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    The Darkside Initiative

    4.5 (115 reviews)
    Closed 11:00 am - 6:00 pm

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    Kash S.

    Thank you dark. Side initiative I live in Winchester California and have bought been able to win and buy multiple shoes and clothing great shipping and customer service would definitely recommend .!!!!

    3/26/06 Stash AF1 and AM 95 release.
    Amy D.

    Stash AF1 and AM 95 release- the biggest shoe release of the year. My friend's baby brother spent 17 hours camped out in front of Nort from Saturday around 10 PM until Sunday at noon. (The line started Friday at 8 PM.) He was in the early 100s in line and the store opened at 10AM. He didn't get his kicks until 2 or 3PM. 2 pair limit, each at around $250. Check this: A guy from Texas flew to NYC for the Stash release there, then to SF for the west coast release. That's hardcore.

    THE 10: NIKE AIR PRESTO W/ ORANGE LACES

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    1 year ago

    I LOVE this store. Martin & his crew are all so nice and friendly. They have a great selection of sneakers and I love the clothes as well.

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    7 years ago

    Just moved back to the bay from L.A. might be the best sneaker store I've been to so far. Great selection!

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    Page 1 of 3

    Ask the Community - The Darkside Initiative

    Review Highlights - The Darkside Initiative

    They carry lines like WTaps, Hide and Seek (they're the only store that carries this line in the US), Acronym, and Futura.

    Mentioned in 9 reviews

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    On The Run

    On The Run

    4.6
    (791 reviews)
    4.0 mi
    $$

    My boyfriend just finished buying a pair of shoes here. He is tough to fit (14EEEE). He came home…read moreexcited about being able to try on not just one, not just two, but five different styles of shoes. They took their time and didn't get exasperated. Explained the differences in shoes, the foam types, got into the weeds of different running styles. Really great experience. And the price was the same as online or a big box. Fantastic work Ivy H and OtR. You'll be our first stop from now on. Thank you.

    After many years of being disabled, I was able to regain my mobility last year through surgery…read more Now that I can walk again, that's all I want to do. Strap on my sneakers and walk, walk, walk. Unfortunately for my feet and back, my sneakers of choice are Converse. I have no less than 10 pairs, but not one of them is suitable for the type and volume of walking I'm doing now. I could have easily gone to a DSW or Foot Locker for walking shoes, but knowing myself I would have spun into a spiral of analysis paralysis, second-guessing, and doubt. Instead, I decided to visit On The Run, which I knew about from a former boss who was very particular about her footwear due to her own orthopedic issues. As soon as I walked in, I was greeted by sales associate Rahnsom. He led me to a chair and began asking exploratory questions to get a sense of my needs. He took measurements and had me walk around a bit in my socks to see what my feet and ankles were doing. With this information he was able to immediately pull 4 shoes that fit perfectly. He helped me into each pair and had me walk around the store and go up and down a little hiking simulator to test how they felt. He chose very well. Out of the first three pairs, I could have easily walked out with two of them and been happy. Even the pair that I would have passed on was comfortable but a little too high for clumsy me. When I tried on the fourth pair, though, the Goldilocks in me knew that these shoes were just right. Regarding pricing, my particular pair of New Balance was $199. Coming from a Converse budget that may have seemed high, but I was determined to invest in my comfort and safety. Additionally, I place great value on the personalized service and information that Rahnsom provided. Had I gone to a "regular" retail store, I am certain I would have wasted money on the wrong shoe. For example, I had zero idea I was actually an 8 wide. I would have bought a size 9 shoe like I usually do then would have suffered - like I usually do - with a pair that was still too narrow in the front but with my heels moving up and down in the back as I walk. Out of curiosity I just checked online for prices elsewhere on my shoes and I consistently found them at $199. So, in my personal experience so far, On The Run isn't necessarily pricier than other stores. Even if it is, I can't put a price on being able to find the perfect shoe for my situation, in record time and with zero angst and indecision.

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    On The Run
    On The Run
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    Undefeated

    Undefeated

    2.8
    (93 reviews)
    1.9 mi
    $$

    Located in Hayes street, close to many restaurants and clothing stores, if you want good street…read morewear, and not to crazy prices, hit up this store! First time here in SF, but been shopping in LA and online of course, it's good to know we have one here in the Bay Area! Street parking is ok, we parked in front of Salt and straw. We will be back!

    I came here sometime over the summer and had visited previous times but they didn't have what I…read morewanted at the time I wanted it. This time, I was just looking with intention to buy. For a store like this in a city like this I can see why they'd be cautious or would fully neglect to answer questions on the items they have in stock. It's better to go in. Customer service was cool. It wasn't a busy day and I got to try on some shoes I was interested in. There was one pair though that wasn't on the shelf and I didn't know it was some popular release. Apparently they were the Dime x Asics and the person who won never came to pick them up. They're a nice basic shoe. I'd say if you pay attention to subtle details you'd like the slight brown ombre on the shoe. Anyway, after trying on AJ1 lows that were comfy, and another pair of AJ1Mids in women's that I would have bought had they been available in my actual size and not a half size down, I walked out with the Asics. Customer service was great because the associate helping me was actually helpful. They brought me the shoes I wanted and after small talk it seemed like they picked up on the fact that I'm a bit of a sneaker lover, hence the recommendation for the shoes that were a collab and sold out everywhere release. I'm glad they were in my size. Also, they gave me the info to find the shoes that I wanted in my size on their website. Anyway, cool store and cool location.

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    Opening Day
    Opening Day
    Undefeated
    Undefeated

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    The Darkside Initiative - shoes - Updated June 2026

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