchandise in the store. Caitlin, one of the salespeople, was very professional and helpful in finding my shoe size, making recommendations but not intrusive. The other two ladies in the store were also friendly. I left the store with a big bag in my hand without feeling guilty. I highly recommend Shoes on Solano! read more

I needed a lot of help and customization with my last shoe purchase (i.e. a specific sock thickness, inserts, sizing and fit, working with a foot injury). Caitlin delivered sweet, smart, and very patient customer service! She carefully listened and kept track of all of my concerns, and continued to work with me until we got my feet outfitted. I was so impressed with Caitlin! What an amazing customer service representative! And i adore my new Bethanie Dansko boots! I am so happy and very comfortable! read more

High-end prices for $Dollar store service-- Save your money! This shoe store has the stiffest return policy ever! This neighborhood store sells high-end comfort women's and men's shoes. They have a ONE DAY return policy which they don't allow you to use on many items you buy in their store. I bought a pair of shoes and wore at home to try them out. They pinched my heel and took it back the next day. They wouldn't take it back -- even though it was new stock (not a sale item). I'll save my $$ for another store. read more

I can't help but love this shoe store. Good selection of comfort focused brands for women with sizes I'm looking for consistently available, at prices generally competitive with what's available online. It's not quite the edgiest collection, in fact I feel a little young to be shopping here sometimes. However, I have some serious plantar fascists issues, and I really can't scrimp on shoes, nor can I wear sneakers all the time. They have two stores pretty much right next to each other- one is the more dressy shoe store, and the other has kids shoes and women's sneakers. I have noticed that while I tend to have a great experience with the staff, they can sort of turn on you if you piss them off. I can be direct, but I try not to upset anyone in general. I had to push back pretty hard to get a full refund on shoes I had bought before they went on sale, when I returned a pair and they had gone on sale. I don't think that's really fair. But at least I got my full refund. My other weakness- I have a tendency to get *really* into shoes here, even though a voice in my head says, 'they don't quite fit you, maybe you should pass them up!?' I buy them anyway! Sometimes I even go back after a 2 day cool off period and STILL buy shoes that don't quite fit- that happened with this sweet pair of nude color suede shoes that are pretty sexy but just don't fit that well. Don't get too attached to a pair and try to have gadgets like pads and inserts help. Either they fit or they don't, with hose or barefoot, insert or not. read more

I visited Shoes on Solano, and was browsing as I usually do in shoe stores. I very rarely end up buying, because I have small feet and the sales people are not helpful at all. What a pleasant surprise! My sales person, Myranda, was phenomenal. She knew every shoe in the store, and how it should fit. Of course, I got shoes and what fun I had as well. Usually, I find buying shoes stressful and disappointing, but not yesterday. Thank you Myranda. I will be back. read more

I came in looking for black waterproof comfort boots for winter and found the perfect pair. A simple boot that can be hard to find- Chrissy was very helpful and brought me out all of the options so I could make an informed decision. I'm so glad I got a quality shoe! Not disappointed and I will be back to shop here in the future read more

I was walking with a client of mine on Solano and looked thru the window of Shoes on Solano because I needed a pair of low cut UGG black boots. After work I went into store at met a nice and helpful young lady by the name of Caitlin! The store didn't have my size so she ordered them for me! This was my first time at this store and I will be returning to purchase more due to Caitlin 's wonderful customer service! Thanks again Caitlin! read more

In normal circumstances I'd say run to this store - but I know that in some cases, that is just not possible. Sometimes issues such as bunions, hammertoe, corns fallen arches and the like make shoe shopping just not as fun as it used to be. I think Shoes on Solano has put the fun back in shoe shopping for those who have issues with their feet. The shoes they carry are all specialized for most any foot. An extra added bonus is that they manage to scour the earth and find shoes that are really stylish and comfortable to wear! Embarrassed of your feet? Leave all your cares at the door as every shoe salesperson there has been carefully chosen - they treat each clients feet with tender loving care and the imagination it takes to get you and your feet feeling fine and attractive in a great pair of shoes. If, for whatever reason, the perfect shoes are found, but there is just a little something something that is just not right, no worries, they will FIND it and special order it (pre-payment required) and if it STILL is not right, no problem, they will return it (by which time, don't be surprised if you will still be able to select a pair of shoes from the new orders that arrive frequently). If all the above is not a recommendation enough, our local (El Cerrito) podiatrist, whole-heartedly recommends this store. I'm am almost certain that whatever your foot issues, Shoes on Solano will find you shoes that will make your feet happy and have you feeling stylish and lovely! GO! SHOP! Shoes on Solano has put the fun back into shoe shopping! PS - this just in! After being there today, I found out they have a frequent shoe buyer program! Buy a certain number of shoes (5) you get $25 off your next pair over $100! Yeeeee! read more

Chrissy's service was excellent and thorough this morning. She spent careful time and attention to help me find a great pair of comfortable and stylish boots for walking in the city and a pair of hiking shoes. Personal and relaxed service, a convenient location with parking, and reliable, well-made brands of shoes. I highly recommend it! read more

Excellent selection of cute shoes that are comfortable enough for the commute! Fun colors and styles. Great service-- I got 3 compliment s already today and my shoes are as cozy as running shoes! read more

Sole Terra Shoes - Blue! - Shoe Stores Near Me - Berkeley, California

This store is one of the very best shoe stores in the bay area. Great shoes, very comfortable, and beautiful! Brilliant colors like Elvis Presley's 'blue suede shoes'....you can find them there! Shout out to Miranda, the excellent buyer/sales woman who gets the best looking , fitting shoes ever. I stand at work and always can great supportive shoes also! Yay! read more

This store is off the hook in every way! The staff is so attentive but not over bearing... I actually came to Shoes on Solano after a very over bearing sales person at a local store drove me right out of their shop!! Miranda is awesome! So appreciated her knowledge each designers shoe, it's benefits and features for what I needed (shoes that fit a new orthotic I just got). I was in this store for at least an hour during a very busy pre Christmas Sat. And Miranda never missed a beat, or got frustrated with my questions or requests to try on over 20 pairs of shoes!! This was exactly the experience I was looking for with gorgeous shoes that were still good for my feet with names brands I love and new ones to fall in love with! You're missing out if you don't shop here! I left with 7 pairs of shoes, and Miranda made sure I got every discount available! Thank you! I'll definitely be back! read more

I found this store when I was in town visiting family. Shoes on Solano had a well-curated selection of shoes, and they let me try on endless pairs in multiple colors - seriously, the people who work there have the patience of tree farmers. Whenever I get back to the Berkeley area, I make sure to visit. I've even called the store on occasion to get advice on shoes. Thanks, all! You are great! read more

I love this place! I took the time to read all the reviews and was very surprised to read some of the negative reviews. I have always received superior serice. The sales people here are knowledgeable about the shoes offered and are fun to boot! Pun intended! I've been in the store many times when it's been busy and they have been very attentive to the customers. I like that the store offers a great selection of shoes in a wide range of prices. Good shoes are pricey but they will last for years. I will always been a loyal customer! read more

They need to make it obvious that it's a women's only store. People drive and park to come here. What a waste of time.

I am an older man that is not use to doing much shopping for shoes. But this place was great. The young lady that helped me was very knowlegable and new how to fit my old feet. Go there if you want shoes that fit and not just some sale person trying to sell you anything. This is not that kind of store. When you walk in it looks like just women but they have great shoes for us guys. Go give it a try you will be surprised. L. West read more

These people are really rude. Whenever I've wandered in (and I am a clean cut young woman, nice hair, no tats, just "normal" (and that shouldn't matter anyway!)) they've completely ignored me, no hello, and when I do ask a question, the answer is given in a completely snobby way, like I am totally infringing on their time. Fine. Fuck you guys, I'll spend my money somewhere else. You know, I would really like to support the local economy, but when the service sucks this bad, there is no reason to support bitches, and I wouldn't mind if the store tanks. I've called also, to ask a question, looking for a style of shoe, and same thing - they answer like it is a total chore to spend the 5 seconds it takes to give me one. I don't know what the hell their problem is. read more