This place has good shoes and friendly people at the counter, BUT a couple of things result in poor overall reviews for us. They often have great shoes on the floor, but very few sizes of each shoe. We tried to buy about 5 pairs of shoes but they didn't have our size in much of anything. In addition, their return policy sucks. Only 2 weeks and only store credit. No cash/charge back. This would have been fine if they had anything in our size, but the combination of the two, no cash back and nothing in our size, caused immense frustration. We ended up leaving with store credit and no shoes. :( read more

My name is Len, and I'm a shoe-whore. I've been to rehab (and I said, "no, no, no!" (c)Wine-O) about 3 times, and I've been able to stay away from buying shoes for almost half a year. During a 20-pairs-over-the-course-of-a-few-months stint, B&A was one of my suppliers. This the only place I found CLOT Dunkestos in my size. I think I've gotten 3 pairs of Dunkestos, a pair of Blazers, and 3 pairs of Claes from this place. -True story. When the staff isn't glued to the computer, they are helpful. They don't seem to hesitate to take my money. I'm sure they have a bow and arrow where their heart and soul should be located and it's aimed at my wallet. I don't think they've missed yet, so don't play darts with these guys. The layout of the store is very clean. If you have good eyes, you don't even have to walk inside to know what they have. Peak into the window and run while you still have your money - it's one of the first things you learn in rehab. read more

If you have "large" feet, don't waste your time coming here.

How does this place stay in business!? The selection in minimal to say the least. The employee are pretty busy talking to friends. So you are likely to enter and leave unnoticed. read more

shoe selection fairly small - unable to find anything we were looking for. no adidas -- some nice nikes on display. For me, i would rather buy online but the selection of backpacks is pretty fly. I might be back for the rucksack read more

Since today is the end of the world(12\21\12) lol I wanted Bows&Arrow to be my last yelp because this store is amazing. They're always friendly and just good people. Plus Jerry the owner is there and will always help you with any question and he owns 510 skateboarding to, which is across the street. So go check them out! Bows&Arrows is the Best store for a sneaker head. read more

When I am in the need for some killer kicks, this is the place to go. They've got the freshest selection and I absolutely love the look and feel of the place. The prices are high but you're bound to find a nice pair of shoes that you'll like if you're into Nike Classics. read more

They use to have a better selection in shoes . I was really disappointed to see that they took out a lot of their Nikes since I have really small feet and was able to buy some great air max's, blazers etc. before . They still have some cool stuff although it's not for me. read more

well, it's a nice store. the few sneakers they have are nice. but the selection??! i'd call it the anti-selection. they hardly have anything there! and honestly, even though the sneakers they did have were just fine, they weren't that awesome. i walked in all ready to buy a pair of shoes and walked out with nothing. but you know what? that's ok. i spent $60 on that incredible socks shop right next door. D'OH! read more

Good selections & variety for shoes in the East Bay Area around Berkeley/Oakland. The prices are actually pretty reasonable and the staff is helpful most of the time but they don't charge money back refunds. I like to visit once in a while to see what's fresh. read more

My favorite shoe store hands down. Really nice shoes from brands such as Nike, Adidas, Jordans,Vans,ect.These are not your regular shoes you will find at a Foot Locker or Shiek. Shoes here have a lot of personality and quality. Definitely the place to find shoes that come out with collaborations. I ALWAYS leave happy. Staff is young & have lots of knowledge on the shoes they sell. I heard they just had some renovations at the store. I have not yet went but i can guarantee you its Awesome. Definitely a place to visit if you're looking for something different. Best shoe store for sure. read more

Bows and Arrows - Vans Croc Leather - Shoe Stores Near Me - Berkeley, California

Every time I go in here I find something I like. And when they don't have something you like, they'll send you across the street to 510, so you never go home empty handed without some head turning sneakers. Nice girls & boys selection and pretty helpful staff. read more

I like the store but there was one dude who was working who was a dick. Had a big ass ego. He needs to chill out. Cut all that ego shit out, be nice and say hi. I get your a cool guy but your working. read more

Bought some air max 90's I saw online and called in to make sure they were in stock. The guy that answered the phone went out of his way to text me pictures of the shoes & whatnot. Super nice, really helpful and it made me happy that the shoes were a good price. Definitely would shop here again. read more

Cool shoes they need to get some jordans up in that thang.... but its a great spot to get shoes tho. Go to my potnas Ryan and Cam their very helpful with anything you need they'll make sure u come out of there looking right read more

This place quickly replaced Huf as my favorite shoe store. They don't get all of the releases that Huf does (no Tier 0) but the fact that the people at B&A aren't as arrogant as Huf more than makes up for it. The only thing missing is Puma, but I can live without that. read more

I'm originally from the bay but live in San Diego now. Whenever I'm in town this place is always a must stop spot! On my recent trip, Crystal (sorry I probably slaughtered how your name is spelled) went above and beyond helping out my friend and I with some shoes. The rest of the staff is always helpful and knowledgable. If you go anywhere for shoes, you gotta hit up this place first! read more

Shoes for men & WOMEN sneakerheads! AND right across the street from another good shoe spot! My Secret Fetish. (By ME, Lizette Cabie) I've had a few of them before... short, tall, skinny and fat Color means nothing... I like them brown, tan, white or black After one gets old, I'm out for something young, sexy and hot! I'm on the streets or at the mall for the one that'll hit the spot... But theres just too many of them I dont know where to start!!! Some aren't as attractive but have a connection with my mind Some are hot as hell and have strong hold of my heart Each one gives me a different feeling Some got me up so high, I can reach the ceiling Some keep me low, as low as the floor Some make me look or feel like a whore If I could I would have them all on me But theres not enough days in the year for them all Some are willing to do so much as massage my feet Some make me hurt, I can barely stand and I'm reaching for the walls They all do me differently, I dont know which to choose I guess that's what you get when you have a fetish for shoes. read more

I'm a retired sneaker guy but once in a while I like to pop in here and just see what's new. It's a simple store and I've always been treated nicely by the staff there which can't be said for other sneaker boutiques around the country. I hope they stick around a while since I live in N. Oakland. read more

I've been in there a few times and every time, the sales people never are never friendly. There's been times where I actually wanted to buy a couple pair of shoes, but I didn't due to the staff. I don't need to give them my money to a store that throws apathy and shade towards their clients. Please give your staff a training on client-centeredness! read more

Bought some limited Vans here. Bows + Arrows won me over for 2 reasons: 1) They stock lots of Vans - regular and special edition. I know brand isn't identity or whatever, but in the world of sneaker snobs and trends that last 5 days, it's refreshing to see a store in the Bay Area stock these instead of $190 Nikes and Supras. Those are nice, but I know I'll be dealing with less pretention when a store has Vans. They have pricey stuff too if you feel like upgrading. 2) I had a good customer service experience - the guys there told me which shoes they had in my size, which ones were really lusted after, and which they only had a few left of. This is a big difference from the times I've been to either Huf store in SF, where the employees expect you to know what's good, what they have in your size, and that they're doing you a favor by talking to you. The guys at Bows + Arrows knew their products and were cool about it - which is what any store or place of business should do. I don't shop much, and when I do I tend to shop with ethics. I don't want to give a cut of my money to someone paid to stand there and look cool (so I don't - never bought anything at Huf, never will). I bought some sweet Vans here and will definitely be coming back. While other stores have some cool stuff too, When it comes to good sneakers, either shop online or shop somewhere where people treat you right. This place is up my alley, and it seems most of the other reviewers here agree. Maybe they just have a more Berkeley attitude instead of the city's egotism. read more

Dope spot for some limited and QS Nike kicks. Cool people always friendly and helpful my go to spot when I am trying to find a New Balance or a Nike. read more

Not a store with an aggressive assortment of shoes and brands, but you can totally tell the buyer for the store has some style. The shoes here have a lot of under-exposed colors and for great 60% off deals, you will probably walk away with two pairs of shoes that match some of your most eccentric outfits. Set right across 510 Skateboards, location is mildly accessible even for someone who goes to Cal. Check it out. -Matt read more

I've been a fan of this store's online shop for a few years so while I was in Berkeley, I had to stop by and see it in person - the shop is decent sized but features clean displays and the most recent shoes from nike, new balance etc. They also had a bunch of Reigning Champ sweats, which I appreciate. Overall chill shop, stop by if youre around! read more

one of the few streat-wear/ boutique shoe stores with friendly staff.. most think they are too cool for school but every time I visit this store Ryan and Cameron are very friendly. good vans selection... read more

THIS PLACE IS AWESOME!!! A lot of the shoe's that are sold here are really difficult to find anywhere else. Upper Playground is only a few steps away from this store so, me and my girlfriend would always shop for shoes here then go next door and buy a couple of shirts. The people who work here a friendly and don't really rush you in buying anything. read more

My favorite place to go for kicks in the east bay. Staff hella chill and helpful.

Popped in here on a whim, the place is legit. Very nice selection, definitely in the privet side of things. Didn't find anything I warned but appreciated the selection. They were having a 50% off sale, though I heard someone say they were going under. Dunno, will be back if they're not. read more

nice and clean shop super friendly staff rows/shelves of unique shoes price wise varies-depending on the shoe brand recommended for those who want flashy shoes read more

Support this locally owned, well stocked shoe store. The staff is really helpful and pretty adorable.

All the shoes here are of quality look and feel; only place I've found so far that sells Converse CT IIs, and at sale price too. Only downside is their limited inventory for some styles, but honestly a gem that I stop by every-time I pass. read more

Attractive window displays. Nice presentation of the shoes on the wall also. Great shoe selection. Things that caught my eye: Pro Keds plimsols (low, midtops, nice colors) various Converses (including a couple of the newer Varvatos collabs); Vans; some newer/unique Sperry boat shoes; higher end stuff, including: Red Wing boots, BoOxSperry boat shoes, 3SixteenXQuoddy chukkas. MISC + Seems like inventory changes up regularly, which means its probably worthwhile checking back once in a while. + Service was friendly. Not totally in your face, but not completely absent either. + Sale section at far end of the display room + n.b. I'm not into athletic/lesiure type shoes (i.e. Clae, Nike, CR), but they carry these here too. OVERALL Will definitely be back. read more

The owner of Bows & Arrows and 510 Skateboards got in touch with me regarding me review and made step to insure that this never happens again. read more

This place is awesome! The staff is always inviting and friendly. Killer sales that they roll out every month it seems too. They just recently renovated including dope street brand clothes to add to their repertoire. I recommend this place if you're looking for the latest and greatest in sneaker culture. read more

Great selection and prices. Super friendly and accomodating staff. I stop by every time I visit the Bay!

I love this store! I always find something that I want here, and they had my Onitsuka Ultimate 81s in stock, so I am good to go... Will most definitely be back to get the other pairs, and some Dunks. Sweet! read more

Not the best selection, but they had some cute/bad shoes, not a large staff, but it's a small place, and the prices aren't too steep.

A great specialty sneaker store with a wide selection of New Balance, Nike, Vans, Converse, Asics etc. I have ordered over the phone and gone in person and service has been excellent. Ryan has been very helpful on a number of occasions. They get some really unique collaborations that very few select stores in the US get. Pricing is fair based on what you purchase. If you want New Balance and Nike you will pay a bit more. An example would be currently they sell the New Balance 1300CL for $130 and I have seen this same shoe sold for $140 and even $165 at other sneaker shops. In my opinion Bows & Arrows is one of the best sneaker stores in Northern California. Very close to Downtown Berkeley Bart. read more

Love this place.. I always find something... Found a Pair of ALifes for $ 25.00. The Dunk Selection is Ok...Usually they have a few shoes that other places dont have..... They could step up their selection. read more

Walked by this shop early morning while on the way to grab some coffee and was stopped dead in my tracks when my eyes hit the unique selection of shoes on display through the window. I knew for sure I had found love at first sight and I knew for sure I would be going back once they opened! I am definitely not an expert on boutique shoe shops in the area, but I appreciate nice kicks when I see them, and I was really impressed with Bows & Arrows and their selection! I was even impressed that the prices were not outrageous, which I expected. Can't wait to go back and indulge on another pair of awesomeness! read more