Not only do I see Cyrus myself for my orthotic needs, but I send my own patients to him. Yes -- he's rather brusk. But he gets the job done, and I'm in and out of there in a hurry. He gets bonus points for knowing what Ehlers-Danlos Syndrome (a rare genetic disorder) is and how to handle it rather than needing it explained to him. If only I got that same response from most MDs! read more

I have to agree with two others here; my first visit to Cyrus was a good experience and helped my flat feet. He took time to really look at my gait and fit some orthotics. My subsequent visits have been rushed and abrupt, resulting in selling me very expensive shoes that I can't use. read more

Thanks to Cyrus, I can take long walks and go on vacations involving a lot of walking instead of staying home or in the hotel soaking my feet. His store is always packed with customers, for good reason. That is why he can't coddle you and spend as much time with you as you might want, but who cares if his shoes and whatever he does to modify them work. If you want to avoid the swarms of customers and just contend with a crowd, try visiting the store on weekdays instead of on the weekend. read more

People this shop is by Doctor's REFERRAL ONLY!!!! I used to workout all the time and because of complicated problems with my feet, knees, back and neck for a long time couldn't even go down the stairs, workout and especially couldn't wear heels. I have been going to Cyrus for over 8 years. Since he's been helping me, I'm able to walk my dogs, workout again and enjoy life pain free. I'm even able to walk on heels again. He's amazing but he's also human. Sometimes the adjustments might not work 100% but you can go back and he fixes them for a FEE. It's unbelievable that people expect he would give you all the material that YOU need to help YOU for free. Also, people expect to arrive at the shop and get help on the spot but so does everyone else and there is only one person at the shop that can assist you. So, if you want to be helped and be pain free stop the attitude, bring a Doctor's Referral and be patient. I always tell Cyrus if it was me helping this people with attitude, I will definitely tell them to go to another shop. GRUMPY'S and WHINERS if you want people to help you, then stop feeling sorry for your self and stop the attitude. Everyone that is waiting patiently ahead of you is also in pain and needs help. read more

I bought a pair of running shoes here over a year ago and was very happy with the owners recommendation. The shoes seemed a little pricey, but at the time I didn't know anything about athletic shoes. After a year's perspective the higher price was well worth the excellent advice. read more

This is a long over due review. My doctor referred me to Cyrus about 10 years ago because of plantar fasciitis. Cyrus took his time to evaluate my issue. To start with, he recommended some shoes for me to wear for about a month. When he scheduled my second appointment he said he would like for me to bring all of my shoes that I had been wearing. During my second appointment he discussed with me the issues about the shoes that I had been wearing. I stopped wearing all the shoes that I had and started wearing the shoes that he recommended. Within a few months, the pain in my feet and legs were gone! Because of Cyrus my foot paint is gone, my legs don't hurt, my back feels better. I stopped buying cute cheap sandals and shoes and started purchasing quality shoes. Thank you Cyrus! read more

My feet give the store and Cyrus 5 stars. For me that is worth the wait. Recently, some manufacturers have gone out of business, reducing the options for the store and for my feet. Sad to say, hopefully things will improve if any new manufacturers start up. But still I walked out with one new pair and they are really good for my foot problems. Cyrus knows feet and shoes. read more

I've been remiss in not writing a review. I was experiencing foot pain while exercising (2005) and a friend recommended Next Step. I've been going there ever since. I didn't have a referral from a podiatrist... just came in & explained my problem. Cyrus worked with me to get proper fitting shoes and insoles. I haven't had problems since. Sometimes everything feels fine until I've had a chance to jump around in the shoes for a bit. I've gone back & Cyrus has adjusted the insoles free of charge. If he doesn't think he's qualified to perform a function I've heard him make referrals to other shops. He also "cured" my husband's glute pain by selling him shoes with proper support. read more

Cyrus is amazing. He is an exert on feet, shoes and the mechanics of walking. When I first went to him, my feet hurt so bad I avoided walking. Using the shoes he selected for me and the inserts he had made for me, I can spend hours walking with my family. I am very grateful. read more

Only positive things to say about Cyrus and The Next Step. I do regular high intensity cardio exercise. I went to Cyrus on a recommendation from my cardio instructor. Natural support around my ankle area is weak, made worse by years of repeated ankle injuries. Cyrus watched me walk in my socks across the room (back and forth) and was able to identify my problem immediately. He not only found the perfect pair of shoes for me; he also explained what to look for in a shoe to address my particular support issues. I love my new shoes; I feel safer during my workouts. I am a happy customer. :) read more

I recently bought a pair of shoes here. They were friendly and no mention was made of any need for prescription, referral, consultation etc. I walked in and was assisted right away. They had 4 shoes they suggested. Three were not useful, things like heel slipping out, or too stiff etc., but one was very good and I purchased it. The 3 stars is for the price. I see the same shoe in my size is available from a number of orthopedic shoe sources on line, none charging more than $117 with free shipping. The Next Step charged $150 plus tax = $164, quite a bit more. I'm used to paying $$$ for "sensible shoes" so I wasn't entirely shocked by the price, but am still disappointed it's so much more than on line, and on line that don't appear to be "discount" out of season etc. I used to shop close to home at Carlin's in Alameda which had excellent quality and good selection and very good sales people. Sadly they've closed. I've had good experience with the service at Scott's in Alameda which also has good quality and OK selection. I was in the neighborhood of The Next Step and a friend had a pair of shoes that looked nice that she'd gotten there so I thought I'd try them. I don't have any issues with my feet, my back etc., which seems to be what brings most customers in to The Next Step judging from the other reviews here. It may be that the added price for the same shoe is worth it for someone who is having problems which I gather the staff are good at addressing. I wouldn't likely go there again, unless of course I developed some problem and needed their expertise. The service I needed and got was comparable to Carlin's and Scott's and pretty much what I've had in any serious shoe store. Again, I found them friendly and had none of the service issues some folks have complained about here. read more

I guess I was a lucky one. I live in LA, but was up visiting family, including my chiropractor mom. I had been having severe foot pain that nothing seemed to help. I told him who my mom was and he helped me right away. He spent all of thirty seconds watching me walk and put me in a shoe with orthotics that allowed me to go back to walking my dogs 2 to 3 miles a day. It's over a month later and they are still working for me. the only reason I'm not giving him 5 stars is because he said he would call when he had a clog in that would also work for me and he never did. I live in LA LA land and there is no store that even comes close. read more

I've been going to Next Step for yrs I think Cyrus is great I thought yrs ago his shoes were a little high but my feet stop hurting so it was well worth it. I need to get over there this weekend and get some shoes my feet are killing me as we speak. read more

A friend with problematic feet had spoken glowingly of this business, but neglected to mention that walk-ins are discouraged (to say the least). I went out of my way to visit today (actually made two trips since when I arrived a little after 1:00, a sign on the door said the business was closed today from 1:00 to 3:00). The one person working the floor ignored me for several minutes and, when I finally asked for help, dismissed me by saying "we're very busy right now." I do not doubt that this business offers a valuable service. But there is no reason to be rude or uncommunicative with those who do not know how it works. The Next Step needs to post a "by appointment only" sign on the door and anywhere else its services are mentioned. They also need to be civil to those who, unaware of the policy, just show up hoping for assistance --these, after all, could become future customers, if treated in a friendly and respectful fashion. read more

Cyrus is the man for over the counter orthotic modifications. He is quite knowledgeable for a lay practitioner about gait and feet biomechanics. His shop gets quite hectic sometimes and that can be a distraction. It is usually worth the wait (and the cost). He also has a good selection of walking shoes and supportive athletic footwear to choose from as well. The bus stops right in front of his door if you don't want to drive. read more

This place is unlike any shoe store I have been to. They work mainly by referral from Medical doctors. I was sent there by my Podiatrist, and I was expecting to just go and get an arch support for my heel pain. When I arrived, there was a 20 min. wait and I was asked for a referral slip. I thought it was odd that a shop would work only by referral, but as I waited my turn, it became clear. The owner, Cyrus Ganjian, takes the time to fit each person with the correct footwear and support for their condition. When my turn arrived, I was evaluated and offered a few different options for my Fasciitis. There was so much I learned about my condition, that was not covered from my doctor visit. This is the first time I felt that someone took my condition seriously. The prices are not cheap compared to BIG 5 or other sporting good shops, but well worth it. For real foot pain, this is the place. read more

Cyrus is fantastic. Always really helpful and takes the time to make sure you have the right shoes and the right fit. Highly recommended.

i had one of the most horrible retail experiences in my life at this place, let me start by saying we WANTED to shop here because i LIKE to shop locally, they are not carrying any thing that cannot be purchased on line or at another store. after waiting about 15 minutes for someone to talk to us, we asked a employe if they could help us pick out shoes and or insoles for the foot problem i had been having, employee states that we need a referral from a doctor and they WOULD not help us, ok got the referral but will purchase from any one else - could not understand why they were so rude - my husband was furious read more

Cyrus was most helpful to me. I'm now 64 years old. Seven years ago I walked in cold and told him I had pronounced numbness in my feet. He advised I see a podiatrist. My podiatrist knew Cyrus well and wrote me a slip advising Cyrus what I needed. Cyrus then measured my feet and studied my gait. He recommended a sneaker in a much, much wider size and with greater structural rigidity. I bought two pair. He also told me to throw out my $20 sneakers from Big 5 I had been wearing for years and showed me why. Slowly over two or three years my neuropathy disappeared. I do a lot of recreational/fitness walking and return once a year for another two pair. I respect Cyrus for what he knows. He also exhibits a calm and helpful demeanor. He's carved out a nice niche for himself and is an asset to his community. If he makes a billion dollars from his store he deserves it. I just hope he doesn't decide to cash out and retire early. His customers will miss him. read more

I experienced no rudeness, and actually found the guys pleasant enough. I did bring a "prescription" from my podiatrist as well, and the guy had me walk to assess my gait. My complaint is, he apparently didn't think I was worth his time. The extent of his service to me: "Black or brown?" So apparently with my foot problems (achilles tendinitis and neuroma) there is only one casual shoe available. As soon as I expressed dissatisfaction in how the shoe looked, he was done with me. Clearly others have had the opportunity to try on more than one pair of shoe, but what can I say? He didn't think I was worth the time I guess, and I certainly won't be back. read more

Is this really a store for comfort shoes? What a joke. The Indian manager (who condescendingly talked down to his employees in an awful way) sold me a pair of dysfunctional shoes that had a NO RETURN policy (now I can see why). I spent a lot of money to get them repaired to no avail. Here is what the repairman (a high-rated veteran in shoe repair, had to say): "I am going to give you a recommendation regarding the "Think" shoes you purchased that you brought into my store for repair. I have been making and repairing shoes for over 30 years, this particular shoe that you have bought is defectively made by the manufacturer. The shoe has been designed so that the metal buckle is positioned on the center of the back of your heel. This causes friction and blistering. We have moved the buckle from the center to a much more comfortable side position. This prevents blistering and slipping at the heel. The leather ankle straps that are suppose to hold your ankle are non symmetric, one side is higher than the other by 1/2 an inch. Secondly, the strap should be positioned a tad higher on the ankle, instead the strap is very low on your ankle which causes the shoe to completely slip off your foot when you are walking. I believe that this company should reimburse you for the purchase amount + the repairs." Well, the company refused to refund me, but more importantly, this type of shoe should never have been sold at this type of store and at a steep price too. The owner is a fraud. Go elsewhere! read more

Cyrus is a foot genius. This is a specialized store that serves people like myself with orthopaedic problems that can be at least partially addressed by having the right show that is fit properly. There is no one better than Cyrus. Yes, timing is everything at The Next Step but if you arrive at a busy time, wait patiently as it is not only worth the wait but you can always come back when he is not as busy. Thanks to Cyrus, who has been fitting me with shoes for many years now, I can walk comfortably for distances that weren't possible before he first fit me with shoes that properly address the chronic foot problem I have. Without Cyrus I wouldn't be able to enjoy my dog walks or for that matter walking period! While his selection is necessarily limited, he does a great job having a selection of shoes that have satisfied my needs while also looking good. If you want the real thing and you really have a need to specialized shoes, this is the place to go! read more

Cyrus is in high demand, because he has saved many feet! Mine included. He is no kiss ass, but I go for shoes not to be flattered. He provides a great service! read more

If you want to save money, shop online or at other stores. But if you want be walking pain-free and already have problems, investing in Cyrus' advice and careful recommendations is well worth it. I did not know about his new $25 fee for helping you with shoes you have bought elsewhere, but I am really happy that he has instituted it. Now, I take it, you can go to him for help and advice, pay very little for it, and buy your shoes there or elsewhere. Thank you, Cyrus, for giving us this choice! read more

I've been buying shoes from Cyrus for several years. He is incredibly knowledgeable, helpful, and professional. I'm a huge hiker, and had foot problems that were causing me constant pain. After following his advice about the correct shoes to wear (with orthotics), I've been pain free for some time. I agree with the person who said that people who don't "get what Cyrus is all about...all the pity". I've been in there to witness the abuse he takes from customers (not the other way around!). So all you people with attitude, please do keep buying your shoes somewhere else! Cyrus is a resource you don't deserve. read more

I'm kind of torn about giving a 3 star review but my experiences at Next Step have been mixed. I went to see Cyrus on the recommendation of my neigbor who swears by his attentive fittings. When he found out I had no health insurance or referral he asked me to make a private consulation appointment. The consulatation lasted an hour and cost $85. During this session he analyzed my walk and my footwear collection, sold me new shoes and fitted 2 of my existing pairs with insoles all for about $300. He said he was going to take notes so when I came back I'd get customized arches... however every time I've gone back since, he has been SO BUSY that he doesn't consult any notes he made during this session and made contradictory suggestions. I think Cyrus is great at what he does but the fact that he's always dealing with a crowd and a line means that his attention is always somewhat elsewhere and the experience can be quite stressful. I have not found his shoe collection to be appropriate for my young 30's taste but I will continue to bring my shoes to him for fittings until I get custom orthotics. read more

Well, the shoes helped for a couple of days. I ended up needing surgery, not new (500.00 worth of shoes, and some "magic rub")! So I call to see if he can help and he Cyrus, says I need to make a private appointment which costs 85.00. It is a shoe store, not a doctors office. He is not licensed to charge doctors fees. Plus he tells you to stop wearing Danskos or whatever you are wearing. He looks at your feet while you walk and then outfits you with the shoes he says you need, not knowing through medical diagnosis that I had a broken talus and large gaglion cyst on my flexor nerve. I didn't need shes, I needed a shoe salesman to man up and tell me to go to the doctor! read more

I was referred by my physician for a special kind of shoe. Cyrus knew exactly what I needed, was quick and direct about fitting me, and even was able to explain some of the reasons why I needed this type of shoe that my doctor had not communicated. The shoes - they changed my life! I am no longer in back pain and my feet are finally beginning to heal. I think I'm in love. Difficulties with your feet can make the rest of your life miserable - this place will help. Many, many thanks! read more

The Next Step Shoe Store & Cyrus are top notch and deserve all 5 stars and then some. I have had trouble with bunions, weak arches,etc my entire life and have worn orthotics for at least 30 years. I am continually impresssed with Cyrus and his well trained crew; he is always professional and he knows his business. In fact, I was referred to him by my Pilates instructor who called him a "foot engineer" and that is a very accurate description! Take your time when you go there, it is an education about one of your most precious & abused body parts so don't rush. My feet feel better than ever since seeing Cyrus and also, his shoe selection & inventory is great. read more

Cyrus has a great way of ensuring the shoe is right for your foot. Thank goodness I found him!

While I was optimistic that my first visit to The Next Step would be a great experience, the reality proved to be otherwise. I knew this business had a large following, both with customers and podiatrists. I entered the store and was told the wait would be 45 minutes. After a few quick errands, I returned and waited for a while longer. It ended up being well over an hour. While waiting I happened to go to one of the shoe displays and write down the make and model of a boot my wife seemed to like. A rather buxom woman from behind the sales counter approached me and was surprisingly intrusive, asking me if I needed help, but in a most abrasive way. She actually snatched the shoe from my hand and quickly said what it was. She was clearly pissed, but I did nothing more than look at the shoe! After the hour plus wait, Cyrus made recommendations for what he thought would be good products for me. However, I felt like he was really rushing me to accept his advice, buy the products and get the hell out. At this point I had enough and bailed out. I then proceeded to the Walk Shop in Berkeley, and found PRECISELY what I was looking for, including the orthotic that was at "that other place." The Walk Shop salesperson was prompt, patient, very knowledgeable and there was NO wait. I left with my new shoes a very happy customer. So, here's a few things to consider: 1. Cyrus at the Next Step is clearly a very knowledgeable person, who would do well to hire some additional help. 2. Whoever the buxom woman behind the sales counter is, she should never be allowed to interact with customers. Each time she does, there is a high risk of loosing that customer - permanently. 3. Remember, whether it's a show store or a paint store, the object is not only to make a sale, it's also to facilitate (through excellent service) many future sales. Sadly, The Next Step customer service experience was bad enough that they ended up with NO SALE and NO repeat business. read more

This is the best shoe store I know. As someone with problem feet, I don't know how I would manage to find painless shoes without the personal attention and resourcefulness of Cyrus and his staff. read more

I had a problem with extreme edema in my foot caused by medication I was taking. My foot doctor referred me to Paul's in Berkeley but I did not like their shoes. My regular doctor referred me to the Next Step saying Cyrus did better orthotics than the foot doctor but with a caution about Cyrus being moody sometimes. I found Cyrus to be very helpful and skilled. He understood exactly what was going on with my feet. He ordered some excellent shoes for me and made inserts that were very helpful. I didn't encounter any of the "attitude" issues mentioned in other reviews so maybe it's dependent on his mood or how people treat him. Also my wait time was minimal. A friend with diabetes we sent to Cyrus got the best shoes she's ever had. I will definitely go back to him. read more

Beware - NO REFUNDS! I have to agree with the other reviews - the service was good and Cyrus (sp?) seems to be a very nice guy. But I have to bring the rating down because once you purchase a pair of shoes there, you can only get a store credit if you return them within the 7 day limit. Which is a bummer 'cause I paid a lot of money for expensive shoes that really hurt when I wore them around the house a few times. So now I have a big ole store credit I have to remember to use in the next year. I understand he is a small independent store, but in this day and ago, the policy seems a bit harsh. But maybe I'll have better luck with my next purchase... read more

This place was recommended to me by a friend because I was having a lot of foot pain. Cyrus looked at my feet after I explained my pain and I said that I thought I had plantar fasciitis. He said that I didn't and that he couldn't help me. Then he walked away and started helping someone else. Rude. I saw a podiatrist a week later and he told me that I had ACUTE plantar fasciitis. Cyrus shouldn't be giving out medical advice. It's illegal and he's clearly not qualified and bad at it. read more

I was happy to learn about the store because of its convenient location...however, not happy with the experience. I bought expensive shoes which were sold as calfskin. They were very soft and my bunions were happy (but ugly...and no other choice for bunions). When they ripped at the seam, Cyrus told me that something cut it (I know that they weren't cut) and sent me to the shoe repair person he recommended. That person told me they were vinyl, not calfskin, and were sure to continue ripping from the seams!!! When I went back and told Cyrus that they weren't calfskin and asked why he didn't he know that and why was I paying a lot of money for vinyl shoes, he acted as though he was as much in the dark as I was. He told me he would call the manufacturer and get back to me and I NEVER HEARD FROM HIM AGAIN. I will never buy shoes from him again. I would rather take my chances with purchasing from a catalogue. read more

I had one of the worst retail experiences at this store the other day. My mom and my partner went to explore options at this store for her hallux rigidus. Cyrus spent a long time with them advising they return a shoe she had just bought and instead buy something at his store. We did that and then took about four weeks to return to the store to potentially purchase something based on Cyrus' recommendation. However, he was extremely rude this second time. Kept looking away, blowing me off, ignoring me and my questions and saying that he had spent a lot of time with us last time already. I kept trying to engage him to no avail, he kept walking away from me and just repeated he had nothing for us and he kept cutting me off. It was a very upsetting and maddening, almost absurd experience. Will never return. At the shoe store near the Peet's on Walnut, where they originally recommended I go to the Next Step. the shop assistant just confirmed that Cyrus can be the worst experience (or the best, if you get lucky). read more

C'mon , all ye electronic belly-achers. The Next Step is the home of a local national treasure. It looks like a little neighborhood shoe store, but its proprietor is Cyrus Ganjian, a living artifact of an immensely beneficial bygone skill, bio-mechanics. This is a specialized shoe store, where podiatrists, physical therapists, sports doctors and the like send their "patients" to this talented man. You go home with a pair of shoes that may cost more than you used to pay, but these are high quality footwear that Cyrus' experience and extensive training matches to your specialized needs. What you are shopping for here is not the product, but the skilled service. Unless you hire him for an extensive consult, Cyrus does not charge for his exacting eye, he sells you shoes at the standard prices set by the manufacturers. He SAVES us money -as well as feet, legs, backs. He ain't getting rich on us. The store is not rude, it is overworked, efficient and honest. My own experience with The Next Step is infinitely better than an ill-fitting, costly, poorly designed shoe and orthotic that I waited four months for under the care of a podiatrist. No bellyaches from me on this one! read more

Cyrus was highly recommended by my chiropractor; however I was greatly underwhelmed. I have very high arches, which as I've gotten older have needed more support. I've been having a lot of problems with my knees now, as well, probably a side-effect of pronation. I am familiar with the arch supports out there like Superfeet, and in fact already own some. All Cyrus did was give me more Superfeet supports which he trimmed to fit each shoe. He did not return to me the original shoe liners, nor did he check the fit of the newly-lined shoes. One shoe fits worse than it did before (it's now too tight because of the added liner) and the other has a higher heel, which I guess I'll have to get used to. My knee problem remains. Any other shoe store would have returned the original sole liners and stressed that the Superfeet are REMOVABLE and INTERCHANGEABLE. For my "custom-trimmed" insoles I got to pay $100; I was "had." read more

I too read some of the positive and negative comments about the store and especially Cyrus. I have been going to The NExt STep for about 4 years. I was recommended by my physical therapist. I've been there on week days and weekends. Yes you do need to arrive early if you don't want to wait. This shop is very special so there are usually a lot of customers. When you arrive you need to sign in and Cyrus takes customers in order. Yes you can make an appointment for a fee. I've arrived early and did not have to wait that long so it's worth getting there early. Cyrus does spend time with every customer and I've seen him in a good mood and a bad mood but whatever mood he may be in he still knows his stuff. This is one of the few stores that has decent and even fashionable shoes to purchase. I've always found that if YOU have a positive attitude it really helps to set the tone or change the tone of a person. So, go early, have a positive attitude,be patient, bring your credit card or cash as the shoes are not cheap and I think you will walk away happy. read more