SNOBBY, way overpriced for such average quality and mediocre customer service.
This place is good for two things: 1, you have no idea what size shoe you wear, and want some high-tech, 3d machine to map out your shoe size. 2, You prefer to spend more money to avoid mingling with commoners.
I hike for a living, and have been wearing a specific model of Asics for 5 years, replacing them every 10 months or so. I've been getting them in stores or via Amazon/Zappos, generally for $75. This time around, I had some extra money to burn, and figured I'd give Front Runners a shot, and see what else is out there...figuring that, since they also sell Asics, I could just fall back on them if needed.
Visit 1: This was actually a good experience. The rep took her time measuring my feet, listening to my needs and expectations, and then picking out a bunch of shoes that matched what I was looking for. I was there for about an hour, and walked out with a very comfortable pair of Merrell All Out Charge..."on sale" for $100 (they were $65 on Amazon that day). The shoes were very comfortable, but unfortunately started falling apart within just a few weeks of use. Naturally, I wanted a pair of shoes to last as long as I'm used to, so I went back.
Visit 2: The manager was accommodating (though he acted annoyed that I was returning a pair of shoes), and had a new rep handle me. This guy was a total dickfor, and would only talk about ADIDAS ADIDAS ADIDAS!!! I told him I specifically don't want to wear Adidas, so please suggest some others, and preferably keep the price the same as the Merrells. He brings out three pairs of shoes- two of them are Adidas, and ALL $140 and more! When I told him I wouldn't buying any of those, that I only want to spend the original $100, he got all kinds of pissed of, snatched the boxes like they stole his cookie, and stormed into the back room.
DUDE RETURNS WITH MORE ADIDAS, and a pair of New Balance. I actually liked the New Balance, tried them on. As I'm doing so, dude actually says, "no shoe is going to last you 10 months, you need to replace them every six months. This pair here [pointing to Adidas], those will definitely last you a year." Verbatim.
Being so annoyed at this point, I begrudgingly tried on the pair of Adias Outdoor Men's Response Trail Boost Boot, since I just wanted to get the f out of there, and assumed this guy knew what he was talking about. Plus, these shoes appeared to have great ankle support and crazy sturdy tread, so they SHOULD be ok, right?
Within 24 hours, I had twisted my ankle, and had blisters on my toes from the shoes smashing them together. This time, I was going to tell them the model shoe I wanted, and that was going to be the end of it.
Visit 3: I went in, talked to the manager again, who was clearly pissed off that I dare question their almighty authority on footwear. Since they don't sell any decent trail runner Asics, I told him I wanted the New Balance Leadville, and that I'd take ownership of the decision. I tried on a few pairs, settled on a size, and walked out with a $120 pair of shoes (which I would have paid $60 for on Amazon). Thankfully, they're comfortable and have lasted, but in no way is this thanks to these snobby boogereaters.
There's no chance in hell I'll ever go back here! read more