Takken’s Shoes

Takken’s Shoes is a family-owned footwear retailer with deep roots along California’s Central Coast. The company began in 1937 when John Takken opened a single shoe repair shop in San Luis Obispo. Over the years, Takken’s transitioned from repair services to a specialty retail model, steadily expanding into neighboring communities such as Santa Barbara, Paso Robles, and Goleta. A notable milestone in its history was the shift from a single shop to multiple stores, reflecting its evolution from a local business into a recognized regional brand.

As of November 2025, Takken’s operates three stores, all located within California. The company has maintained a stable store count in recent years, choosing to focus on optimizing its existing locations and exploring new opportunities only when they align with its comfort and outdoor lifestyle positioning. Rather than pursuing aggressive expansion, Takken’s remains selective, with priority markets including Santa Barbara, San Luis Obispo, and Paso Robles.

In the past five years, Takken’s has continued to refine its approach, concentrating on regional shopping centers and high-traffic retail corridors. The stores offer a curated selection of leading comfort and outdoor brands, and the company is known for providing personalized fitting services. This approach has helped Takken’s stand out in a competitive retail landscape, especially when compared to larger chains.

For landlords, brokers, and developers, Takken’s Shoes represents a reliable tenant with a long-standing reputation for stability and community engagement. The company’s consistent presence in both mall and street retail environments, along with its commitment to long-term leases, underscores its credibility. Takken’s remains independently owned, with leadership continuity that supports its reputation for reliability and strong local ties.