Hale's Shoes

Started by Hunter Hale in the 1920s, Hale's Shoes, located between Central Avenue and Gold on Fifth Street, served Albuquerque through its dedication to quality selection and specialized service for shoe customers, making it a key local business providing everyday and personalized footwear. Gaining popularity, the business continued to provide customized service for every customer, highlighting its focus on finding the right fit for everyone based on their wants and lifestyle. Eventually sold to Gene Joltz in the 1940s, Hale's Shoes became an influential local business in Downtown Albuquerque. Joltz was a mentor until 1977 to Ernest Christopher Mobley (1942-2013), who began working at the business in 1964 at 22 years old and was known locally as a family friend to many customers. Eventually becoming Hale's Shoes' last owner, Mobley kept the spirit of the business alive by honoring its mission of providing personalized service and genuine salesmanship and creating meaningful connections with community members and customers. Given the announcement that the business would close in 2008, Hale's Shoes played a pivotal role with over 80 years of serving the community and significantly adding to Albuquerque's historical commercial terrain as a local gem.