The Darkside Initiative

Great store. Has brands like WTAPS, Neighborhood, Nike, Vans, etc. friendly service. This is a must visit when in SF

Great store! they have good really good option of sneakers even though they’re a little bit expensive but worth it.
I came to their store to buy shoes for gifts. The staff are always very helpful and knowledgeable. They also will recommend you to the other store if they don’t have the shoes that you looking for.

Full disclosure: I am not a sneakerhead.
Now that that’s out of the way, I too will jump on the bandwagon and give Colin and the darkside initiative 5 beaming stars.
As of late, I’ve had a weird fanboy-​esque obsession with sneakers; to elaborate more, reebok and Adidas. theres something about minimal clothing with some nice ass sneakers, itll never go out of style.
If you know reeboks, you know that you can’t just stumble into Macys (or most specialized shoe stores for that matter) to an selection to choose from. In fact, I have gone out of my way to multiple sneaker boutiques in SF and haven’t seen one pair of reeboks… Much less a collaboration line. For that reason, I’ve adopted multiple European boutiques and purchase everything online. As of late, I’ve developed the same level of appreciate for Adidas/​Y3; more specifically their tubular and originals line. After some poking around on Unilocal,I find the darkside initiative only to find out that they are a mere two blocks away from my office.
Trouble.
I walk over after work and encounter a beautiful store front, windows filled with shoes and know immediately I am where I desire to be.
Upon coming in, it’s just me and two SA’s… an intimidating moment for most (per other reviews) but found an array of Adidas right away. Although they were more Nike heavy than most, I decided to just inquire about an upcoming tubular release. Instead of a «nah bruh, don’t got it» or a *Kanye shrug*, I got was greeted by Colin who filled me in on a wealth of information, clued me into other shops who may carry what I am seeking and even chatted with me about releases set in the more distant future. Having been in the service industry, I know that being customer centric doesn’t necessarily always relate to an immediate sale… but instead planting the seed of a relationship, and that’s what they were able to do. I didn’t buy anything right away, but the top notch service and wonderful selection warranted a review as well as a futute customer and advocate.
That said, they carry many brands that are hard to find (NEIGHBORHOOD, WTAPS, etc) and have a rotating selection of shoes, collabs and clothing. Their website and Instagram are updated regularly, so dont sleep on em.
Other shops could learn a thing or two from DI.

One of the best casual shoe selections for men that I’ve seen in San Francisco.
Mostly Chuck Taylors, vans, trendy hipster Nike running shoes, etc.
Also a good selection of men’s clothing, but a bit too overpriced in my opinion.
Definitely worth stopping in.

Great spot fresh gear. Good vibes. not what you expect from elite streetwear scene.

Yesterday me and my brother walked into your store. When we first came in you looked up at us and watched us and didn’t say a word. After a few minutes more people walked in and you perked up and greeted them with a big smile and HELLO, WELCOME. We didn’t think anything of it and kept shopping. While I was there I noticed you said «HAVE A GOOD DAY AND PLEASE COME BACK» to every shopper (I hate to say it) that was white. You made me notice. So we had decided on what we wanted and stepped outside to smoke before our purchase. But when we went out you looked up and just watched us in relief. We looked back and laughed at you. I just walked to your store from my office over on battery. I could buy your store. You sell street wear, you shouldn’t be scared because a black guy comes into your little hypebeast store. No need for me to say more. You showed us your level of competence.

We come in here several times a month on the weekends. The clothing isn’t quite my preferred style but there’s a nice range of sneakers if that’s your thing: Adidas, Nikes, Vans, Converse. Every time I come in though, I’m in love with the incense. This past weekend I inquired about it and picked up a pack of Neighborhood brand incense. This stuff is pretty pricy but the scent is amazing and it’s definitely going to become one of my regulars.
The guys are super nice and helpful and easy to talk to. I enjoy dropping in here every few weeks!

Great store, Great people! Everyone very nice and helpful, I wish they have a store in LA area

Great service
Decent variety of shoes (nikes, adidas, vans)
Great customer service
Custom vans concept is really cool
I love this place

This shop is awesome. The people who work here are just as awesome. Great shoe collections and clothes.

I have been shopping with this shop a few years now and the first thing that comes to mind is. great. They carry a great array of products that helps satisfy anyone’s appetite. Aside from the great stock, the customer service is absolutely superb. Very responsive and their communication is top notch. You can tell that customer service is a priority with them and they will do whatever they can to ensure the end customer is pleased.
I live on the East Coast and would still rather purchase a product from these folks than buy from a local shop to me. That’s the kind of impression The Darkside Initiave has made on me. Highly recommended.

Solid sneaker collection including a well-​curated selection of Nike (dat exclusive tier zero account), and they carry the only two Japanese labels that really matter to me (Wtaps, Neighborhood). They have pretty decent buys, and fair prices too (example: N’hood t-​shirts sell for $ 80 here, $ 100+ at Union in Los Angeles. And these are the only 2 brick and mortar stores that I know of in Cali that carry this brand.)
Small shop, tucked away in a quiet part of North Beach, which is good b/​c parking. Like everyone else said, staff was really friendly and helpful, despite the fact that you walk in and there’s two SAs just standing there like soldiers. Could be an intimidating sight but they’re friendly right off the bat.
It’s a specialty retail shop, meaning, if you’re not specifically into this stuff, I wouldn’t necessarily recommend going because it’s not like Unionmade aka an emporium of random shit you can browse through for fun. But if you are, place is a gold mine. Not because they carry everything, but because you can see some exclusive goods in the flesh (and test out sizes — VERY KEY), whereas without this place, you literally cannot without traveling very very far.

I’ve been a customer for over 10 years, and this is my go to place when I shop for clothes, accessories, shoes, and to look at great art! They carry the best brands around, i.e. Wtaps, NHBD, Vans, and Nike to name a few. The staff is extremely knowledgeable, and very friendly. Great staff members come and go throughout the years, but Colin keeps hiring the best folks. Perfect shopping experience every time. Highly recommend!

Kool but not much stuff they need more nikes and releases but what they got is aight… five stars for staff though. kinda pricey but i bet so is their rent!

Great shop with a superb brand portfolio.
Very friendly and helpful staff.
The selection of sneakers, japanese streetwear Brands and other Accessoires give the Shop a perfect mix.
I absoluty recommend going there!

This place has a nice selection of shoes… not just for the sneakerheads, they carry a lot of other stylish shoes. But for the nike sneaker connoisseur, this is definitely a go-​to for those rarer styles and colorways. So based on that I’d probly give 4 stars. However, I took off 2 stars for a couple reasons…
The guys that work here seem cool and know a lot about their products. BUT… unless you know your stuff, you really dont know when theyre BS-​ing you. One time I heard one of the guys telling another customer how rare an item was. He also told him it was their last one. The item was not that rare at all, but I guess it’s up to the buyer to do the research.
There’s usually not many sizes left, and the clothes are pretty pricey. There have been a couple times I’ve come in and it smells like weed inside. Might be a draw for some peeps, but it’s a little unappealing to me at a workplace.

I love stopping by when I’m in the area — they have the best selection of clothes and shoes in the city. Also love that the staff is a friendly, cool, and knowledgable bunch.

Probably a 3.5. Fun pieces and good selection but the sizes are Japanese so if stuff doesn’t fit you right you are kind of out of luck. Wish they carried some brands that fit better but love the variety and interesting pieces carried. Fun to look around. Very nice staff.

I used to come here all the time when it was Recon, and still always stop by when I’m home cuz they usually have some pretty good stuff… but i’m sad the downstairs is gone because it was just that many more hand-​picked sneakers to choose from.
I really like their selection of men’s clothing, but they need to get more sizes because some of this sh*t look straight up like baby clothes– I like to shop for my brother and send him the newest or underground stuff he can’t get in Hawaii – and he doesn’t even wear baggy clothes and it was still too snug for his style (straight)– stock more large shirts!
nonetheless, I found my favorite pair of dunks I own here so I’m still a fan.

For all you sneakerheads… I’m sure you already know this is one of only four Tier 0 accounts on the West Coast. They have your Quickstrikes and decention selection of gear.
Cool peeps… nobody is here is condescending if you’re a newbie to the game. I copped a pair of Air Force 1 spiridon and Nike Blazer Tech Pack. They don’t stock any Vault Vans here since HUF and eBay are my best friend for those pieces.