Mint
Category: Shoe Stores [Edit]
Neighborhood: Hillcrest525 University Ave
(between 5th Ave & 6th Ave)
San Diego, CA 92103 (619) 291-6468
- Price Range: $$
- Accepts Credit Cards: Yes
- Parking: Street
- Wheelchair Accessible: Yes
32 Reviews for Mint
I would like to thank the Mint for introducing me to what will very likely be my next shoe purchase-- and as the kind of guy who wears the same pair of boots every freaking day for years on end, that's not a statement to be taken lightly. What? I want a pair of shoes-- no steel on the toes or shank, no leather strapped around my ankle? I didn't think it possible.
I think we're both sorry that you didn't have my size.
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I LOVE shoe stores like the MINT. I felt like I was in San Francisco browsing. The retro exterior alone was calling my name "Tina....shoes...Tina....shoes". Have you ever noticed when you shop at a department store all the shoes start looking the same. At the Mint there was something unique about each shoe. Whether it be the color or the style each shoe had its own personality. Some of the designers consisted of Diesel, Dollhouse, Nine West, Kenneth Cole, Nike, Pink Studio and Steve Madden.
The Mint is located right in the heart of Hillcrest. Park the car and just walk around the next 2-3 blocks. Definitely located in an area with lots of shopping and food.
The only reason I didn't give it 5 stars is because I wish the store was bigger. The shop is on the small side. Hopefully one day they will expand and add to their cute shoe selection.
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Really cute shoes, with a wide variety of styles. The space is small, but every available inch on the wall is lined with shoes. The S.A.'s there are helpful and willing to answer any questions, but thankfully do not breathe down your neck and follow you around the store. Because the store is pretty small, it's hard to navigate around the aisles, especially when two women with two strollers come in and push their children throughout the store.
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I live in San Francisco now, but when I visit San Diego, Mint is always one of the places I absolutely have to stop in at when I'm home. The buyer for this store has an impeccable eye when it comes to both mens and ladies shoes. From limited edition Onitsuka Tigers to BC's to vegan MacBeth's to Jeffrey Campbells, this place is a veritable bevy of the best from the best. For such a small store, I could easily spend an hour in there trying everything on (it's not my fault most of the display shoes are in my size!). It can be a little pricey, but boutique prices sometimes come with shopping local, and I'm all about supporting the little guy (no pun intended, it really is small!).
sick spot to shoot through and find some kicks to rock. It gets a little hot in here but its cool. You won't have to be there that long. Inventory ain't that big.
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For funky fun unique shoes, I know i can come in here and find some awesome pairs of shoes. Some times they have great deals/sales on the shoes but that luck if you happen to go in there, unless you are on top of their selections.
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I really like this place. Its neat and they have wonderful shoes. Each time I visit, I find several pairs that I love ... but to my dissapointment, they are never available in my size... And the service is kind of hit or miss. However, today I recieved exellent service. The sales associate was incredibly nice and extremely helpful. He assisted my boyfriend (who hasnt worn proper shoes in years and is kind of shopping retarded) without any BS and was very patient. I wish I would have caught his name, he made our experience at Mint extremely positive and enjoyable. So, thank you... whoever you are!
Heels, boots, flats, sandals, sneakers...whatever shoe your feet feel like slipping into, I can almost gurantee Mint has it.
An awesome collection of footware, for both men, women, and infants (the TOMS baby shoes are absolutely adorable)!
The intimate space is utilized to its fullest extent, with both walls lined with a very welcomed overwhelming selection.
And as you make your way down the narrow aisle to pay for what is probably your new favorite pair of shoes, don't forget to check out the accessories they have strung along the back wall and the sale section. It's kind of like browsing for pieces of candy and gum that you know you don't need, but just want, as you're standing in line at the grocery store...
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This was an awesome find. A friend called, wanting to go to the Whole Foods in Hillcrest. A visitor in town, I was riding the bus and it happened to go by said grocery store, so I got off the bus at the next stop. En route, I passed by a cute green storefront that said Mint. As soon as I saw shoes I made a quick detour inside.
Instantly found a cute pair of discounted shoes in my size, last pair available. Snatched them up and was out within five minutes.
The selection isn't the greatest, say, compared to Villians, but it's not far off. Lots of cute shoes and pretty moderate prices. And I'm all about shoes on sale, which they definitely had. I would go here a couple times a month if I lived in San Diego.
Plus, the guy was listening to the new Magnetic Fields, A+
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Oh beautiful shoe store. Many a longing look I have cast upon Mint's inventory of kicks, flats, and heels, many a feel-up. Mint carries many of the more unique women's brands and is perfect for those who reject the notion of resembling the unoriginal masses of flip-flop-and-pointy-toe-pump wearing San Diego females. In the fleeting days of my San Diego residency, I was also a college student and therefore spent most of my shoe budget (which was, admittedly, quite formidable) snatching up pairs of mid-range designer shoes at Ross and Marshall's before anyone else found them. But Mint, my occasional indulgence, was my shoe mecca, and should be yours as well.
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San Diego seems to be lacking in decent shoe stores that are dedicated to just shoes. Or maybe I haven't looked hard enough? But seriously, I found Mint and it's like a every-other-week pilgrimage for me to go, and I'm always occupied for an hour (or two) whenever new stock comes in. You can find a lot of their stuff at LA stores or online, but sometimes actually going to the store and coming back with a successful purchase is what a girl needs for a proper shopping trip.
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"reunited and feels so good" that is what I sang to my last pair of shoes that I bought from mint. when I lived in San Diego you could find me there at least two times a month. everything is really well priced and it is locally owned. there are always really different shoes to choose from. I miss it much.
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Honestly,
I was far from impressed.. Nothing in there that I can't find in Journey's. So eh... yeah, wasn't funky enough for this guy. I try blends..
Oh I saw shoe with Che on it.. Kinda offened me.. I bet he is turning over in his grave at the fact that some one is making $$ in a captialist government at his expense.. And the fact the shoe was made in Latin America...Duh duh duuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuun
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cute interior, cute shoes, awesome owner.
good tee-shirts, sometimes.
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one of the best shoe stores in san diego!!
Shoes galore. I'll go back the next time I get paid. :)
Minus one star for making me feel like I was in an oven.
I might add another star, but I won't, that will be determined when I buy a pair (customer service, etc.)
3 stars for the variety of shoes.
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Mint reminds me of Taiwanese shoe stories minus the ugly shoes that Taiwanese people have a liking for. The shoes here are unique, and the prices aren't outrageous either.
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Love shoe stores, so that automatically earns you a star in my book.
This one is cute, and has a retro vibe. Being in the heart of Hillcrest you would think it'd be fashion forward and have a huge selection and range of shoes, which it sort of does.
Here is what I mean: lots of shoes, but all in similar styles. They range from the same quality of cheapie one week wear shoes you find at places like the Closet, but with an inflated price, to a few nicer lines. Lots of tennis shoes, flats and open toed stuff. The staff was nice and helpful and not too pushy at all. I unfortunately didn't see anything that I was in love with but it doesn't mean I won't next time.
:)
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The inside feels like you're in an airplane. It's very soothing, and you are surrounded by beautiful shoes everywhere.
Seriously, the prices aren't bad, a lot of the shoes you won't find anywhere else, and I'd rather go to a cool, independently-owned shop like this than hike up to the mall and scratch a 14-year-old's eyes out to get the shoes I want at Journey's.
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I love mint for their extraordinarily unique bags and shoes. I can go shopping at Nordies, Macys, and Steve Madden and have absolutely no luck...but I've always had shoe-happy days when I go to Mint.
Brands they carry include Dollhouse, Irregular Choice, Seychelles, Bronx etc. I am mad about their quirky and quixotic collection of personality-inspiring shoes and bags. I started going to Mint about two years ago and I think I owe alot of my personal style to the inspiration I get from their shoes!
I would give this place a 5 star rating on goods alone, but sometimes the service leaves a little to be desired. Some of the employees just don't seem to care about the customer, but when it comes to shoes I can usually overlook such slights.
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This place has a really cool selection of shoes. Stuff that I've never seen at department stores. I am a sneaker addict and they have colors and styles that you can't find anywhere. The staff isn't all that friendly. They were hanging out the cash register...mostly paying attention to themselves.
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Mint has a very nice selection of shoes. It is a trendy, small boutique in Hillcrest with plenty of shoes to choose from. There is an equal selection of men's and women's shoes but all the pairs are geared more towards young-ens, but the women's shoes all look like something your grandma once wore.
The shoes are very retro and they are all poppin'. I fell in love with a couple of colorful strapy sandal heals and some close toed pumps.
Also, the store sells a lot of cutesy tennis shoes and flats, but it is damn hard to find any pair there under $50.
And considering I was wearing a $6 dress when I browsed through the selection at Mint, I think I'll have to go back when they are having a sale.
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I love this place. The selection feels cool and the workers are helpful. The only complaint I have is their size selection, which is pretty limited.. but at least they show it on the bottom of the shoe, so you know ahead of time if they have what your looking for or not.
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Just shoes so good if your in a hurry and focused. Mostly trendy, moderate prices. Around the corner you will find a row of many fun shops so make it a day trip.
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I have a shoe fetish. It is an unhealthy fetish to say the least. I have more shoes than clothes...I mean more shoes that can even go with my outfits. Well, this place does help individuals with the same problem I have due to their selection of funky, unique, and moderately priced shoes. A must see.
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So many shoes, so little time. Mint has an inventory of shoes that caters to the fashionably aware. A lot of the must-have shoes are way over-priced, but just give it some time. Fairly often, Mint has two-for-one sales that will knock your socks off.
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Mint has a lot of shoes. The brands are popular. The prices are average/high. When I'm shopping in Hillcrest... I always go into Mint to browse... but the only time i've bought shoes here is when they are on sale. Mint now carries a few shirts, purses and various accessories... all of which are priced about average. I seem to have trouble with sizes here too... always out of my size...
For San Diego, this place is great. Everytime I go in there, I find something I want. They've got a great way of displaying their wares and the people are really friendly. It's really one of the only places to find unique, affordable shoes.
this is the spot for your kicks. i've bought a few pair here. you can get some classics and some of the modern shoe choices here. it's in a real chill location, so you can ride your bicycle ( or walk) and not worry about parking at a ridiculous mall. plus, the sale staff is cool.
the sale staff isn't pushy. they tell you what they know, then leave it up to you to make your choice. i like this. and they've made it easy.
you have girl shoes on one side and the mens on the other. the only bad thing is that the store is too small. it's hardly big enough for the employees and the guest to be in there at the same time. some how they've been managing. and guys, sometimes the women sneakers are better than the mens. if you have a small enough foot check out the kicks on the girls side. don't be afraid of a little bit of pink.
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i've bought a couple pairs of shoes from this store. recently two pairs of peep toes from qupid each at 40 bucks which isn't all too bad. prices range as well as designers and i guess the price of the shoes just all depend on how well known the name of designer is. i'd say if you like shoes from urban and can't find a way to get more of the likes of jeffrey campbell, dolce vita, bc, etc then mint will probably have it and maybe at a more decent price
another cool part of this store are the random accessories in the middle dividers. but my favorite is the ghettoblaster tucked behind some shoes. i say bump that thing instead of the beauty bar music.
Eh, this place hasn't done it for me. Maybe I'm just not fashionable enough. I find most of the shoes weird, following whatever funky trend is going on at the moment. Lots of sneakers, in styles I don't usually see in mall stores, which is good. The prices seem reasonable, but the sizes available in a particular shoe are often sparse. If I'm in the area, I still always walk in for a look, but no luck so far.
San Diego definitely is lacking in stores with good shoes. At least this place has cute stuff.
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