We stopped in after brunch on a recent trip and were pleasantly surprised by the bright airiness of the store and happy to see a well-curated kids section. Ended up getting our little a pair of Vans which he loves and the person who helped us was super kind and patient, figuring out the right size and holding down the entire store. There were lots of people buying and looking and the sole employee did a great job balancing it all, even offering to replace the sneakers with the stretchy laces we bought. The price was amazing great value! They also had a huge selection of sunglasses which I would've looked at closer if my kid didn't keep asking me to play the coin operated arcade machine lol read more

Was able to find exactly what we were looking for, selection was fantastic! Top notch service, great value and prices! My daughter wanted some Dr. Martens 8065 Mary Jane shoes, sold out everywhere, stores, online, with no idea when they'd be restocked. Old School Shoes had them and in her exact size that we were looking for, website was easy to navigate to find the product we were looking for, they also shipped them out same day. Next time we're in Santa Cruz, we'll shop at their store in person! read more

This place has a great selection and lots of good sales on shoes. I was surprised how affordable they were. They also have a wide variety of hats, shoes laces, stickers and other accessories. read more

I bought a pair of shoes here that a lovely salesperson spent a long, thoughtful time picking out for me over FIVE years ago. I am still wearing the shoes. This store is AWESOME on all fronts. read more

Great little shop. Came here for emergency kid shoes. Found some excellent Doc Martens. The sales person was excellent. Very chill Santa Cruz vibes. Loved it! read more

Amazing experience today in Old School Shoes! I was in at about 7pm on 07-21-25 and the gentlemen working in the front were beyond helpful! Excellent customer service. My family and I will absolutely be returning. read more

Service was wonderful!!! Kat was sooo nice and helpful!!! Especially with my picky tired kids Nice to have people who care about your experience and want to HELP :) thanks again!!! read more

Do you like shoes? Do you like friendly people? I found both here and thoroughly enjoyed my visit. Snagged some hella cute shoes and left with a smile on my face. Thanks y'all! See you again soon read more

Old School Shoes - Shoe Stores Near Me - Santa Cruz, California

I went in with my daughter to see if they had my shoe size in stock, my daughter and waited for about 5-10 minutes we weren't greeted and just felt like customer service is definitely not priority. I will just drive to san jose from now on. read more

Great selection of sneakers, sandals and tennis shoes, doc martin's. I came with 20 mins til closing and needs a pair of shoes for the next day. Cat was amazing she helped with all the sizing and lacing and very helpful and really kind. Walked away with 2 pairs! Thanks! read more

Got my first pair of ASICS here and I love them!!!! Staff is knowledgeable and friendly. Highly recommend this store not just for shoes but so many great gift choices (socks, shirts, hats, sunglasses, pins, and so much more)! read more

Old School Shoes - ASICS shoes - Shoe Stores Near Me - Santa Cruz, California

This place is awesome and the sales staff is on it. Especially((I believe her name is)Rebecca. Answered every question was attentive and personable.Didn't walk away, was focused on me and just as one expects to have that 'old school 'customer service' Rebecca is the one to ask for cuz you will get it .Unfortunately they didn't have my size At this time but I'll definitely patronize this place again . Check em out And I hope u get Rebecca. Awesome job to the one who hired her read more

Where do I even begin? I hate retail, but every time I come in here it doesn't even feel like a retail store.. it feels like a lounge with a relaxing and laidback kind of atmosphere. The staff are always helpful by putting in work to ensure I find what I'm looking for. Unlike your typical sales representative, the employees aren't assertive, pushy, or overcompensating.. nor are they apathetic, dead, and careless. The staff there are like the popular kids from my high school class, except they were friendly towards me. Even though it's short lived, I felt like I get to hang out with the cool kids for once. Their customer service is oh là là, mamma mia, and claro que si.. amazing I've been a longtime window shopper and finally now a first time buyer. If you're anything like me and like to look at shit you can't afford, Old School Shoes is an awesome place to window shop with the many shoes on display all over the store for men, women, and children. They even have an abundance of socks, shoelaces, boots and other kinds of shoe related products for maintenance. FRESHFORCE. And when your cheap ass like myself is finally able to make a purchase, the prices are beyond affordable.. mind blowing because making an ass out of you, me, and everyone at the store, I assumed for there to be a combination of severe price gouging and mark up prices from the hotspot store location of being right dead center of Downtown Santa Cruz.. BUT NO‼ their prices are both beyond fair, reasonable, and affordable for a financially unstable individual person like myself to buy not one, but TWO pairs of old school shoes. I always thought shoes were aesthetics and a kind of luxury I couldn't afford, my experience here allowed me to learn its definitely much more about the function and performance of the shoes. The staff here are essentially podiatrists. They helped me realized I've been wearing the wrong shoe size all my life. I could have been telling girls in my classes I wear a size 11 this whole time, while my dumbass was wearing a 9.5, oh! the many missed opportunities.. I'm just glad in looking forward to move forward in living a more comfortable life starting with a pair of shoes.. even my dog likes them! its because of this experience I will be revisiting a chapter of finding clothing that actually fit me. My only regret was not actually making a purchase here more sooner. 10/10 have and will continue to recommend to friends, coworkers, acquaintances, and anybody coming from out of town for a getaway experience in Santa Cruz. If you're in Downtown Santa Cruz and your hubby is getting himself a burger across the street, your wife is getting some bruschetta nearby, or kiddos getting some booble tea, definitely stop by Old School Shoes for an easygoing, leisurely, and relaxed experience ‍ The place itself is somewhat of a museum with free admission. What other shoe store have a gas pump in the middle of their store!? Even if you don't buy anything, the decorations are enough to keep you entertained and provide you and your loved ones a good time. 5stars, thumbs up, critics call them amazing P.S. You'll be lucky if you get to see a little big furball roaming around the store, his name is Cheeto and the owner of the store looks like a wizard character from Runescape with a sexy ass well-kept looking beard ‍ read more

Old School Shoes - My doge Diesel rockin' the Sauconys - Shoe Stores Near Me - Santa Cruz, California

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Looking for a friendly staff, hip sneakers at a great price with a nice selection...this is your go-to, one stop shop. Thank you Old School Shoes! read more

I love it when they have their sidewalk sale! SUCH great buys. This place has a GREAT selection of sneaks. Simple (which are some of my faves) Geox, Keen, Vans (or course), Chucks, and of course THE shoe painting classes... I mean, how can a place NOT be cool if they have shoe painting classes???? We've gotten great deals on unique shoes for my daughter here including a pair of teal and yellow (yes) Geox for $18!!!! We always stop in and check the deals and the styles. The staff are friendly enough for Santa Cruz;) and are definitely patient with kids. Old School Shoes is the bees knees read more

Went in a few weeks ago looking for a pair of sandals and they actually had exactly what I wanted. However, neither associate would acknowledge me and one seemed more interested in grabbing a gumball from their machine. When I did ask about sizing they acted as though it was an inconvenience and offered no further assistance so I walked out. My husband enjoyed their socks and I was fully prepared to buy a pair of teavas but I guess their conversation was more important ‍ I'll head to another local small business and support them instead. read more

Fun place to check out some shoes. They've got a nice mix of sneakers and the service is always great when I'm here. They've always been helpful and knowledgeable. They've also got a bunch of other cool things that make this a fun place to checkout when ambling down the Pacific Garden Mall. read more

Old School Shoes - Shoe Stores Near Me - Santa Cruz, California

Five solid stars for Old School Shoes. Any place that has walls and walls of fun socks. I wanted a whole collection of them. They carry brands like Converse, Vans, and Adidas. Old school shoes, yes! The staff is friendly and nice, and browsing the store can't be more fun. They also carry a cool collection Santa Cruz t-shirts. I walked out with a pair of kitty cat house slippers. Yep, that's what I needed, and I was so happy to find a pair here at a reasonable price. My bestie walked out with like three pairs of really cool socks for Christmas presents. When I walked in, I thought to myself, Old School Shoes, you had me at the socks. Heart. read more

Old School Shoes - Just one part of one wall of fun socks at Old School Shoes! - Shoe Stores Near Me - Santa Cruz, California

Ok can I just say ... nice employees! Not pushy sales people:) the prices are reasonable! Vans stock a little low but not their fault . They also have a wonderful program with women's shelter for the kids you can donate and or purchase shoes for life's request ( check it out at the checkout counter) Way to go ! I will be back! They also recommended you place you're old shoes on trash for the homeless folks read more

Nice selection of shoes, great customer service, and really awesome socks. Which is a little funny to say, considering the Sock Store is down the street- but, it's nice that they've got a little bit of everything. Also, they gave me cookies once. Like wth I'm always gonna be grateful for that. read more

I stopped by here to check out what they had and was really amused at all the super fun and kitschy stuff available. I bought a bunch of different pairs of socks for friends and myself. Everything in the shop is light-hearted and the staff is super helpful and you can tell this is not just some corporate heartless soulless shoe warehouse. This place has heart! read more

Amazing customer service. Took back my shoes with no problem and exchanged it with a different style. Was really helpful in finding correct sizes for me. Best shoe place you can go. read more

One of my fav places in Downtown Santa Cruz . . . Store is organized and clean with hip, friendly staff and a great selection of old school sneakers that you won't find anywhere else. There is also a wall of cool socks that are fun to look at. If you don't already have a pair of these socks you should get yourself a pair. They make great conversation starters! Always a great shopping experience when I come here. Thanks! read more

This is one of the many shoe stores on pacific ave. , this one located just at the end of the strip kind sorta by the metro transit station ( also known as the bus depot.) The parking is street only, but there is one sizeable and one not so sizeable surface lot less then a block away. Old SChool Shoes specializes in your more casual shoe selection-brands such as toms, vans, and converse are well represented here. Typically for shoes stores on pacific, there are more womens selections available then mens, and they also have some quirky sock and t shirt options, along with shoe miscellany-shoe laces, shoe polish etc. There is also an original pac man arcade game -the sit down version-just inside the front door. Saturdays are the sale days. Decent spot to play some pacman and get some casual shoes. read more

What an amazing shop located in the heart of downtown Santa Cruz! I was greeted by a smile the moment I walked through the door! I love the vintage vibe and the unique products! They have way more than just shoes! I'm a happy customer that will definitely be back again! read more

My sister and I went into this store to buy some sneakers and when we finished trying them on we continued to look around the store at the other shoes. When we did this one of the employees yelled across the store saying we left and stole the sneakers and was complaining and making a scene when we were at the cash register about to cash out! We felt attacked and it was embarrassing because after she realized we were still in the store she continued to talk about how we we almost stole them when we clearly did not. The shoes were really cool but I did not appreciate feeling like a thief. read more

Whhaaaaaat?! I love sneakers and I love this place! It's so bright and happy in there!! Plus I always find some awesome new sneakers to fix my need to be different in the shoe department. I just got a pair of tweed converse and had a bonding sess with the sales associates about shoes... I always find that these folks are happy to help and easy to start great sneaker convo with! I heart you Old School! read more

simple: great service. great people. super clean. organized. well stocked. great selection. fairly priced. excellent location. need more be said? yes, yes indeed. i walked in here the other day wanting somem black on black slip on vans. walked in and boom! right there in my hands! these folks didn't miss a beat. put on my new shoes, got payed up, walked out and was on my merry way looking mighty fine in my new kicks. sweet! read more

Old School Shoes - Shoe Stores Near Me - Santa Cruz, California

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This store is AWESOME. Not only do they have a great selection if PF Flyers, Vans, Converse and more; but they have excellent staff and 5star customer service. I bought a pair if PF Flyers 3 months ago and had an issue with them. They not only gave me the option to have them order another pair in my size, or find another pair that i liked today, or another day to exchange my defective shoes for; but Daniel and another staff member (maybe the manager) helped me to find a perfect replacement with the elements that i liked about the original shoe. Another great experience at Old School Shoes! Ill always buy my new kicks there read more

Old school you freaking rock! Oliva and Claire were so sweet and helpful. They helped me pick out my very first pair of vans. Thank you guys, I love my shoes! Great selection, tons of different styles and brands. So many cute socks and little accessories, I'm seriously in love with this store I'll be back! read more

The socks fit really tight but eventually loosened up after a few washes. Very friendly and helpful cashier. Cute themed socks 10-14$ each read more

Old School Shoes - Shoe Stores Near Me - Santa Cruz, California

Awesome selection of shoes. Great customer service. Had a bit of trouble with a pair of shoes and they exchange them with no hesitation. I really appreciated that! read more

Love the location and vibe of the new store by Santa Cruz Yoga on the Kelly's Bakery Courtyard on Westside. And more than that, I love my new yellow suede Van's!!! read more

Needed to buy some shoes, wish they had more 1/2 sizes in chucks though, but ended up buying some Pumas, which were on sale. Super helpful staff, very friendly and they went the extra mile to make my sure I had a good shopping experience. read more

Old School is one of my favorite shops on the avenue! Not only do they have a good selection of shoes, but they also carry all kinds of cool socks and shoelaces. Old School carries my favorite sock brand, Gumball Poodle as well as Stance and all the other cute sock brands. They also have a rad collection of "Santa Cruz" t-shirts with super cool retro art on them. These shirts are so cool, you'll want them all and this is the only place to get them! read more

I love this store soooo much! I drive from Morgan Hill to Santa Cruz to buy my shoes here. They always have a better selection that your average store. And the customer service is impeccable! Thank you Old School Shoes! ‍‍ read more

Old school shoes seems like it has been revamped recently. They have a super sick collection of t-shirts, socks, and obviously shoes! It is my go to place for toms, vans, converse, and stance socks. The employees are always friendly and super helpful. read more

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Old School Shoes is really great! This shoe store is so unique! They have a huge selection of classic shoes from a variety of different brands. I first went to this store because of a cool sticker that they sold, and I constantly found myself returning for socks, more stickers, and shoes. Everything is super high quality and I would definitely recommend checking it out! read more

This is my favourite shoe store. I should say our because my whole little family buys our shoes here. Most recent was about 2 weeks ago when we bought our 1 year old Chuck Taylor's. She's a bad little kid (lol) and the staff couldn't have been more patient and helpful. Before that we bought matching vans for all four of us around July 4th and that was also a great experience. They have a wide selection of shoes so you can't go wrong with them! read more

I may like their products but there service definitely needs improvement. It's not welcoming and employees make you feel uncomfortable. Let people shop with out following them around. read more