They offer a huge selection of sporting goods and they have a history of having it in stock all the time. I really enjoy going into the store because they're always fast efficient and have plenty of staff on hand. I went in for a fishing license for my wife and I, which was awesome. I hope I have some fish before the end of the year to prove it was worth it. Actually the laws changed on fishing licenses. Now it seems that fishing license is good from one year of purchase so I have till this time next year to catch that fatty. Good job team Big Five. read more

I came in to buy Nike running glasses, and I'm really happy with my purchase. I get it, people would rather buy online these days. But I'm surprised by how often I need to stop in and buy something here. I don't shop a lot but when I do I tend to buy athletic items. I'll be coming back. read more

I'm guilty of making a lot of erroneous assumptions. It's a good thing I don't mind admitting when I'm wrong, because I'm wrong a lot. Latest example: For the many years that I've been driving along this stretch of the 101, I've always assumed that this Big 5 must be fancy-pants because of its location. I was wrong! This Big 5 is totally old-school. As in, when you need shoes, you sit on a bench and they go into a stock room and bring boxes out to you. I can't remember the last time I experienced that. Probably in the 80s? Usually I have to navigate walls of boxes on my own and search - too often in vain - for what I need, only to be handed the dreaded line that "everything we have is out on the floor blah blah blah." Recently my kid needed cleats for flag football. We ended up here simply because it was in the vicinity of other errands I needed to run, but it was such a pleasure to relax while a clerk brought out various cleat styles that I decided we would support this business whenever possible. Bonus: We found the perfect pair at a surprisingly reasonable price. This past weekend she needed hiking boots so we made a beeline back. Another successful and relaxing shopping experience! Then we got to the register and I lost my mind (in a good way). Turns out the pair we chose - already very well-priced in my opinion at $45 - was on sale for $22. I made such a scene that my kid wanted to dissolve into the floor. Fan status sealed! read more

I have mixed feelings. They're here so that's something. And reason I gave them double the one star they deserve. Selection is a mess. Sporting goods- fishing and such is a dumpster fire. The staff over there is a joke. Heard the counter dude lecturing some guy on propper ammo procedures and why he couldn't sell it to them. Funniest part the guy seemed patient and tried to explain to kid... and the kid never noticed the badge and gun on his belt. No idea what actually transpired but guy left laughing shaking his head. For me personally they were out of things I needed and didn't know how to find what I was looking for. I ended up finding one unit left by itself in wrong section. They couldnt give me a receipt cause they were out a paper. Just feels like a dying store. read more

Good store, not great. Finding someone to help navigate this large, rather cluttered space is nearly impossible. You're kind of on your own to find what you're looking for. They do however carry just about everything you need related to sports & outdoor activities. Good prices and there's always some type of sale or coupon that's good for 10% off. I don't love going in here but I'm glad at the same time they're nearby. They come in handy sometimes. Big 5 - Please work on customer service, you'll benefit from that more than you'll ever know. read more

Great selection of sporting equipment and an awesome place to bring the family for everything they could possibly need (including new ideas!). Highly recommend. read more

As I mentioned in my previous review (2013), I've been shopping at Big 5 ever since I was a little kid. Over the years, I've purchased everything from baseball gloves to tennis racquets here. I still come to Big 5 when ever I need new tennis or running shoes. They always have the most affordable selection of footware in town. That being said, this store is still stuck in a time warp (circa 1985). In fact, it looks exactly the same it did as when I was a kid. It's kind of creepy. Pros: - plenty of free parking - huge selection of affordable shoes - inexpensive work-out gear (eg medicine balls, free weights, etc.) - you can purchase a fishing license here Cons: - this is the most claustrophobic store you'll ever shop in! You can barely walk through the clothing aisles. - there are barely any mirrors if you want to try something on to see how it looks. - there are only 2 dressing rooms (and they're tiny) - the staff seems to be comprised of a revolving door of disinterested high school students. Don't come here expecting professional input on sporting goods, clothing, or footware. The employees are just here to ring you up at the cash register. Nothing else. All that being said, when it comes to sporting goods stores, Big 5 is pretty much the only game in town. So I don't mind shopping here every once in a while. While it's not always the most pleasant shopping experience, they get the job done. read more

I like the selection of shoes. There is a lot to choose from.

Went in to look for tennis shoes, when I asked where the tennis shoes were I was pointed to 3 sets of shoes. I asked if that was all they had and the employee said we have about 5 other styles in the back. I stated that it would be difficult to buy shoes without seeing them and he agreed without offering to get them. I asked to see them and he seemed put out by my request and just stood there. Terrible training or managing of employees. I would never go back to this store and ended up going to Sports Authority and buying a pair for 75.00 read more

I have had 3 transactions with this store. The customer service was basically a 6 out of 5. They are not only helpful, but suggest what you may or may not need in certain climates. Very honest, friendly and professional. The items are far less expensive than any other sporting store. The store is in a funny location, but I highly recommend it. They have tons of items for just about any activity. Will be back! read more

Another affordable pair of shoes. Charles went above and beyond to have me in a new pair of shoes so my old ones could be put to rest. Thanks Charles for your help. Its folks like him at big 5 that make it a good store to shop in. read more

Some of the staff are helpful, others are young and very vocal, a VERY unprofessional work place... The young Hispanic kid is by the worst, yelling in the store. Acting aggressive to customers, he needs to have his ass kicked. The regular prices are a quite a bit higher than other places, but their sale prices are reasonable. Inventory levels are ok, except for firearms, which there are none at this location. There was an employee theft a few years ago during the time when that area was flooded out and closed down. The San Rafael location is a much more friendly store to customers than this location... read more

Well something has really changed here...I was in last week to get 9 exact gifts for all of my Grandkids...They had a product made by the US Army that consisted of a small , light headlamp that really works well. They only had 3 in stock and I neeeded 9 within 5 days. The young lady and manager called two other of their stores in El Cerrrito and San Rafael and had them hold the gifts for me to pick up later in the day. I bought them all and I really appreciate going that extra mile for me, the customer. Its not easy to find great customer service any more,but, listen up all youbother businesses...if you want to be around the next few years, pay very close attention to your customer service dept....price is'nt everything! read more

Excellent service -- great store! We had an item that had stopped working after only a few months after purchasing it at this store. We called the manufacturer, and they said they couldn't really help with it. After that, I called and spoke with the store manager named Brian. Without hesitation, he told us to bring it back in and that he would gladly exchange it. So we did, and were able to get a new one that functions perfectly. The store also has a great selection and is very well organized. We will definitely be back after this great customer-service experience. Brian is running a great business. read more

Great customer experience. Was looking for polarized sunglasses, found a pair I liked but noticed an issue with the lens. Brian the manager found another pair at another store and a colleague even picked it up in the East Bay and brought it to Marin (they knew I was going on vacation and hoped to have quickly). Brian and his colleague went above and beyond. The person at check out mentioned his manager (I think Brian) was a great guy and really nice to work for. In retail it is so good when the people have a happy, cheerful attitude. I noticed they even have a Pickleball section at Big 5. That's great for me. Very impressed. read more

Bijean was awesome, a huge help. And super cute-- as is Bryan. So I guess the employees being super hot is as good a reason as any to shop here read more

We went in to get shoes for my boyfriend after having been to one of the more "elite" shoe stores, where they were trying to sell up rather than to, it was frustrating. We stopped by Big 5, and we could not have had better service. Andrew brought out shoes and ideas for boyfriend who is walking all day. He was focused, kind, and knowledgeable. He gave us his attention and experience. My boyfriend reported yesterday that the shoes were comfortable and how happy he was that Andrew had helped us! read more

I come here when I am in desperate need of workout gear because they have some cute stuff, but really I come when I don't have the energy to go anywhere else. It's a shame. I remember coming here as a kid to get all of my soccer gear and uniforms and having a fun and educational shopping experience. You felt like the people working here were actually knowledgeable of the products that they sell. Now, there are unusual people working here. I remember one time I came in and the "manager" was so busy flirting with the cashier while the other boys that work here giggled in amusement. I stood there waiting to get rung up until I got so frustrated that I just left my stuff on the counter and walked out. Someone please monitor this store!!! People are probably stealing right under your nose and nobody is aware because your employees aren't doing their jobs! I can't stand being ignored as a customer when there were an abundance of workers that were all too busy chatting with each other instead of helping me or other customers. Really not ok! I hate writing reviews like this but seriously, get your S&$T together! It wasn't a good experience and I am sure others have had this happen to them. Oh well, I guess I didn't need another pair of sneakers but they sure were cute! read more

I was looking for something specific so I called em up. They checked the stock and they had exactly what I wanted. Came in, found it, and was outta there. That's my kinda shopping. read more

My mom and I came in soaking wet after working a charity bike ride passing through. These beautiful people allowed us to change into socks we were planning on buying to try on waterproof boots then allowed us to change into the dry clothes we had just bought. They were all so kind and understanding even though we looked like psychos. Amazing customer service! read more

Nice staff. But the ID for all returns/no exceptions is driving me nuts. What else are these big chain stores need from me? Social Security number? cavity search? read more

Once again I found exactly what I needed, this time a pair of high quality, yet very affordable waterproof hiking boots. The manager could NOT have been more helpful, patient, or knowledgeable about his merchandise, steered me in exactly the right direction, and I ended up paying probably less than 1/3 of what a similar boot would cost at REI, Jackson Hardware, etc. I put my Hi-Tek boots to the test the next day during the 4" deluge in Marin, and my feet stayed high and dry -- couldn't be more satisfied. read more

Hi, I just came back from an enjoyable shoe shopping experience with my 2 grandsons. Wanted to express my thanks to the staff at Big 5 on Mission in Hayward. Steven was especially helpful with tips about how to find just the right size. The cashierJeala (hope I spelled this right) was very pleasant. read more

I was recently back in and Ted helped me. He was an excellent salesman. He was professional, polite and very helpful. I felt like I was at Nordstroms. This is a great store with great service. Susanna is a wonderful sales service person. She is very honest and helpful and nowadays most sales people with get your shoe from the back and leave you. She stays with you and is professional and courteous while assisting you in finding the right shoe or item for your individual needs. I highly recommend this store. The Manager was also very nice and appreciates his sales people which is nice to see. I got a very good deal on some running shoes and they are very helpful. I also was having difficulty finding some slides that were truly comfortable and Susanna was extremely helpful and patience with me as I need good comfortable quality shoes for my feet. I highly recommend this store for anyone who likes value and professional service. read more

I needed new running shoes. Very friendly, helpful and fast service. I regret not remembering the name of the guy who sold me the shoes. He did a great job. read more

Thank goodness for Big 5 Sporting Goods. They do a ton with so little floor space. I've bought everything from tennis balls, workout clothes, water toys, socks, shoes(kid's+adult), shin guards, and baseball mitt oil. The staff is super friendly, they don't pretend to know everything, they just want to help-(well trained) probably due to the management since kids come and go using this as a summer/winter/spring job. My kids love this place (but not he "trying on" clothes part). Big 5 is a gem. read more