Hub City Soles is giving urban hidden gem but do proceed with caution.
Setting expectations up front:
1) There's no street or private parking. You'll want the municipal parking deck at the end of the street across the way. Short walk, no drama.
2) The shop sits in a classic American Foursquare that's been converted into multi-unit use, very on-brand for older New Brunswick neighborhoods near downtown. You'll head up a narrow flight of wooden stairs to get inside. Heads up: not handicap accessible, so accessibility is a real consideration here.
3) Once you step in, you'll immediately clock a strong weed aroma. As it turns out, they also run a cannabis shop downstairs via the rear entrance. Just calling it like it is.
4) The shoe displays are clean, organized, and well maintained. Inventory is solid with plenty of options, and everything is laid out in a way that makes browsing and finding what you want super convenient. The cherry on top? You can scan a QR code on the door to search what's in stock by your exact size. #winning
A couple of downsides to note:
A) Based on my experience, they don't offer price matching. For example, I saw the Nike SB Dunk Nardwuar priced at $300, while StockX had them valued around $225, and there was no flexibility on price.
B) Another thing is the display shoes aren't protected (no plastic coverings). If there's only one size available and the pair is suede or light-colored, best believe it's going to show wear from customers handling them. I noticed this with a few pairs I was seriously considering.
Bottom line it's a quirky location with some logistical hurdles, but if you're coming for the hype shoes, Hub City Soles delivers where it counts. read more